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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.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Gray has an estimated 3,479 residents, up from 3,142 at the 2021 Census — a change of 337 people, or 10.7%. Growth has averaged 0.7% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 55.8% of that increase. That puts 2,319 residents on each square kilometre. 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 the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Gray stands at approximately 3,479 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 337 individuals (10.7%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 3,142 people. This shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 3,479 alongside address validation tracking since the Census. Such a population level translates to a density of 2,319 persons per square kilometer, a figure that surpasses the typical average across the country. The 10.7% expansion rate in Gray since the 2021 census outpaced the national benchmark (9.3%), positioning it as a leading growth area locally.
The upward trend was primarily fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 55.8% of the total population gains in recent times. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, using 2022 as a baseline, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2. For areas lacking this specific dataset, and to project trends beyond 2032, cohort-based growth rates from the latest Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 statistics) are applied. Looking ahead, demographic modeling suggests population growth will exceed the national median, with the locality expected to add 633 residents by 2041 relative to current annual ERP figures, translating to an overall rise of 18.2% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Over the last five years, Gray has recorded a total of only 2 dwelling approvals. This indicates a fully established neighborhood with sparse prospects for new residential projects. The lack of incoming housing stock generally underpins demand for existing properties and can help maintain price levels. Development volumes in Gray are substantially lower than those observed across Greater Darwin. This restriction on new builds typically strengthens demand and support values for the existing housing stock. These levels are also lower than the national standard, indicating a mature market and highlighting potential planning or physical limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Gray
Loading development applications…
| 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 close to Gray, worth an estimated $775 million. 2 are already under construction and 2 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, national security and business parks & technology hubs. 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 infrastructure projects, strategic plans, and major developments are primary drivers of area performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 major projects expected to influence this locality. Some of the notable regional projects include the Darwin to Palmerston Mass Transit Corridor, the Hudson Creek Power Station, the Marine Industry Park, and the Darwin Corporate Park, with the detailed list below outlining those of highest local relevance.
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
Berrimah Road Duplication - Stuart Highway to Tiger Brennan Drive
Planned duplication of Berrimah Road to a dual carriageway between Stuart Highway and Tiger Brennan Drive to improve freight efficiency, road safety and traffic capacity, supporting Darwin Port and future residential growth including Northcrest. The project remains in the Australian Government's funded road corridor program and is progressing through planning.
Northcrest
A 168-hectare master-planned community development delivering up to 2,000 housing lots. The precinct includes residential homes, parks, a government primary school, retirement living, and 56,000sqm of retail, dining, and commercial space.
Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road intersection overpass
Construction of a new overpass to improve road safety, reduce traffic delays, and increase freight connectivity. The new overpass carries Berrimah Road traffic over Tiger Brennan Drive. Final works include shared user paths, landscaping, and emergency services access.
Defence Establishment Berrimah Redevelopment
Base-wide redevelopment of Defence Establishment Berrimah (DEB), a tri-service Defence support hub located in Coonawarra, about 8km east of Darwin CBD. The project delivers upgraded in-ground services including power supply, water and fire water systems, sewerage and ICT infrastructure, along with security upgrades and construction of three deployable force precincts with hardstands, messing, ablutions and recreational areas. Internal road network improvements will be delivered if budget allows. Delivered under Defence's Estate Capital and Sustainment Works Program via a head contractor construct-only arrangement, with Jacobs engaged as Project Manager/Contract Administrator.
Darwin Corporate Park
Darwin Corporate Park is a premier business park for mixed use commercial office space located in Berrimah, recognised as the geographic centre of greater Darwin. The precinct currently comprises five premium three-level office buildings set on 25,800 square metres, holding a 5-star NABERS rating and campus-style landscaping with covered walkways. Stage 1 was completed in 2014 and is almost fully leased. Stage 2 delivered Building 7, a purpose-built 3,500 square metre call centre solely occupied by bet365 as its Australian headquarters.The masterplan envisions up to eight office buildings in total. The park was sold by Berrimah Holdings to a South Australian private equity group, Spencer Property Group, for approximately 78.5 million AUD in one of the largest commercial real estate transactions in Darwin's history.
Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
Upgrade of the existing wastewater treatment plant and associated pumping stations and rising mains, aimed at increasing robustness, optimizing treatment, improving environmental outcomes, and catering for future population growth until 2030. It was the largest sewer project ever undertaken by NT Power and Water Corporation.
1,609 residents of Gray are employed, from a labour force of 1,883. Unemployment sits at 14.6%, with participation at 68.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,656, about 76% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. 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 in Gray shows a balanced distribution between blue-collar and white-collar roles, with a solid footprint in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of 14.6%. As of March 2026, 1,609 local citizens are employed, while the jobless rate sits 11.1% higher than the Greater Darwin average of 3.5%, pointing to potential for economic progress. The rate of workforce participation is also below par (68.0% compared to 72.7% in Greater Darwin). Census records indicate that a minor 3.1% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic containment measures.
Resident employment is heavily weighted toward public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The retail sector exhibits a particularly high density locally, employing staff at 1.4 times the average rate for the region. Conversely, public administration & safety accounts for only 15.7% of local jobs, trailing the Greater Darwin mark of 19.5%. This heavily residential locality appears to provide sparse local job options, as shown by the disparity between the local working population and resident workers during the Census. AreaSearch evaluated SALM and ABS figures to show that the labour force grew by 0.9% while employment fell by 1.4% for the year ending March 2026, which pushed the unemployment rate up by 2.0 percentage points. In Greater Darwin, the opposite occurred as employment climbed by 0.4%, the labour force grew by 0.8%, and unemployment increased by only 0.3 percentage points. Insights into future demand in Gray can be drawn from Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts released in May-25. These forecasts span five and ten-year horizons and have been overlaid onto the local employment structure to anticipate growth trajectories. The national outlook projects a 6.6% rise in employment over five years and a 13.7% rise over ten years, though sectoral growth varies considerably. When these sectoral rates are applied to Gray's current employment composition, the result is an estimated local employment increase of 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this simple weighting extrapolation is for illustrative purposes and excludes localised population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Gray is $1,479 a week (about $77,000 a year), with median personal income at $877 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $61,793 a year against an average of $68,520. 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
The most recent ATO postcode data for the 2023 financial year shows that average incomes in the Gray SA2 are slightly above national benchmarks, with a median of $61,793 and an average of $68,520. In comparison, Greater Darwin recorded a median of $66,956 and an average of $77,199. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index lift of 9.41% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates stand at roughly $67,608 for the median and $74,968 for the average as of March 2026. According to Census data, individual income ranks at the 63rd percentile ($877 weekly), while household income sits lower at the 34th percentile.
In terms of income brackets, the largest group comprises 33.8% of residents (1,175 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, which is comparable to the wider metropolitan area where this bracket accounts for 36.7%. Households experience significant affordability strain, with only 79.9% of income left over after housing costs, placing the area in the 29th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Gray had 1,136 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 60% detached houses and 39% apartments. 36% are owned with a mortgage, 52% rented and 12% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,725 a month. Rent absorbs 20.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 26.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential architecture in Gray at the time of the last Census consisted of 59.8% standalone houses and 40.2% alternative options (such as townhouses, apartments, and other dwellings), compared to the Darwin metro split of 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Gray lagged behind the wider Darwin metro area at 12.4%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (35.6%) or renting (52.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly lower than the Darwin metro average at $1,725, while the median weekly rent stood at $300, compared to $2,100 and $385 in Darwin metro respectively.
Across Australia, mortgage payments in Gray are lower than the national median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Gray counted 1,136 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,258 today, averaging 2.4 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 75% of areas nationally, against 19% couples without children. 33% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the majority of local households at 63.6%, consisting of couples with children at 23.4%, couples without children at 18.5%, and single parent households making up 19.9%. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households representing 32.5% and group arrangements sitting at 4.3%. The median household size of 2.4 residents is slightly below the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
17.5% of adults in Gray hold a university qualification, including 11.4% with a bachelor degree and 3.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 33.0% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 263 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 803 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The local community experiences notable educational disparities, with university graduation rates (17.5%) falling well short of the wider SA4 regional average of 31.3%. This presents both a difficulty and a clear opportunity for targeted learning programs. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher qualification at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational and technical training is highly prevalent, with 44.4% of citizens aged 15+ holding a trade qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificate level courses (33.0%). The level of educational engagement is high, with 38.1% of the local population currently signed up for formal study.
This cohort is distributed with 14.8% attending primary school, 10.2% in high school, and 4.8% enrolled in tertiary education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Gray reaches 13 stops on 23 routes, timetabled for about 1,400 services a week. The typical home sits about 160 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
An analysis of public transit options indicates there are 13 active transit stops located within Gray, consisting of various bus links. These stops accommodate 23 distinct routes that together provide 1,422 passenger journeys each week. Local transit access is classified as highly convenient, with residents living an average of 163 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice for 90% of commuters. The average number of motor vehicles per household is 1.2, which sits below the regional average.
A minor 3.1% of workers worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic conditions. Service runs average 203 daily trips across all active routes, which translates to roughly 109 weekly departures at each individual transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
72.5% of residents in Gray report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 80% of areas nationally. 4.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Public health records indicate considerable challenges for Gray, based on an evaluation of death rates and the incidence of chronic diseases, with health issues visible across both youth and elderly demographics. The proportion of the population with private health insurance is just above the average SA2 territory at roughly 53% (~1,854 people), compared to 57.8% recorded across Greater Darwin. Asthma and arthritis emerged as the most prevalent health diagnoses in the area, affecting 7.6% and 6.7% of the population respectively, while 72.5% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions compared to 77.1% in Greater Darwin.
Residents under the age of 65 experience better health metrics than average. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 11.1% of the local population (385 people), and health outcomes for this cohort present difficulties, with national performance metrics generally mirroring the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Gray is largely Australian-born, at 75.9% of residents, with 19.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (22.9%) and English (22.0%). 14.9% 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
Gray displays a higher level of cultural diversity than most regional property markets, with 24.1% of the population born outside Australia and 19.9% communicating in a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religious affiliation, representing 40.6% of the population. The most prominent statistical divergence is in Buddhism, which represents 3.3% of the community, mirroring the 3.3% rate across Greater Darwin. Regarding family heritage (based on parental place of birth), the three largest groups in Gray are Australian at 22.9%, English at 22.0%, and Australian Aboriginal at 14.9%, which sits significantly above the regional benchmark of 7.0%.
Other ethnic backgrounds show distinct concentrations, with Filipino residents representing 4.4% of the population (compared to 3.8% across the region), Vietnamese at 1.0% (compared to 0.8%), and Maori at 0.6% (compared to 0.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Gray is 34, younger than 84% of areas nationally. 26.7% 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 in Gray is 34 years, matching the Greater Darwin standard of 34 but falling well below the national median of 38. Compared to the Darwin region, Gray has a higher proportion of residents in the 55 - 64 age bracket (12.8%) but a smaller share of 25 - 34 year-olds (13.8%). Since 2021, the 55 to 64 demographic has risen from 11.5% to 12.8% of the local population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has fallen from 15.7% to 13.8% and the 25 to 34 demographic has decreased from 15.2% to 13.8%.
Projections suggest that the age structure in Gray will shift considerably by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow steadily, rising by 133 people (27%) from 501 to 635.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Gray
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, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 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 May 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. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,142 at the 2021 Census → 3,479 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 (701041039). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.