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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Karama's population is around 5,040 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 237 people (4.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,803 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,040 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,434 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Karama's 4.9% growth since the census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 61.7% 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). Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 638 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 12.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Karama has seen no residential development approvals in the past five years. This reflects a fully developed suburb with limited opportunities for new construction. The absence of new supply generally supports demand for established properties and can contribute to price stability.

Relative to Greater Darwin, Karama shows substantially reduced construction. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This is also below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

Karama has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, Berrimah North Area Plan, Darwin Corporate Park, and Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade, 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 drivers in Karama are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Karama has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 6.9%, and 1.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,481 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 3.8% above Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (66.9% compared to Greater Darwin's 76.1%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in retail trade, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, public administration & safety has a limited presence with 14.5% employment compared to 19.5% regionally. 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 1.5% and the labour force increased by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Darwin, where employment rose by 1.3%, the labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment fell marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Karama. 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 Karama's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% 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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Karama SA2's median income among taxpayers is $54,170, with an average of $61,683. This is below the national average and compares to Greater Darwin's median of $66,956 and average of $77,199. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,742 (median) and $66,889 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Karama cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 34.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,743 residents), mirroring the broader area where 36.7% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 17.0% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 51st percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Karama, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 77.2% houses and 22.8% 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 Karama was beyond that of Darwin metro, at 19.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.8%) or rented (39.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Darwin metro average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $293, compared to Darwin metro's $2,100 and $385. Nationally, Karama's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 73.9% of all households, comprising 35.0% couples with children, 19.0% couples without children, and 18.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.1%, with lone person households at 22.3% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

Karama 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 (21.9%) substantially below the SA3 area average of 36.1%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (26.5%).

Educational participation is notably 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 good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 27 active transport stops operating within Karama, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 45 individual routes, collectively providing 2,400 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 140 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 3.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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

Health performance in Karama is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Karama faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,509 people). This compares to 57.8% across Greater Darwin. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.0 and 5.8% of residents, respectively, while 74.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 12.5% of residents aged 65 and over (631 people), which is higher than the 10.8% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 33.4% of its population born overseas and 36.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Karama is Christianity, which makes up 53.2% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 4.7% 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 Karama are Australian, comprising 18.6% of the population, Other, comprising 17.8% of the population, and English, comprising 16.0% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 21.7%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 6.7% of the population (vs 3.8% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 13.7% (vs 7.0%) and Greek at 4.0% (vs 2.3%).

Karama's population is younger than the national pattern

At 35 years, Karama's median age is comparable to the Greater Darwin average of 34 and marginally lower than the 38-year national average. Relative to Greater Darwin, Karama has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (8.7%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (12.4%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 7.3% to 8.7% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.1% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 7.0% to 6.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Karama's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 21%, adding 136 residents to reach 795. On the other hand, numbers in the 0 to 4 age range are expected to fall by 1.