Larrakeyah

Population growth drivers in Larrakeyah are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Larrakeyah's population was around 4,400 as of Feb 2026. This reflected an increase of 457 people (11.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,943 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,389 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 2,256 persons per square kilometer, which was above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Larrakeyah's 11.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (8.2%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 81.6% 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas post-2032, AreaSearch applied 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). Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of national areas was projected for Larrakeyah. The area was expected to increase by 729 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 16.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Larrakeyah has averaged approximately 2 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 13 homes. As of FY-26, no approvals have been recorded yet. On average, around 24.5 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that supply is substantially lagging demand. This typically results in heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

Developers are focusing on the premium market, with new homes being built at an average expected construction cost of $795,000. In this financial year, $10.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Darwin, Larrakeyah shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 8th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice which supports interest in existing dwellings. This is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (22.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. Future projections estimate Larrakeyah to add 718 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Larrakeyah has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 1stth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 13 such projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Larrakeyah Defence Precinct Redevelopment, The Avenue Larrakeyah, Darwin Digital Hub, and Darwin Youth Centre. The following list details those expected to have the 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.

Employment conditions in Larrakeyah rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Larrakeyah has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 0.7% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Darwin's 3.1%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.1%.

There were 3,139 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 2.5 percentage points below Greater Darwin's rate. Workforce participation in Larrakeyah was 83.4%, higher than Greater Darwin's 76.0%. According to Census responses, only 5.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance.

Public administration & safety has particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Construction has limited presence with 5.1% employment compared to 9.2% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, labour force grew by 1.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In Greater Darwin, employment rose by 1.9% while unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Larrakeyah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The Larrakeyah SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $73,028 and an average income of $88,849 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is notably higher than the national averages for Greater Darwin, which were $66,956 (median) and $77,199 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $79,192 (median) and $96,348 (average). Census data from 2021 shows that Larrakeyah's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 86th and 94th percentiles. The earnings profile reveals that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is dominant, with 41.1% of residents (1,808 people) falling into this range, similar to patterns seen at regional levels where 36.7% occupy this range. Economic strength is evident through 36.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, which supports elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.2% of income, and strong earnings place residents within the 87th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Larrakeyah features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The latest Census evaluation of Larrakeyah's dwelling structure showed 22.0% houses and 78.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Darwin metro's 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Larrakeyah was at 15.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.1% and rented ones at 67.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, below Darwin metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent was $395, compared to Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Larrakeyah's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 61.4% of all households, including 24.8% couples with children, 31.8% couples without children, and 4.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 10.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Larrakeyah places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Larrakeyah's residents aged 15+ have a higher university qualification rate of 48.9%, surpassing the Northern Territory's 27.3% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 29.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 28.5% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 16.8%. Educational participation is notably high, with 32.3% currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.4% in primary, 9.3% in tertiary, and 4.1% in secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 9.3% in tertiary education, and 4.1% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Larrakeyah has eight active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by 30 different routes, offering 1,353 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 202 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 73%, while walking accounts for 10% and buses for 6%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 193 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 169 weekly trips per stop.

Larrakeyah's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in Larrakeyah, as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (2,868 people), compared to 57.8% across Greater Darwin and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, affecting 4.6% and 4.3% of residents respectively. 82.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. The area has 10.8% of residents aged 65 and over (474 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Larrakeyah was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Larrakeyah has high cultural diversity, with 32.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 40.0% born overseas. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 38.2%. Hinduism is notably higher than the regional average, comprising 11.6% compared to 4.2%.

Top ancestral groups are English (23.6%), Australian (18.5%), and Other (17.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Filipino at 3.2% (regional: 3.8%), Vietnamese at 1.2% (regional: 0.8%), and Korean at 0.6% (regional: 0.2%).

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

Larrakeyah's median age at 33 years is comparable to Greater Darwin's average of 34 and substantially below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Darwin, Larrakeyah has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (25.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group grew from 16.2% to 18.3%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.4% to 3.7%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort declined from 13.7% to 11.9%, and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 5.6% to 4.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Larrakeyah's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 45 to 54 age cohort projected to grow steadily, expanding by 162 people (34%) from 479 to 642. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 6% (11 people).