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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Barkly has an estimated 2,596 residents, up from 2,203 at the 2021 Census — a change of 393 people, or 17.8%. Natural increase accounts for 71.8% of that increase. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to investigations by AreaSearch, Barkly has a residency of roughly 2,596 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 393 individuals (17.8%) relative to the 2,203 citizens recorded in the 2021 Census. The updated total is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 2,596 and 37 validated new addresses established post-Census. Consequently, the local density stands at 0.00 persons per square kilometer, indicating a highly spacious environment. The 17.8% population expansion since the 2021 census outstripped both state figures and the national benchmark (9.3%), positioning the area as a regional growth leader.
Natural increase was the primary contributor, accounting for roughly 71.8% of the population growth in recent times. Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia, issued in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are utilised for SA2 areas. For areas lacking this data, and for projections beyond 2032, growth rate assumptions by age cohort are taken from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 numbers. Future population trends suggest growth will run just under the median rate for regional locations nationwide. The community is anticipated to grow by 257 citizens by 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP statistics, indicating a total increase of 9.9% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
38 new dwellings have been approved in Barkly over the past five years, an average of 7 a year. That is 3.0 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 8, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential approvals in Barkly average roughly 7 per year, with 38 building permits issued over the preceding 5 financial years (FY-21 to FY-25) and 8 recorded during FY-26 to date. An average of 0.7 new residents per approved dwelling registered over the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25 suggests that residential supply is meeting or exceeding local demand, ensuring buyers have many options and allowing for population growth beyond current projections. The average construction cost of these new homes stands at $649,000, which points to developer interest in upmarket, high-end housing.
In addition, $627,000 in commercial approvals have been logged in the current financial year, demonstrating a low level of business development. Barkly exhibits about three-quarters the level of new home approvals per capita compared to the Rest of NT, ranking in the 69th percentile of all assessed locations nationwide, despite a recent rise in building activity. This rate falls short of the national average, reflecting the established status of the area and possible planning restrictions. Detached houses comprise 86.0% of the new building volume, with attached residences making up 14.0%, keeping density low and catering to buyers seeking space. The area registers approximately 198 people per residential permit, which indicates a growing market. Demographic projections indicate that Barkly will add 257 citizens by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If current building rates persist, the supply of new housing should comfortably accommodate this demand, ensuring favorable conditions for home buyers and potentially helping the region exceed current population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Barkly
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 6 current infrastructure and development projects inside Barkly, worth an estimated $35.5 billion. A further 46 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $47.9 billion. 17 are already under construction and 20 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans energy, transport & logistics and residential development. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local performance is heavily shaped by updates to regional infrastructure, construction projects, and planning policies. AreaSearch has tracked 17 developments that are expected to influence the area. High-priority initiatives include the Barkly Regional Deal, Connection Between Eastern Gas Markets And Gas Suppliers, Urban Public Housing - Peko Road, and Venture Housing - Social and Affordable Homes, with key details provided on the most significant projects below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Major Housing Improvements in Epenarra (Wutunugurra)
Construction of new remote public housing and extensions in Epenarra (Wutunugurra) as part of the Northern Territory Remote Housing Investment Package. The Epenarra works form part of a broader Barkly program that includes 12 new public housing homes, six home extensions, one Government Employee Home and upgrades delivered by LA Build across Canteen Creek and Epenarra. The project contributes to the Australian and Northern Territory Governments' long-term remote housing program to reduce overcrowding and improve housing outcomes in Aboriginal communities.
Epenarra Basketball Court Shelter
Design and construction of a new open shed structure over the existing basketball court in Wutunugurra.
Australia-Asia PowerLink
SunCable's Australia-Asia PowerLink is a large-scale renewable energy and transmission project comprising a solar and battery precinct near Powell Creek, an approximately 800 km HVDC transmission line to Darwin, and a subsea HVDC cable to Singapore. The project has secured Northern Territory and Commonwealth environmental approvals, Singapore EMA conditional approval, Indonesian development approvals for the subsea system, and continues to progress development, engineering, commercial agreements and pre-construction activities toward a targeted Final Investment Decision.
Urban Public Housing - Peko Road
A $3.4 million project, part of a larger program to increase public housing supply. The project saw the construction of six new 1-bedroom units for individuals on the Northern Territory's social housing waitlist.
Barkly Regional Deal
A 10-year, AUD 100.5 million partnership between the Australian Government (AUD 51.7m), the Northern Territory Government (AUD 45.8m) and the Barkly Regional Council (AUD 3m) to improve the productivity and liveability of the Barkly region. The deal funds 28 initiatives spanning economic development, social programs and infrastructure, overseen by a 22-seat Governance Table with local Aboriginal leadership through the Barkly Aboriginal Alliance. As at May 2026, ten initiatives have been endorsed as completed, three are ready for closure, five remain open and ongoing until the Deal ends, and ten are underway and open, including new housing builds, justice infrastructure investment, a weather radar, the Tennant Creek Visitor Park and a student boarding facility.
Territory Energy Link
A multi-user, multi-asset infrastructure corridor running approximately 670km from near Elliott to the Middle Arm Precinct in Darwin. Formerly known as the Tennant Creek to Darwin Infrastructure Corridor, the project is currently in Stage 2 (feasibility phase) of a four-stage program, following completion of a 2024 prefeasibility study that identified a preliminary alignment within a 530m wide study area. The final corridor is expected to be approximately 130m wide and will support buried services including gas, water, optical fibre and future hydrogen pipelines, connecting the Beetaloo Sub-basin to the Middle Arm Precinct and other strategic infrastructure in Darwin.The NT Government will plan, secure and manage the corridor land, while individual pipelines and utilities will be delivered by industry proponents under separate approvals. In 2025 the government awarded a tender to CNC Project Management Pty Ltd for specialist technical advisory services, targeting a development-ready 670km priority section by 2028.
Venture Housing - Social and Affordable Homes
A $6.9 million partnership between Venture Housing, Housing Australia, the Northern Territory Government and the Australian Government delivered twelve new two-bedroom social and affordable homes across three adjoining sites in Tennant Creek. Venture Housing developed the homes and contributed land plus $1.5 million toward costs, supported by a $3 million Housing Australia grant, a $1.9 million joint Barkly Regional Deal grant, and a $500,000 NT Government capital grant. Habitat (NT) Pty Ltd was the building contractor.The development comprises five social and seven affordable homes, providing housing for older women at risk of homelessness, women and children fleeing domestic violence, and Aboriginal people eligible for social or affordable housing. Construction began in June 2024 and the project was confirmed completed by mid-2025.
Northern Territory Freight Rail and Logistics Capacity Improvements
Northern Territory Government initiative to improve freight capacity along the Darwin-Tarcoola rail corridor through a network of Regional Logistics Hubs, rail sidings, intermodal terminals, warehousing and supporting infrastructure. The project is progressing through planning and business case development, supported by a planned Australian Government equity commitment of AUD 440 million, with the objective of improving supply chain resilience, enabling mining, agriculture, renewable energy and industrial growth, and reducing long-haul road freight.
1,093 residents of Barkly are employed, from a labour force of 1,226. Unemployment sits at 10.8%, with participation at 63.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 3.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce displays a balanced mix of professional and manual occupations across diverse industries, alongside an unemployment rate of 10.8% and annual job growth estimated at 2.3%. As of March 2026, employed residents total 1,093. The unemployment rate is 5.0% higher than the Regional NT level of 5.9%, signaling potential for improvement, while participation is notably lower at 63.3% versus 69.9% in Regional NT. Census data indicates that only 10.7% of workers operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic restrictions. Locals are primarily employed in agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety.
The area has a heavy concentration of jobs in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which is 9.6 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for only 2.5% of the local workforce, compared to 18.8% in Regional NT. A comparison between the resident workforce and the total local working population suggests a shortage of local jobs. An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that during the 12 months ending March 2026, the number of employed persons grew by 2.3% and the labour force expanded by 2.8%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. Over the same period, Regional NT experienced a 2.8% increase in employment, a 2.7% rise in the labour force, and a small decrease in unemployment. National employment forecasts released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context for future job demand in Barkly. These five-year and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential growth. Nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by industry. Applying these national projections to the local employment mix suggests Barkly could see employment gains of 3.8% over five years and 9.3% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation that does not account for local population changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Barkly is $1,172 a week (about $61,000 a year), with median personal income at $416 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $48,323 a year against an average of $55,331. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Based on financial year 2023 ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch, tax returns indicate that Barkly SA2 has income levels below the national average. The median income for local taxpayers is $48,323 and the average income is $55,331, compared to $53,572 and $63,776 respectively for Regional NT. Accounting for a 9.41% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be roughly $52,870 for the median and $60,538 for the average. Census data places household, family, and individual incomes in Barkly between the 1st and 11th percentiles nationally.
The figures show 36.2% of the population (939 individuals) earn between $800 and $1,499, whereas the broader region has 33.6% of earners in the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket. Residents retain 94.7% of their income due to low housing costs, but total disposable income is positioned in the 22nd percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Barkly had 484 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 95% detached houses and 0% apartments. 1% are owned with a mortgage, 89% rented and 10% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $70 a week and the median mortgage repayment $109 a month. Rent absorbs 6.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 2.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Dwelling options in Barkly at the time of the latest Census consisted of 94.8% standalone houses and 5.1% alternative dwellings like units and townhouses, compared to 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings in Regional NT. The home ownership rate of 10.2% was lower than the regional average, with the remaining homes either mortgaged (1.3%) or rented (88.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $109, which is much lower than the Regional NT average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $70, compared to $150 in Regional NT. Nationally, Barkly's housing costs are well below the Australian averages of $1,863 for mortgages and $375 for rent.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Barkly counted 484 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 570 today, averaging 3.7 people each. 40% are couples with children, more than in 79% of areas nationally, against 17% couples without children. 20% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 77.9% of all local households, consisting of couples with children (39.7%), couples without children (17.1%), and single parents (19.2%). The remaining 22.1% are non-family households, which include single-person households (19.8%) and group homes (1.7%). The median household size stands at 3.7 individuals, which is larger than the Regional NT average of 3.1.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
7.4% of adults in Barkly hold a university qualification, including 4.8% with a bachelor degree and 1.7% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 97% of areas nationally. A further 28.0% hold a vocational qualification. 10 schools serve the area, with 334 enrolment places. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The region presents low levels of academic attainment, with the university qualification rate of 7.4% falling well short of the national level of 30.4%. This highlights a clear need and opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are held by 4.8% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.7% and graduate diplomas at 0.9%. Vocational and technical skills are common, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (4.8%) and certificates (28.0%). Enrolment in education is strong, with 30.1% of the population participating in formal study.
This student cohort includes 18.1% in primary school, 6.2% in secondary school, and 1.8% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
81.7% of residents in Barkly report no long-term health condition. 1.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 47.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 12.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, Barkly experiences major health challenges across all age groups, combined with a low private health insurance rate of roughly 47% of residents (~1,230 people). This rate is below the Regional NT level of 51.6% and the national average of 55.7%. Diabetes and heart disease are the most prevalent diagnosed conditions, affecting 7.1% and 5.1% of the population respectively, though 81.7% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions compared to 78.4% across Regional NT. Seniors aged 65 and older represent 5.8% of the community (151 people), which is lower than the Regional NT proportion of 8.5%.
Health status indicators for these older residents are favorable, ranking higher nationally than the local population as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Barkly is largely Australian-born, at 96.0% of residents, with 57.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian Aboriginal (66.8%) and Australian (10.6%). 66.8% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The community shows high levels of cultural diversity, with 4.0% of residents born outside Australia and 57.9% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 65.8% of the population, compared to 54.1% in Regional NT. Ancestry details show that the three primary groups are Australian Aboriginal, making up 66.8% of the population (substantially above the regional average of 43.6%), followed by Australian at 10.6% and English at 10.6%. Certain minor ethnic backgrounds show unique concentrations, with Russian ancestry representing 0.3% of the Barkly population compared to 0.1% across the wider region.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Barkly is 26, younger than 100% of areas nationally. 39.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 26 in Barkly is younger than the Regional NT average of 31 and well below the national median of 38. Young adults aged 15 to 24 are highly represented at 19.5%, while the 55 to 64 bracket is smaller at 7.1% compared to Regional NT. The proportion of 15 to 24 year-olds exceeds the national average of 12.7%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age bracket has risen from 18.8% to 19.6% of the population, while infants aged 0 to 4 have decreased from 8.4% to 7.5%.
Demographic projections indicate the age profile will change by 2041, with the 25 to 34 cohort expected to grow by 128 people (25%) from 507 to 636, whereas the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Barkly
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 6 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 37 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,203 at the 2021 Census → 2,596 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (702021055). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.