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

Gray's population is around 3,387 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 245 people 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 level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,258 persons per square kilometer. Gray's 7.8% growth since 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 that 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 areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch applies 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). An above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation. The area is 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 saw two residential development approvals in the past five years. This suggests a mature, established suburb with limited land available for new construction. For buyers, this scarcity of new housing stock usually supports property values and indicates competition may primarily be among existing homes.

Compared to Greater Darwin, Gray has notably lower building activity, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level of activity is also below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potentially suggesting planning limitations.

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

No changes can influence a region's performance more than adjustments to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Key projects include Darwin Light Rail Stage 1, Hudson Creek Power Station, Marine Industry Park, and Darwin Corporate Park. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Gray has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 12.7% as of September 2025. There was an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year.

As of this date, 1,637 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 9.6% higher than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%. Workforce participation in Gray lags behind Greater Darwin at 70.3%, compared to 76.0%. According to Census responses, only 3.1% of residents work from home. Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and retail trade sectors.

Retail trade has notably high employment levels, at 1.4 times the regional average. However, public administration & safety is under-represented with only 15.7% of Gray's workforce compared to 19.5% in Greater Darwin. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, while labour force also increased by 1.8%. This left unemployment broadly flat during this period. In contrast, Greater Darwin experienced an employment growth of 1.9% and a marginal rise in labour force. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gray's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

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

The Gray SA2's median income among taxpayers is $61,793 in financial year 2023. The average income stands at $68,520 during the same period. This compares to figures for Greater Darwin of $66,956 and $77,199 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, 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 that 33.8% of residents fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket (1,144 people). This aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 36.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 29th percentile.

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

Gray's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 59.8% houses and 40.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Darwin metro had 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gray was at 12.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (35.6%) or rented (52.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,725, below Darwin metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent figure was $300, compared to Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Gray's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 63.6% of all households, consisting of 23.4% couples with children, 18.5% couples without children, and 19.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 31.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (33.0%). Educational participation is high at 38.1%, with 14.8% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Gray shows that there are currently 13 operational transit stops serving a variety of bus routes. These stops cater to 23 different routes combined, facilitating approximately 1,422 weekly passenger trips altogether. The accessibility of transport within the area is considered excellent, with residents typically residing just 163 meters away from their nearest transportation stop. As predominantly residential, most inhabitants commute outward daily, with personal vehicles being the primary mode of transportation at a rate of 90%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in Gray, which is lower than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 3.1% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages out to around 203 trips daily, translating into roughly 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 indicates significant issues in Gray, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups show high prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 53% (~1805 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Darwin's 57.8%. The most prevalent conditions are asthma (7.6%) and arthritis (6.7%), while 72.5% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Darwin's 77.1%. Under-65s in Gray have better health outcomes than average. Only 10.9% (~368 people) are aged 65 and over. Senior health outcomes face some challenges, with national rankings comparable to 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 was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 24.1% of its population born overseas and 19.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Gray, making up 40.6% of its population. Buddhism stands out as overrepresented, comprising 3.3%, compared to the Greater Darwin average of also 3.3%.

The top three ancestral groups are Australian (22.9%), English (22.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (14.9%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 7.0%. Notably, Filipino representation in Gray is 4.4%, compared to the regional average of 3.8%. Vietnamese representation is 1.0% in Gray versus the regional average of 0.8%. Maori representation is 0.6% in both Gray and regionally.

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

Gray's median age is 34 years, the same as Greater Darwin's average of 34 but lower than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Darwin, Gray has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (12.3%) but fewer aged 25-34 (14.0%). Between 2021 and the present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.2% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 15.7% to 14.2%, and the 25-34 group has dropped from 15.2% to 14.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Gray's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 142 people (29%) from 488 to 631.