Katherine

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

Katherine's population was approximately 11,050 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,392 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,658. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,868 in June 2024 and the addition of 80 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.5 persons per square kilometer. Katherine's growth rate of 14.4% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average of 9.9%. Natural growth contributed 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 growth estimations, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth rates 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. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 1,249 persons, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 9.7%.

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 annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25136 homes were approved, with a further 29 approved in FY-26. On average, around 0.9 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built over these five years.

This pace of new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing buyers with more options and contributing to population growth that could surpass current projections. The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $327,000. In FY-26, there have been commercial approvals totalling $488.8 million, indicating significant 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 balance between buyer choice and support for property values is evident in the area's development pace, which is lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing to attract space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 557 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Katherine will gain approximately 1,067 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 7thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that may 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 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 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 September 2025. There are 7,716 residents employed, with the unemployment rate being 3.5% lower than Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%. Workforce participation is high at 93.0%, compared to Rest of NT's 70.4%.

According to Census responses, only 4.4% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. 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 Rest of NT's 12.4%.

Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between May-24 and May-25, Katherine's labour force decreased by 1.3%, employment fell by 1.1%, leading to a drop in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years for Katherine, based on industry-specific projections applied to its employment mix.

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

The Katherine SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $63,205 and an average 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 the Rest of NT's median income of $53,572 and average income of $63,776. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $68,540 (median) and $75,736 (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. Distribution data shows that 35.9% of the community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (3,966 individuals), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 33.6% occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power, and 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

Dwelling structure in Katherine, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.9% houses and 20.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NT had 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Katherine was 16.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.2% and rented ones at 57.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, below Non-Metro NT's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Katherine was $295, compared to Non-Metro NT's $150. Nationally, Katherine's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 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, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 of 24.1% among residents aged 15+, exceeding 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (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 faces significant health 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.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~5,955 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but compares to 51.6% across Rest of NT. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.1 and 5.2% of residents respectively, while 77.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 78.4% across Rest of NT. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 9.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,074 people), which is higher than the 8.3% in Rest of NT. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 predominant religion in Katherine, comprising 43.0% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to the Rest of NT, making up 0.2% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (25.2%), English (20.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (19.5%). While Australian and English ancestry are substantially higher than regional averages, Australian Aboriginal is notably lower. Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Filipino (2.7% vs 1.4%), Maori (0.5% vs 0.7%), and German (3.6% vs 2.5%).

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

Katherine's median age at 33 years exceeds the Rest of NT average of 31 but is substantially below Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NT, Katherine has a higher concentration of residents aged 0-4 (7.8%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (12.2%). As per the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 14.4% to 16.5%, while the 25-34 age group declined from 19.3% to 17.9%. The 5-14 age group decreased from 15.2% to 14.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Katherine. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 26%, reaching 1,658 from 1,320. Conversely, the 35-44 age cohort is expected to decline by 45 people.