Larrakeyah

Population growth drivers in Larrakeyah are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

According to research conducted by AreaSearch, Larrakeyah has a population of approximately 4,731 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 788 people (20.0%) from the 2021 Census, when the population was recorded at 3,943 people. This population shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 4,731 as of June 2025 and address verification since the Census. Such a population size represents a density of 2,426 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the upper quartile of all Australian locations analyzed by AreaSearch. The area's 20.0% growth rate since the 2021 census was higher than the national average (9.3%) and the state average, establishing it as a regional growth leader. The population increase was mainly driven by overseas migration, which made up roughly 83.7% of the total population gains in recent times.

AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline year. For any SA2 areas where this data is unavailable, and to calculate growth across all locations after 2032, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort to each area, as detailed by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 data). Factoring in these projected demographic changes, an above median population growth compared to national areas is expected, with the locality projected to add 684 persons by 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP population statistics, representing a rise of 14.5% overall across the 16 years.

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

Larrakeyah has registered approximately 2 residential property approvals annually, representing a total of 13 homes during the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been documented. With an average of 47 new residents per year arriving for every dwelling built over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), demand is outstripping supply by a wide margin, which generally drives up prices and intensifies buyer competition, while new properties are built at an average value of $795,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium sector with high-end projects. Commercial approvals have also reached $10.5 million this financial year, showing moderate commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Darwin, Larrakeyah has roughly three-quarters the rate of new residential approvals per capita, placing it in the 7th percentile of areas evaluated nationwide, which translates to limited options for buyers and increases demand for established properties. This rate is also below the national average, indicating market maturity and potential development constraints. New developments consist of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% townhouses or apartments. This shift toward denser housing offers accessible entry points and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. Notably, developers are constructing a higher percentage of detached houses than the current mix suggests (22.0% at Census), pointing to sustained high demand for family residences despite density trends.

Future forecasts indicate Larrakeyah will add 684 residents by 2041 (derived from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates persist, residential supply may fail to match population growth, potentially heightening competition among buyers and supporting stronger price appreciation.

Larrakeyah has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 5thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and planning schemes have a significant impact on an area's trajectory. AreaSearch has identified a total of 14 projects likely to influence the locality. Key developments include Darwin Galleria (Former Coles Site Redevelopment), Larrakeyah Defence Precinct Redevelopment, The Avenue Larrakeyah, and Darwin Digital Hub, with the list below highlighting those of greatest 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, strong representation in essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of only 0.6%, and 1.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of March 2026, there are 3,155 working residents, and the unemployment rate is 2.9% lower than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.5%, with workforce participation remaining relatively standard (77.6% compared to Greater Darwin's 72.7%). According to Census responses, a low 5.6% of residents worked from home, although the impacts of Covid-19 lockdowns must be factored in.

The primary employment sectors for residents are public administration & safety, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. The suburb demonstrates an especially high concentration in public administration & safety, with an employment share that is 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, construction has a small footprint, accounting for 5.1% of employment compared to 9.2% regionally. Although local employment is available within the area, many residents appear to commute to other locations for work, based on the ratio of Census working population to the local population.

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, during the 12 months ending March 2026, employment grew by 1.1% while the labour force expanded by 0.9%, leading to a drop in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Darwin saw employment growth of 0.4%, labour force expansion of 0.8%, and an increase in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide additional context regarding future demand in Larrakeyah. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local employment profile to estimate growth trends. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary widely across different industry sectors. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to Larrakeyah's employment profile indicates local employment is set to grow by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate localized population forecasts).

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

The Larrakeyah SA2 has a median taxpayer income of $73,028 and an average taxpayer income of $88,849, based on the latest postcode-level ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures are among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Greater Darwin's median income of $66,956 and average income of $77,199. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023, current estimates stand at approximately $79,900 (median) and $97,210 (average) as of March 2026. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes all rank high in Larrakeyah, placing in the 86th to 94th percentiles nationally. The figures show that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common, containing 41.1% of residents (1,944 people), which corresponds with the region where this group represents 36.7%. The large proportion of high-income earners (36.9% above $3,000/week) shows strong financial capacity across Larrakeyah. Housing costs make up 14.2% of income, while solid earnings place residents in the 87th percentile for disposable income, and the area's SEIFA income score falls 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 mix of housing in Larrakeyah at the most recent Census consisted of 22.0% houses and 78.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' structures), compared to the Darwin metro mix of 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Furthermore, home ownership in Larrakeyah was lower than in the Darwin metro area, standing at 15.9%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (17.1%) or rented (67.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly lower than the Darwin metro average at $1,800, whereas the median weekly rent was recorded at $395, compared to Darwin metro figures of $2,100 and $385. Globally, Larrakeyah's mortgage payments are below the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households make up the majority at 61.4% of all households, consisting of 24.8% couples with children, 31.8% couples without children, and 4.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households at 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 qualification levels in Larrakeyah are significantly higher than broader averages, with 48.9% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 27.3% in NT and 30.4% nationally. This high level of education positions the area well for knowledge-based employment. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees (14.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational and technical skills are also common, with 28.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (16.8%).

Participation in education is high, with 32.3% of residents enrolled in formal studies. This comprises 9.4% in primary schools, 9.3% in tertiary studies, and 4.1% attending secondary schools.

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

Public transport analysis identifies 8 active transit stops in Larrakeyah, which are serviced by buses. These stops accommodate 30 individual routes, providing 1,353 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 202 meters from the nearest stop. Because it is a mostly residential area, the majority of residents commute out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary transport mode at 73%, followed by walking at 10% and bus travel at 6%. Motor vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A low 5.6% of residents work from home (based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect COVID-19 settings).

Service frequency averages 193 trips per day across all routes, which is equivalent to approximately 169 weekly trips for each transport 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 across Larrakeyah, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic disease rates with very low rates of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health insurance is exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (3,084 people). This compares to 57.8% in Greater Darwin and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, affecting 4.6 and 4.3% of residents, respectively, while 82.9% of the population reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 77.1% in Greater Darwin. The area has 10.5% of residents aged 65 and over (496 people). Health outcomes among older residents are strong, with national rankings matching those of the broader local 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 registers high levels of cultural diversity, with 32.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.0% born outside Australia. The principal religion in Larrakeyah is Christianity, representing 38.2% of residents. However, the most distinct variation is in Hinduism, which represents 11.6% of the population, significantly higher than the Greater Darwin average of 4.2%.

Looking at ancestry (defined by parents' country of birth), the top three groups represented in Larrakeyah are English at 23.6% of the population, Australian at 18.5%, and Other at 17.3%. There are also differences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Filipino is represented at 3.2% of Larrakeyah (compared to 3.8% regionally), Vietnamese at 1.2% (compared to 0.8% regionally), and Korean at 0.6% (compared to 0.2% regionally).

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

Larrakeyah's median age of 33 years is similar to the Greater Darwin average of 34 and is lower than the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Darwin, Larrakeyah has a larger share of 25 - 34 year-olds (25.9%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (9.0%). This concentration of 25 - 34 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Post-2021 Census figures show the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 16.2% to 17.6% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.4% to 3.6%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 group decreased from 5.6% to 4.6%. Demographic modeling indicates Larrakeyah's age profile will change by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort projected to increase by 165 people (32%) from 513 to 679, while the 0 to 4 cohort is expected to grow by 4% (9 people).