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 is around 4,400 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 457 people (11.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,943 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,389 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,256 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Larrakeyah's 11.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded 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, which contributed approximately 81.6% 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). Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth compared to national areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 729 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an 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 around 2 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 13 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 24.5 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $795,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $10.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Darwin, Larrakeyah shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 8th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This is below 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. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits 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 show Larrakeyah adding 718 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Larrakeyah Defence Precinct Redevelopment, The Avenue Larrakeyah, Darwin Digital Hub, and Darwin Youth Centre, 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.

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

Larrakeyah features a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 0.6%, and 1.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,145 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.5% below Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (83.5% compared to Greater Darwin's 76.1%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 5.1% employment compared to 9.2% regionally. 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, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5% and the labour force increased by 1.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Darwin, where employment rose by 1.3%, the labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment fell marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Larrakeyah. 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 Larrakeyah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Larrakeyah SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $73,028 and an average of $88,849 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is extremely high nationally, contrasting with Greater Darwin's median income of $66,956 and average income of $77,199. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $79,192 (median) and $96,348 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Larrakeyah, between the 86th and 94th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 41.1% of residents (1,808 people), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 36.7% similarly occupy this range. Economic strength emerges through 36.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.2% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 87th percentile for disposable income and 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

Dwelling structure within Larrakeyah, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 22.0% houses and 78.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Darwin metro's 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Larrakeyah was lagging that of Darwin metro, at 15.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (17.1%) or rented (67.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Darwin metro average at $1,800, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $395, compared to Darwin metro's $2,100 and $385. Nationally, Larrakeyah's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 61.4% of all households, comprising 24.8% couples with children, 31.8% couples without children, and 4.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 10.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people 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

Educational attainment in Larrakeyah significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 48.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.3% in NT and 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 29.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 28.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (16.8%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 8 active transport stops operating within Larrakeyah, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 30 individual routes, collectively providing 1,353 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 202 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 73%, with 10% walking and 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 5.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 193 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 169 weekly trips per individual 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 demonstrates outstanding results across Larrakeyah, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (2,868 people). This compares to 57.8% across Greater Darwin and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and asthma, impacting 4.6% and 4.3% of residents, respectively, while 82.9% declared themselves as 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, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 32.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.0% born overseas. The main religion in Larrakeyah is Christianity, which makes up 38.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 11.6% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Darwin average of 4.2%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Larrakeyah are English, comprising 23.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 18.5% of the population, and Other, comprising 17.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 3.2% of Larrakeyah (vs 3.8% regionally), Vietnamese at 1.2% (vs 0.8%) and Korean at 0.6% (vs 0.2%).

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

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