Karama

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

Karama's population was approximately 5,040 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 237 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,803. The growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures for June 2024 and address validation from the Census date. Karama's population density was approximately 2,434 persons per square kilometer as of November 2025, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Between the 2021 Census and November 2025, Karama experienced a growth rate of 4.9%, which is within 2.7 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 7.6%. The primary driver of population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 61.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 applied growth rates by age cohort from the ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on projected demographic shifts, Karama is expected to experience a population increase just below the median of national areas by 2041. The area is projected to grow by 638 persons between November 2025 and 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 12.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Karama has less development activity compared to Greater Darwin.

This scarcity typically increases demand and prices for existing properties in the area. The level of development activity is also below the national average, suggesting that Karama is an established area with potential planning limitations.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. Two projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the region. Notable projects include Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, Berrimah North Area Plan, Darwin Corporate Park, and Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade. The following 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.

Karama shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Karama has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.6% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.4%. As of June 2025, 2,559 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.5%, higher than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.0%. Workforce participation in Karama was 63.5%, significantly lower than Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Retail trade has a particularly high employment share, at 1.3 times the regional level. However, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 14.5% of Karama's workforce compared to 19.5% in Greater Darwin. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.4%, while labour force increased by 2.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Darwin saw employment grow by 2.9% and unemployment fall marginally. At a state level, as of Nov-25, NT employment had contracted by 1.13% (losing 4,100 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.4%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project an expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Karama's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Karama SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $53,397 and an average level of $59,528. This is lower than national averages of $65,522 and $75,260 in Greater Darwin respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,810 and average income around $66,677. According to Census 2021 data, household, family and personal incomes in Karama cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows 34.6% of residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, consistent with regional trends at 36.7%. High housing costs consume 17.0% of income, placing disposable income at the 51st percentile.

Karama is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Karama's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.2% houses and 22.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Darwin metro had 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Karama was at 19.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.8% and rented ones at 39.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,028. The median weekly rent figure in Karama was $293, compared to Darwin metro's $350. Nationally, Karama's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950, while rents were lower at $293.

Karama has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.9% of all households, including 35.0% couples with children, 19.0% couples without children, and 18.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.1%, with lone person households at 22.3% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.7.

Karama faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 21.9%, significantly lower than the SA3 area average of 36.1%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 35.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (26.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 34.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.8% in primary education, 10.5% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 27 active stops operating in Karama, served by buses via 45 routes. These routes facilitate 2,400 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent accessibility, with an average distance of 140 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 342 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 88 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Karama is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Karama demonstrates above-average health outcomes for both young and old age cohorts, with low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,494 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Darwin (as of June 2021). Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.0 and 5.8% of residents respectively, while 74.7% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments (as of June 2021). This compares to 77.0% across Greater Darwin. The area has 12.0% of residents aged 65 and over (603 people), with health outcomes among seniors being above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Karama was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Karama's cultural diversity is notable, with 33.4% of its population born overseas and 36.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Karama, comprising 53.2% of people, while Buddhism is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin, making up 4.7%. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (18.6%), Other (17.8%), and English (16.0%).

There are also notable differences in the representation of Filipino (6.7% vs regional 4.7%), Australian Aboriginal (13.7% vs 7.4%), and Greek (4.0% vs 3.7%) ethnic groups.

Karama's population is younger than the national pattern

Karama's median age is 35 years, comparable to Greater Darwin's average of 34 years and marginally lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Darwin, Karama has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 years (15.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 years (12.8%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 65 to 74 age group grew from 7.3% to 8.3% of Karama's population, while the 55 to 64 age group declined from 12.5% to 11.8%. Demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Karama's age profile by 2041. The 55 to 64 cohort is projected to grow by 22%, adding 127 residents to reach 722, while population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 5 to 14 cohorts.