Katherine

An assessment of population growth drivers in Katherine reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Katherine's population was around 11,269 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 1,611 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,658 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,269 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 1.5 persons per square kilometer. Katherine's 16.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.3%) and the state average, making it a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch applied growth rates by age cohort to each area, provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas. The area is expected to expand by 1,259 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 11.2% over the 16-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Katherine according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Katherine has recorded approximately 27 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 136 homes were approved, with an additional 31 so far in FY-26. On average, around 0.9 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built over these five years.

This pace suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and supporting population growth that may surpass current projections. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $327,000. In the current financial year, there have been $488.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to the rest of the Northern Territory (NT), Katherine has seen slightly more development activity, with a 24.0% increase per person over the past five years.

This balance supports buyer choice while maintaining current property values. However, this level of activity is lower than the national average, which may reflect market maturity and potential development constraints. Recent construction in Katherine comprises 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature. This focus on detached housing caters to buyers seeking space. The estimated population density is 557 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a quiet and less active development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Katherine is projected to gain 1,259 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with these growth projections, though increased competition among buyers may arise as the population grows.

Katherine has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub, Supporting Growth in Katherine East (Katherine East Residential Estate), Katherine Aquatic Centre Upgrade, and Tindal Village. The following list details those projects 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.

The labour market in Katherine shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Katherine has a skilled workforce with key sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1%. As of December 2025, there were 7,821 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, lower than Regional NT's 6.1%.

Workforce participation was high at 90.4% compared to Regional NT's 69.3%. Only 4.4% of residents worked from home according to Census responses. Major employment industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Katherine specializes in public administration & safety with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, but has a lower proportion in education & training at 10.1% compared to Regional NT's 12.4%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 1%, labour force grew by 1.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Katherine's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Katherine SA2 has a median taxpayer income of $63,205 and an average income of $69,841 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with Regional NT's median income of $53,572 and average income of $63,776. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,153 (median) and $76,413 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census figures, Katherine's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 73rd and 84th percentiles. Distribution data shows that 35.9% of individuals in Katherine earn between $1,500 and $2,999, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 33.6% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Katherine's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.9% houses and 20.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NT's 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Katherine was at 16.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (26.2%) or rented (57.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, below Regional NT's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was $295, compared to Regional NT's $150. Nationally, Katherine's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Katherine features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.8% of all households, including 30.7% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households comprising 5.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, smaller than the Regional NT average of 3.1.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 24.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 17.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 31.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 36.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.3% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Katherine's health profile shows significant challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence for common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~6,073 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly lower than Regional NT at 51.6%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (6.1%) and mental health issues (5.2%). 77.1% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 78.4% across Regional NT. Health outcomes for the under-65 population are better than average. The area has 10.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,122 people), higher than Regional NT's 8.5%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Katherine's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 17.7% born overseas and 22.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Katherine, comprising 43.0%. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Regional NT, making up 0.2% vs 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (25.2%), English (20.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (19.5%). Notably, Filipino (2.7%) and German (3.6%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.4% and 2.5%, respectively.

Katherine's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Katherine's median age at 33 years exceeds Regional NT's average of 31 but is substantially lower than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Regional NT, Katherine has a higher proportion of residents aged 0-4 (7.5%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (12.5%). Post the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 14.4% to 16.1%, while the 5-14 age group declined from 15.2% to 13.8%. By 2041, forecasts suggest significant demographic changes in Katherine. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 27%, reaching 1,711 people from 1,344. Conversely, the 35-44 age group is expected to decline by 22 people.