Barkly

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Barkly's population is around 2,643 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 440 people (20.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,203 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,547 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.00 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Barkly's 20.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 77.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is applying growth rates by age cohort to each area, as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to expand by 256 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 6.0% in total over the 17 years.

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 experienced around 7 dwellings receiving development approval per year, with 38 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 1 so far in FY-26. As the area has experienced population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new homes are being built at an average value of $649,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $627,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

When measured against the Rest of NT, Barkly has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 68th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 195 people per approval, Barkly reflects a developing area.

Population forecasts indicate Barkly will gain 160 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 9thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 17 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects 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 the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 11.3%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,077 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 5.2% above Regional NT's rate of 6.1%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (63.6% compared to Regional NT's 71.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 9.6 times the regional level. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 2.5% of Barkly's workforce compared to 18.8% in Regional NT. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force increased by 1.2% while employment declined by 0.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.1 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NT recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.1%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Barkly. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Barkly's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 3.8% over five years and 9.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Barkly SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $48,323 while the average income stands at $55,331. This contrasts with Regional NT's figures of a median income of $53,572 and an average income of $63,776. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $52,401 (median) and $60,001 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Barkly all fall between the 1st and 11th percentiles nationally. The data shows the largest segment comprises 36.2% earning $800 - 1,499 weekly (956 residents), diverging from regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 33.6%. While housing costs are modest with 94.7% of income retained, the 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 within Barkly, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.8% houses and 5.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NT's 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Barkly lagged that of Regional NT, at 10.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (1.3%) or rented (88.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NT average at $109, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $70, compared to Regional NT's $1,733 and $150. Nationally, Barkly's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 77.9% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 3.7 people is larger than the Regional NT average of 3.1.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (7.4%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 4.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (4.8%) and certificates (28.0%).

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

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Barkly is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Barkly faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,252 people). This compares to 51.6% across Regional NT. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are diabetes and heart disease, impacting 7.1 and 5.1% of residents, respectively, while 81.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 78.4% across Regional NT. The area has 5.7% of residents aged 65 and over (149 people), which is lower than the 8.3% in Regional NT. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general 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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 4.0% of its population born overseas and 57.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Barkly is Christianity, which makes up 65.8% of people in Barkly, compared to 54.1% across Regional NT.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Barkly are Australian Aboriginal, comprising 66.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 43.6%, Australian, comprising 10.6% of the population, and English, comprising 10.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Russian is notably overrepresented at 0.3% of Barkly (vs 0.1% regionally).

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

With a median age of 26, Barkly is materially younger than the Regional NT figure of 31 and similarly well below the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 15 - 24 year-olds are particularly prominent (20.0%), while the 45 - 54 group is comparatively smaller (8.7%) than in Regional NT. This 15 - 24 concentration is well above the national 12.5%. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 18.8% to 19.8% of the population. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 8.4% to 7.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Barkly's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 109 people (21%) from 523 to 633. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 35 to 44 cohorts.