Barkly

Barkly has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Barkly's population was 2,632 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects a growth of 429 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,203. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,547 in June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 0 persons per square kilometer. Barkly's growth rate of 19.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and the state average, making it a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed about 77.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate post-2032 growth, AreaSearch applies age cohort-specific growth rates provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on demographic trends, Barkly is expected to increase by approximately 6.5% from 2024 to 2041, adding about 256 persons to the population during this period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Barkly, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Barkly has recorded approximately seven residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 38 homes were approved, with one more approved so far in FY26. Despite a declining population over recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $649,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This year, there have been $627,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NT, Barkly records about three-quarters the building activity per person, placing it among the 68th percentile of areas assessed nationally. However, construction activity has intensified recently.

This activity is below average nationally, suggesting possible planning constraints and indicating the area's maturity. New development consists of 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Barkly's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 195 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Barkly will gain 171 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Barkly has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Barkly Regional Deal, Connection Between Eastern Gas Markets And Gas Suppliers, Urban Public Housing - Peko Road, and Venture Housing - Social and Affordable Homes. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Barkly face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Barkly's workforce comprises white and blue-collar jobs across diverse sectors. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate is 10.8%.

There are 1,067 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 4.9% higher than the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 47.3%, compared to the Rest of NT's 50.7%. Key employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety. Barkly has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 9.6 times higher than the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 2.5%, compared to the regional rate of 18.8%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population data. Between September 2024 and 2025, Barkly's labour force decreased by 1.2% while employment fell by 1.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, the Rest of NT saw employment contract by 1.3%, with a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Barkly's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 3.8% over five years and 9.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Barkly SA2 has lower incomes than national averages. The median income is $46,210 and the average is $53,515. This contrasts with Rest of NT's median income of $51,655 and average income of $61,577. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for Barkly are approximately $51,760 (median) and $59,942 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Barkly fall between the 1st and 11th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 36.2% of individuals earn between $800 - 1,499, differing from metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominates with 33.6%. Housing costs are modest, retaining 94.7% of income, but total disposable income ranks at just the 22nd percentile nationally.

Barkly is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Barkly, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 94.8% houses and 5.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NT's 85.0% houses and 15.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barkly was at 10.2%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (1.3%) or rented (88.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Barkly was $109, below Non-Metro NT's average of $1,087. Median weekly rent in Barkly was recorded at $70, compared to Non-Metro NT's $135. Nationally, Barkly's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Barkly features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.9% of all households, including 39.7% couples with children, 17.1% couples without children, and 19.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.1%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 3.7 people, larger than the Rest of NT average of 3.0.

Barkly faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 7.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 4.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (4.8%) and certificates (28.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 18.1% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Barkly's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Barkly. Both younger and older age groups have a low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover rate is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (around 1,237 people), compared to 50.1% in the rest of NT and the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are diabetes and heart disease, affecting 7.1 and 5.1% of residents respectively. 81.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 77.5% in the rest of NT. Barkly has 5.5% of its population aged 65 and over (143 people), lower than the 8.3% in the rest of NT. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but require more attention than the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Barkly records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Barkly's cultural diversity is above average, with 4.0% of its population born overseas and 57.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Barkly, comprising 65.8% of people, compared to 56.8% across Rest of NT. The top three ancestry groups are Australian Aboriginal (66.8%), Australian (10.6%), and English (10.6%).

Notably, Russian ethnicity is overrepresented in Barkly at 0.3%, while it is not represented regionally.

Barkly hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Barkly's median age is 26, which is significantly lower than the Rest of NT figure of 31 and well below the national average of 38. The age profile shows that individuals aged 15-24 are particularly prominent at 19.2%, while those aged 45-54 comprise a smaller proportion at 8.4% compared to the Rest of NT. This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is notably higher than the national figure of 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 18.8% to 19.6%, while the 0 to 4 age group has declined from 8.4% to 7.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Barkly's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase by 116 people (23%), rising from 516 to 633. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 35 to 44 age groups.