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 around 10,967 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 1,309 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,658 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,868 in June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 1.5 persons per square kilometer. Katherine's 13.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%). Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 60.8% 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 to each area, provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on demographic trends, a population increase of just below the median for Australian non-metropolitan areas was expected. The area was projected to expand by 1,249 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 10.5% in total over the 17 years.

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 18 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, around 0.9 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new homes has been $327,000. This year alone, 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 23.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This balance between buyer choice and support for current property values suggests a mature market with possible development constraints. Recent construction in Katherine comprises 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density nature while catering to space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 557 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Katherine is projected to gain 1,150 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Katherine has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that could impact the area. Key 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 in the area at this time, with an unemployment rate that is 3.5 percentage points lower than the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%.

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

While there are local employment opportunities, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, Katherine's labour force decreased by 1.3% and employment decreased by 1.1%, resulting in a fall of 0.2 percentage points in the unemployment rate. This contrasts with the Rest of NT where employment fell by 1.3%, labour force contracted by 1.2%, and unemployment rose marginally. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Katherine's employment mix suggests that 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 had a median taxpayer income of $61,407 and an average income of $67,358 in financial year 2022, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is slightly above the national average. In comparison, the Rest of NT had a median income of $51,655 and an average income of $61,577 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes for Katherine would be approximately $68,782 (median) and $75,448 (average). The 2021 Census figures indicate that 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 in Katherine earn between $1,500 and $2,999, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 33.6% occupy this income 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 evaluation, 79.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 20.1% being other types such as semi-detached and apartments. This is compared to Non-Metro NT's 77.7% houses and 22.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Katherine stood at 16.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.2% and rented ones at 57.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, higher than Non-Metro NT's average of $1,615. Weekly rent in Katherine was recorded at $295, compared to Non-Metro NT's $178. Nationally, Katherine's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 versus 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 constitute 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 account for 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%, exceeding the SA3 area average of 17.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational credentials are held by 42.5% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 31.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 36.6% 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.

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 notably low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 53% of Katherine's total population (~5,856 people) has private health cover, compared to 49.8% in the rest of the Northern Territory (NT).

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.1 and 5.2% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 77.1%, report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 78.3% in the rest of NT. Katherine has 9.6% of its residents aged 65 and over (1,051 people), higher than the 8.2% in the rest of NT. While health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population, they remain strong overall.

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%. Notably, Judaism, at 0.2%, is higher compared to the Rest of NT's 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (25.2%) and English (20.5%) are significantly overrepresented, while Australian Aboriginal (19.5%) is notably underrepresented relative to regional averages of 17.5% and 14.4%, and 43.9% respectively. There are also notable divergences in the representation of Filipino (2.7% vs 1.6%), Maori (0.5% vs 0.4%), and German (3.6% vs 2.5%) ethnic groups.

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

Katherine's median age in 2021 was 33 years, which is slightly higher than the Rest of NT average of 31 years but significantly lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NT, Katherine had a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (2.9%) and fewer residents aged 15-24 (12.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of Katherine's population in the 35 to 44 age group increased from 14.4% to 16.4%, while the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 decreased from 15.2% to 14.0%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate substantial changes in Katherine's population structure. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 27%, increasing from 1,303 people in 2021 to 1,658. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 age group is expected to decrease by 17 people.