Gray

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Gray's population is around 3,387 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 245 people (7.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,142 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,387 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,258 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Gray's 7.8% growth since the census positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the SA4 region (9.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 50.4% 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). Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to grow by 687 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 20.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Gray has seen only 2 residential development approvals in the past five years. This indicates a mature, established suburb where available land for new construction is limited. For buyers, this scarcity of new housing stock typically supports property values and means competition may be primarily among existing homes.

Relative to Greater Darwin, Gray records markedly lower building activity. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

Gray has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 1stth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Darwin Light Rail Stage 1, Hudson Creek Power Station, Marine Industry Park, and Darwin Corporate Park, 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 Gray face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Gray has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 12.9%, and 1.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,636 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 9.8% above Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (70.4% compared to Greater Darwin's 76.1%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in retail trade, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. On the other hand, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 15.7% of Gray's workforce compared to 19.5% in Greater Darwin. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4% and the labour force increased by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Darwin experienced employment growth of 1.3% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a marginal drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Gray. 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 Gray's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The Gray SA2's income level is slightly above the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Gray SA2's median income among taxpayers is $61,793 and the average income stands at $68,520, compared to figures for Greater Darwin of $66,956 and $77,199 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $67,008 (median) and $74,303 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 63rd percentile ($877 weekly), while household income sits at the 34th percentile. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 33.8% of residents (1,144 people), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 36.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 29th percentile.

Gray displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Gray, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 59.8% houses and 40.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Darwin metro's 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Gray lagged that of Darwin metro, at 12.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.6%) or rented (52.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Darwin metro average at $1,725, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Darwin metro's $2,100 and $385. Nationally, Gray's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 63.6% of all households, comprising 23.4% couples with children, 18.5% couples without children, and 19.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Gray fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.5%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 31.3%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (33.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 38.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.8% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 13 active transport stops operating within Gray comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 23 individual routes, collectively providing 1,422 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 163 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 3.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 203 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 109 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gray is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Gray, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~1,805 people). This compares to 57.8% across Greater Darwin.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.6 and 6.7% of residents, respectively, while 72.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 10.9% of residents aged 65 and over (368 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Gray is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 24.1% of its population born overseas and 19.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Gray is Christianity, which makes up 40.6% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 3.3% of the population, compared to 3.3% across Greater Darwin.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Gray are Australian, comprising 22.9% of the population, English, comprising 22.0% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 14.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 7.0%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 4.4% of Gray (vs 3.8% regionally), Vietnamese at 1.0% (vs 0.8%) and Maori at 0.6% (vs 0.6%).

Gray hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

At 34 years, Gray's median age is the same as the Greater Darwin average of 34 but is significantly lower than the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Darwin, Gray has a higher concentration of 55 - 64 residents (12.3%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (14.0%). In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.2% to 13.1% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 15.7% to 14.2% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 15.2% to 14.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Gray's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 142 people (29%) from 488 to 631.