Darwin City

Darwin City lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Darwin City's population was 8,008 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents a 12.0% increase from the 7,149 people counted in the 2021 Census. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 7,872 in June 2024 and 60 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,526 persons per square kilometer, placing Darwin City in the upper quartile compared to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The city's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (8.7%) and the national average, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 85.6% 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 growth post-2032, 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 these projections, Darwin City is expected to experience above median population growth, increasing by 1,899 persons to reach a total of 9,897 by 2041. This reflects an overall gain of 22.0% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Darwin City when compared nationally

Darwin City has seen approximately 9 new homes approved annually. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 48 homes were approved, with none yet approved in FY26. On average, each home built over these years accommodates about 5 new residents per year, indicating a significant demand outpacing supply.

The average construction value of these new homes is $594,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In terms of commercial activity, Darwin City has registered $76.0 million in approvals this financial year, suggesting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Darwin, Darwin City exhibits 57.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers. However, this activity remains below the national average, implying an established area potentially constrained by planning limitations. Recent development in Darwin City has been exclusively medium and high-density housing, providing accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. With approximately 325 people per dwelling approval, there is room for population growth.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Darwin City is projected to add around 1,763 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Darwin City has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

Twenty-four projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable ones include Darwin Galleria (formerly Coles Site Redevelopment), Civic and State Square Precinct Revitalisation, Mantra on the Esplanade Hotel Refurbishment & Apartment Addition, and Darwin Digital Hub. The following list details those likely to be most 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Darwin City significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Darwin City has a highly educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0% over the past year.

As of September 2025, there are 5,964 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.6% lower than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%. The workforce participation rate is 75.8%, compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Leading employment industries include public administration & safety, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. Notably, the area has a high concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.3% versus the regional average of 9.2%. There are 1.9 workers for every resident, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0%, and labour force increased by 1.9%, resulting in a decrease of unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Darwin recorded employment growth of 1.9% with a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data from November 25 shows that NT employment contracted by 1.13% (losing 4,100 jobs), and the state unemployment rate is at 4.4%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years in Darwin City, based on industry-specific projections applied to its local employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Darwin City SA2 had a median income of $62,290 and an average of $73,761. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Darwin's median of $65,522 and average of $75,260. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be around $69,771 (median) and $82,620 (average), based on a 12.01% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census reveals individual earnings at the 92nd percentile nationally ($1,236 weekly). Income brackets indicate 42.7% of Darwin City's population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to the broader area where 36.7% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 19.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 70th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Darwin City features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Darwin City's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 0.5% houses and 99.4% other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Darwin metro's dwelling structure, which comprised 23.6% houses and 76.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darwin City stood at 7.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 15.1% and rented ones at 77.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,781, lower than the Darwin metro average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent was $450, higher than the Darwin metro figure of $420. Nationally, Darwin City's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Darwin City features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 51.4% of all households, including 13.2% couples with children, 32.3% couples without children, and 4.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 48.6%, with lone person households at 38.4% and group households comprising 10.2%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.3.

Darwin City shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Darwin City's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 51.1% possess university qualifications, compared to 27.3% in the Northern Territory (NT) and 30.4% nationwide. Bachelor degrees are most common at 31.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 28.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.5% and certificates for 15.7%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.1% in tertiary education, 5.0% in primary education, and 3.4% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Darwin City has 12 operational public transport stops. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 27 different lines that facilitate 1,368 weekly passenger trips combined. The city's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average being 219 metres away from the nearest stop.

Daily service frequency averages 195 trips across all routes, translating to about 114 weekly trips per individual stop.

Darwin City's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Darwin City, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population (around 4,524 people), compared to 61.3% across Greater Darwin.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 5.2 and 5.0% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 82.6%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 79.9% across Greater Darwin. The area has 9.0% of residents aged 65 and over (719 people), which is lower than the 11.0% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

Darwin City is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Darwin City has a high level of cultural diversity, with 40.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 51.7% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Darwin City, accounting for 31.7% of people. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, comprising 11.7% of Darwin City's population compared to 7.4% across Greater Darwin.

The top three ancestry groups are English (20.9%), Other (20.2%), and Australian (14.6%). Some ethnic groups have notable divergences in representation: Sri Lankan is at 0.7% in Darwin City, Korean at 0.9%, and Filipino at 2.6%.

Darwin City's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Darwin City's median age is 33 years, comparable to Greater Darwin's average of 34 and substantially under Australia's median of 38. Relative to Greater Darwin, Darwin City has a higher concentration of 25-34 residents at 32.4%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 4.9%. This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 65 to 74 age group grew from 5.5% to 6.4% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 9.9% to 8.4%, and the 25 to 34 group decreased from 33.6% to 32.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Darwin City's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 45 to 54 age cohort projected to grow steadily, expanding by 395 people (41%) from 954 to 1,350. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 7% (19 people).