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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Katherine's population is around 11,050 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,392 people (14.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,658 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,868 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 80 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.5 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Katherine's 14.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 60.8% 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). Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 1,249 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 9.7% 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 around 27 residential properties granted approval each year, with 136 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 30 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.9 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new homes are being built at an average value of $327,000. There have also been $488.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to the Rest of NT, Katherine has slightly more development (23.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 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 count of 557 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Katherine will gain 1,067 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 7 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub, Supporting Growth in Katherine East (Katherine East Residential Estate), the Katherine Aquatic Centre Upgrade, and Tindal Village, 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.

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

Katherine possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and 1.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,821 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.6% below Regional NT's rate of 6.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (94.4% compared to Regional NT's 71.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. In contrast, education & training employs just 10.1% of local workers, below Regional NT's 12.4%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.0% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NT, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.1%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Katherine. 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 Katherine's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Katherine SA2 shows 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 FY-23. This is just above 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 8.44% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $68,540 (median) and $75,736 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Katherine, between the 73rd and 84th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 35.9% of the community (3,966 individuals), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 33.6% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of income, reflecting 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 within Katherine, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.9% houses and 20.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NT's 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Katherine was higher than that of Regional NT, at 16.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.2%) or rented (57.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional NT average at $1,625, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $295, compared to Regional NT's $1,733 and $150. Nationally, Katherine's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 70.8% of all households, comprising 30.7% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households comprising 5.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is 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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (24.1% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA3 area average of 17.4%, reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (31.0%).

Educational participation is notably 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 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 just leads the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~5,955 people). This compares to 51.6% across Regional NT.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.1 and 5.2% of residents, respectively, while 77.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 78.4% across Regional 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 Regional 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 is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 17.7% of its population born overseas and 22.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Katherine is Christianity, which makes up 43.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NT.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Katherine are Australian, comprising 25.2% of the population (substantially higher than the regional average of 14.9%), English, comprising 20.5% of the population (substantially higher than the regional average of 14.3%), and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 19.5% of the population (notably lower than the regional average of 43.6%). Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 2.7% of Katherine (vs 1.4% regionally), Maori at 0.5% (vs 0.7%), and German at 3.6% (vs 2.5%).

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

At 33 years, Katherine's median age modestly exceeds the Regional NT average of 31 yet is substantially under Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional NT, Katherine has a higher concentration of 0 - 4 residents (7.8%) but fewer 15 - 24 year-olds (12.2%). Following the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.4% to 16.5% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 19.3% to 17.9% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 15.2% to 14.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Katherine. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 26% (337 people), reaching 1,658 from 1,320. On the other hand, the 35 to 44 cohort is projected to decline by 45 people.