Katherine
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of November 2025, Katherine's population is approximately 10,967. This marks a rise from the 2021 Census figure of 9,658 people, representing an increase of 1,309 individuals (13.6%). The ABS estimated resident population in June 2024 was 10,868, with an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a density ratio of 1.5 persons per square kilometer. Katherine's growth rate surpassed both national (8.9%) and state averages, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Natural growth accounted for approximately 60.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 post-2032 estimations, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort from the ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on current demographic trends, Katherine is expected to increase by approximately 1,249 persons by 2041, marking a total rise of 10.5% over the 17-year period.

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, around 136 homes were approved, with an additional 16 approved so far in FY-26. The average number of people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these five years is approximately 0.9 per year.

This suggests that new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $327,000. In FY-26, there have been commercial approvals totaling $488.8 million, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of the Northern Territory (NT), Katherine has slightly more development activity, with 23.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values. However, this activity is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises approximately 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is around 557 people in the area. Population forecasts indicate Katherine will gain approximately 1,150 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Katherine has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 2ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to affect this region. Notable ones are 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 most relevant.

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

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The employment environment in Katherine shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Katherine has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 2.4% as of June 2025. There are 7,733 residents employed, which is 3.5% below the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%.

The workforce participation rate in Katherine is 62.4%, compared to the Rest of NT's 50.7%. Public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training are the leading employment industries among residents. Katherine has a particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. However, education & training employs only 10.1% of local workers, below the Rest of NT's 12.4%.

While there are employment opportunities in Katherine, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and May 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.7% and employment decreased by 1.4%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, the Rest of NT saw employment fall by 1.7% and labour force contract by 1.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Katherine's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

Katherine has a median taxpayer income of $61,407 and an average income of $67,358 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with Rest of NT's median income of $51,655 and average income of $61,577. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest approximately $68,782 (median) and $75,448 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Katherine rank highly nationally, between the 73rd and 84th percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 35.9% of individuals 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

In Katherine, as per the latest Census, 79.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 20.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro NT's 77.7% houses and 22.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Katherine stood at 16.5%, with mortgaged properties at 26.2% and rented dwellings at 57.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, exceeding the Non-Metro NT average of $1,615. The median weekly rent in Katherine was $295, higher than Non-Metro NT's $178. Nationally, Katherine's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also 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, which is smaller than the Rest of NT average of 3.2.

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% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 17.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.5% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (31.0%).

Educational participation is high at 36.6%, with 16.3% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education. There are eight schools operating within Katherine, educating approximately 1,826 students. The educational mix includes four primary, one secondary, and three K-12 schools.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Katherine's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Katherine, with younger cohorts experiencing a very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 53%, covering around 5,856 people in total.

This figure is higher than the 49.8% average seen across the Rest of NT. The most prevalent medical conditions in Katherine are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.1% and 5.2% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 77.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 78.3% across the Rest of NT. In terms of demographics, 9.6% of Katherine's population is aged 65 and over (comprising around 1,051 people), which is higher than the 8.2% average seen in the Rest of NT. However, health outcomes among seniors in Katherine are particularly strong and warrant further attention compared to the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Katherine was found to be 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 predominant religion in Katherine, comprising 43.0% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Katherine, making up 0.2% compared to the Rest of NT's 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians make up 25.2%, English 20.5%, and Australian Aboriginal 19.5% of Katherine's population, differing significantly from regional averages of 17.5%, 14.4%, and 43.9% respectively. Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Filipino at 2.7% (regional average 1.6%), German at 3.6% (2.5%), and Maori at 0.5% (0.4%).

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

Katherine's median age at 33 years exceeds Rest of NT's average of 31 but is substantially lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NT, Katherine has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (2.9%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (12.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 14.4% to 16.4%, while the age group 5-14 declined from 15.2% to 14.0%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate significant changes in Katherine's population. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 27%, reaching 1,658 people from the current 1,303. Conversely, the 35-44 age group is expected to decrease by 17 people.