East Arnhem
Statistical Area - sa2

East Arnhem is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

East Arnhem's population is 8,005 as of August 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 1,022 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,983. The change was inferred from ABS estimates; in June 2024, the estimated resident population was 8,010, with an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. East Arnhem's growth rate of 14.6% since the 2021 census surpassed both national (8.6%) and state averages, making it a notable growth leader. Natural growth accounted for approximately 90.0% 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 post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends suggest a median increase for non-metropolitan areas, with East Arnhem expected to grow by 920 persons to 2041, representing an overall increase of 11.6% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in East Arnhem is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

East Arnhem has experienced approximately 25 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports development approval data on a financial year basis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 125 dwellings were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26.

Despite population decline during this period, the relative level of development activity has been adequate, benefiting buyers. Commercial approvals totalled $1.2 million in FY-26, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NT, East Arnhem shows 52.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, building activity has slowed recently, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction consists of 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density character focused on family homes.

This shift from the existing housing composition (96.0% houses) suggests decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. Population forecasts project East Arnhem to gain 925 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially exceeding current population growth forecasts.

East Arnhem has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that will likely impact this area: Gunyangara (Gove Port) Tourism Precinct, Bunggulwuy Close Housing Development, Nhulunbuy Master Plan, and Australia-Asia PowerLink. These are the key projects.

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

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

East Arnhem had a balanced workforce in June 2025, with white and blue collar jobs equally represented. Essential services sectors were well-represented, but the unemployment rate was high at 20.1%.

This rate was 14.2% higher than the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in East Arnhem lagged significantly at 30.1%, compared to the Rest of NT's 50.7%. The key industries of employment among residents were education & training, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Notably, education & training had employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, public administration & safety showed lower representation at 12.9%, compared to the regional average of 17.9%. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.8% and employment decreased by 1.6%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, the Rest of NT recorded an employment decline of 1.7% and labour force decline of 1.8%, with unemployment falling marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that national employment could expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to East Arnhem's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30th, 2022, East Arnhem had a median income among taxpayers of $45,477 with an average level standing at $59,151. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $51,655 and $61,577 across Rest of NT respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $50,225 (median) and $65,326 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data shows individual incomes lag at the 1st percentile ($298 weekly), while household income performs better at the 38th percentile. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 38.8% of residents (3,105 people). After housing costs, residents retain 94.4% of income.

East Arnhem is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

As of the latest Census, dwelling structures in East Arnhem comprised 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NT's 89.4% houses and 10.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Arnhem was at 5.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 0.8% and rented ones at 94.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $997, lower than Non-Metro NT's average of $1,664. Median weekly rent in East Arnhem was recorded at $90, compared to Non-Metro NT's $80. Nationally, East Arnhem's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 88.2% of all households, including 42.2% couples with children, 12.6% couples without children, and 27.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 11.8%, with lone person households at 11.4% and group households comprising 1%. The median household size is 5.1 people, larger than the Rest of NT average of 4.0.

East Arnhem 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 at 8.2%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 5.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.1%. Vocational pathways account for 17.4% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 2.9% and certificates at 14.5%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.6% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 1.0% pursuing tertiary education. A robust network of 10 schools operates within East Arnhem, educating approximately 1,570 students as of the latest data. The educational mix includes 1 primary school and 9 K-12 schools.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

East Arnhem has excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 49% (~3,930 people) have private health cover, compared to 51.5% in the rest of NT and a national average of 55.3%. Heart disease (6.1%) and diabetes (4.1%) are the most common conditions.

Around 82.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 82.9% figure for the rest of NT. The area has 5.4% (431 people) aged 65 and over, with seniors' health outcomes aligning with those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in East Arnhem was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

East Arnhem's cultural diversity index was above average with 1.9% of its population born overseas and 94.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 59.9% of East Arnhem's population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 24.1%, significantly higher than the Rest of NT average of 15.8%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian Aboriginal was the most represented group at 89.1%, substantially higher than the regional average of 60.9%. English ancestry stood at 3.0%, notably lower than the regional average of 10.3%, while Australian ancestry was at 2.5%, also significantly below the regional average of 11.5%. There were notable differences in the representation of other ethnic groups, with Samoan being overrepresented at 0.1% compared to no representation regionally.

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

East Arnhem's median age is 28 years, which is slightly below the Rest of NT average of 31 years and significantly lower than Australia's national median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NT, East Arnhem has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (18.1%) but fewer individuals aged 55-64 (8.3%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 12.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the latest data, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 14.7% to 16.4%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has risen from 17.4% to 18.4%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age group has decreased from 20.4% to 18.1% and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 16.8% to 15.7%. By the year 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in East Arnhem's age structure. Notably, the 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 37%, increasing from 842 to 1,153 people. However, population declines are anticipated for both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.