Ludmilla - The Narrows

Ludmilla - The Narrows 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, Ludmilla - The Narrows's population is around 2,708 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 145 people (5.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,563 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,695 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 506 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Ludmilla - The Narrows's 5.7% growth since the census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (8.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 59.2% 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, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 472 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 16.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Ludmilla - The Narrows has seen only 1 residential development approval in the past five years. Despite its established nature, the area has seen virtually no new residential development. This limited supply of new housing typically supports values for existing properties, though it may reflect factors such as planning constraints or limited market activity.

Relative to Greater Darwin, Ludmilla - The Narrows records markedly lower building activity (91.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints.

Ludmilla - The Narrows has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Darwin Desalination Plant, Darwin Mid Suburbs Area Plan, Intersection Upgrade - Dick Ward Drive and Fitzer Drive, and Richardson Park Community Space, 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 performance in Ludmilla - The Narrows has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Ludmilla - The Narrows possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.5%, and 0.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,462 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.4% above Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (71.8% compared to Greater Darwin's 76.1%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 11.5% employment compared to 14.2% 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, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 0.8% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Darwin experienced employment growth of 1.3% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a marginal drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Ludmilla - The Narrows. 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 Ludmilla - The Narrows's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% 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 above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The Ludmilla - The Narrows SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $54,391 and an average of $66,174 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is slightly lower than average on a national basis, 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 $58,982 (median) and $71,759 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Ludmilla - The Narrows cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.7% of the community (885 individuals), mirroring the broader area where 36.7% occupy this bracket. After housing, 85.8% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Ludmilla - The Narrows is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Ludmilla - The Narrows, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 70.7% houses and 29.3% 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 Ludmilla - The Narrows was in line with that of Darwin metro, at 18.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.9%) or rented (52.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Darwin metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $260, compared to Darwin metro's $2,100 and $385. Nationally, Ludmilla - The Narrows's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Ludmilla - The Narrows features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 70.7% of all households, comprising 29.6% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households at 21.9% and group households comprising 6.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Darwin average.

Educational outcomes in Ludmilla - The Narrows fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (30.8%) substantially below the SA3 area average of 45.3%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 21.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (23.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 6.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 16 active transport stops operating within Ludmilla - The Narrows, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 40 individual routes, collectively providing 2,070 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 268 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 4% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 4.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 295 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 129 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Ludmilla - The Narrows is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Ludmilla - The Narrows demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,410 people). This compares to 57.8% across Greater Darwin.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 6.6 and 5.0% of residents, respectively, while 75.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 11.7% of residents aged 65 and over (317 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Ludmilla - The Narrows was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ludmilla - The Narrows was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 24.1% of its population born overseas and 24.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Ludmilla - The Narrows is Christianity, which makes up 37.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which comprises 2.7% of the population, compared to 3.3% across Greater Darwin.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Ludmilla - The Narrows are Australian, comprising 22.0% of the population, English, comprising 21.4% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 13.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 7.0%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 3.7% of Ludmilla - The Narrows (vs 3.8% regionally), Sri Lankan at 0.5% (vs 0.3%) and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

Ludmilla - The Narrows hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

At 34 years, Ludmilla - The Narrows's median age is the same as the Greater Darwin average of 34 but is significantly lower than the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Darwin, Ludmilla - The Narrows has a higher concentration of 75 - 84 residents (5.0%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (16.2%). Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.5% to 16.1% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.6% to 5.0%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 19.3% to 16.2% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 7.0% to 6.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Ludmilla - The Narrows's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 149 people (39%) from 381 to 531. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort will grow by a modest 1% (2 people).