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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Ludmilla - The Narrows has an estimated 2,766 residents, up from 2,563 at the 2021 Census — a change of 203 people, or 7.9%. Growth has averaged 0.7% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 68.3% of that increase. That puts 517 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis conducted by AreaSearch, the population of Ludmilla - The Narrows is estimated at 2,766 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 203 people (7.9%) from the 2,563 people recorded in the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 2,766 alongside 30 validated new addresses registered after the Census. With these numbers, the local density stands at 517 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and capacity for future urban growth. The 7.9% post-census growth rate of Ludmilla - The Narrows is within 1.4 percentage points of the 9.3% national figure, showing solid local growth dynamics.
Most of this growth was generated by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 68.3% of the total population increase in recent times. Projections from Geoscience Australia and the ABS published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2. For areas lacking this specific dataset, or to project changes beyond 2032, growth rates per age cohort are sourced from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Looking at future demographic trends, the area is anticipated to experience population growth above the national median, with an expected addition of 439 persons by 2041 compared to the most recent annual ERP statistics, indicating a total growth of 15.9% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Only 1 dwelling approval has been registered in Ludmilla - The Narrows over the last five years. This minimal development suggests a mature residential area with scarce opportunities for new builds. While this lack of supply can help preserve existing real estate values, purchasers should prepare for a stable market characterized by low transaction volumes. Building activity in Ludmilla - The Narrows is extremely low when compared to Greater Darwin, sitting at 91.0% below the regional per capita average. Such restricted construction typically drives demand and props up values for established properties.
This rate of development is also lower than the national average, reflecting a mature market that may face geographic or regulatory constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Ludmilla - The Narrows
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects inside Ludmilla - The Narrows, worth an estimated $7 million. A further 34 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $3.38 billion. 11 are already under construction and 12 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and development works are key drivers of regional growth. AreaSearch has identified 6 projects expected to influence the local area. Key developments include the Darwin Desalination Plant, the Darwin Mid Suburbs Area Plan, intersection upgrades at Dick Ward Drive and Fitzer Drive, and the Richardson Park Community Space, with relevant details provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Intersection Upgrade - Dick Ward Drive and Fitzer Drive
Road safety upgrade funded through the Australian Government Black Spot Program and delivered by City of Darwin. Works include reconstruction of the pedestrian refuge island, new traffic islands, separation of left and right turn lanes on Fitzer Drive, new road pavement, and relocation of a light pole to improve the right turn from Dick Ward Drive. Construction commenced on 11 May 2026 and is scheduled for completion by the end of July 2026, weather permitting.
Darwin Mid Suburbs Area Plan
A long-term strategic land use framework guiding growth and development across Darwin's mid suburbs of Nightcliff, Rapid Creek, Millner, Coconut Grove and part of Ludmilla. Prepared by the Northern Territory Planning Commission and finalised in July 2016, the plan has since been incorporated into the NT Planning Scheme 2020, with minor amendments made in 2020, 2023 and 2025. It balances tropical suburban character with higher-density development in focused activity centres, and sets a framework to accommodate a share of the 2,490 new infill dwellings forecast for the Mid and Northern Suburbs in the far term, alongside improved transport, open space and essential services.
Richardson Park Community Space
NT Government revitalised Richardson Park into a community sports and recreation precinct with two multi-purpose playing fields, shared path with lighting, picnic shelters and barbecue areas, new access road to Ludmilla Primary School and amenities including change rooms, toilets, storage, outdoor gym and playground. The project preserves the site's rugby league heritage and is now open for community use.
Calma Gardens
Established residential enclave in Ludmilla, Darwin, centered around May Street and known locally as the Calma Gardens estate. The place name was registered on 18 September 1985. The estate comprises low-rise villas and units with leafy streets, shared pool(s), BBQ areas and nearby playgrounds; ongoing real estate listings indicate it is an established completed neighborhood.
Northcrest - Berrimah Residential Estate
Residential stage within Northcrest, a Territory Government masterplanned estate in Berrimah, delivering 143 dwellings as part of the Northern Territory's largest residential subdivision. The broader Northcrest project provides house and land lots, affordable housing options, a childcare centre, parklands and other community facilities, and is developed by DCOH (formerly known as Halikos).
Social Housing Accelerator Payment (SHAP) - Greater Darwin / Nightcliff
The Australian Government committed $50 million to deliver up to 100 new social and accessible homes across the Northern Territory under the Social Housing Accelerator Payment (SHAP). The NT Government is delivering the program, with homes built to adaptable standards to suit seniors and people with mobility issues. In the Top End, the first 8 homes across Rapid Creek, Tiwi and Wanguri were completed in July 2025 by C&R Constructions. A further 6 Top End homes are due to commence October 2025 with completion by mid-2026.Concurrent construction is underway in Katherine East (9 homes), Tennant Creek (3 homes) and Alice Springs (6 homes), all targeting mid-2026 completion.
Nightcliff Village Masterplan
City of Darwin is delivering the Nightcliff Village Masterplan through staged public realm upgrades to revitalise the village centre. Stage 1 streetscape beautification was completed in November 2024, including upgraded pedestrian access, new trees, lighting, stormwater improvements, public art and laneway enhancements. Additional stages will progressively deliver further landscaping, seating, shade, artwork and public space improvements.
North One Hotel and Apartments
Proposed approximately AUD 200 million five-star beachfront tourism development at Little Mindil Beach comprising a hotel, serviced apartments, villas, dining venues, retail, function facilities, recreation areas and public spaces. The NT EPA determined in December 2021 that a formal environmental impact assessment was not required. As of 2025-2026 the project continues to be promoted by KITA Group and Arthur Winston Group, however no public evidence of construction commencement has been identified.
1,460 residents of Ludmilla - The Narrows are employed, from a labour force of 1,551. Unemployment sits at 5.9%, with participation at 69.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
A highly educated workforce is resident in Ludmilla - The Narrows, with strong representation in essential service industries, an unemployment rate of 5.9%, and steady jobs data over the past year. Employed residents numbered 1,460 as of March 2026, with the unemployment rate sitting 2.4% higher than the Greater Darwin rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation trailing at 69.4% compared to 72.7% across Greater Darwin. Census records indicate that a minor 4.6% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by COVID-19 restriction measures. The local workforce is heavily concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food.
In contrast, the health care & social assistance sector has a smaller footprint locally at 11.5% compared to the regional average of 14.2%. Although there are local employment options, a comparison between the Census working population and the local population suggests a large portion of residents travel outside the area for their jobs. AreaSearch assessment of SALM and ABS statistics shows that over the 12-month period, local employment rose by 0.3% while the labour force expanded by 0.8%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Greater Darwin recorded a 0.4% rise in employment and 0.8% in the labour force, with unemployment ticking up 0.3 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 offer additional context on future demand patterns for Ludmilla - The Narrows. These five-year and ten-year forecasts have been applied to local workforce data to project future trends. Although overall national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates fluctuate widely by sector. Applying these trends to the local industry mix suggests employment for Ludmilla - The Narrows could rise by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, noting this is a basic weighted extrapolation that excludes local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Ludmilla - The Narrows is $1,988 a week (about $103,000 a year), with median personal income at $966 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $54,391 a year against an average of $66,174. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Postcode data from the ATO aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023 indicates a median taxpayer income of $54,391 and an average of $66,174 in the Ludmilla - The Narrows SA2. These figures sit slightly below the national averages, contrasting with the median income of $66,956 and average of $77,199 in Greater Darwin. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since the financial year 2023, the updated estimates for March 2026 are approximately $59,509 for the median and $72,401 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes for the area were positioned around the 69th percentile nationwide.
Income brackets show 32.7% of the population (904 individuals) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is similar to the broader region where 36.7% fall into this category. Residents retain 85.8% of their income for non-housing costs, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 6th decile for income.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Ludmilla - The Narrows had 911 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 71% detached houses and 11% apartments. 29% are owned with a mortgage, 53% rented and 18% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $260 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,167 a month. Rent absorbs 13.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the most recent Census, the housing stock in Ludmilla - The Narrows consisted of 70.7% separate houses and 29.3% alternative dwellings like apartments and townhouses, compared to the Darwin metro mix of 63.5% houses and 36.5% other options. Home ownership was identical to the Darwin metro rate at 18.2%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (28.9%) or rented (52.9%). The median mortgage payment in the area was higher than the Darwin metro average at $2,167 per month, whereas median weekly rent was lower at $260, compared to regional figures of $2,100 and $385.
Nationally, mortgage costs in Ludmilla - The Narrows are well above the Australian average of $1,863, while rental costs are significantly lower than the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Ludmilla - The Narrows counted 911 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 983 today, averaging 2.6 people each. 30% are couples with children, against 26% couples without children. 22% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the bulk of the community at 70.7% of all households, which includes 29.6% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 14.1% single parents. Single person households account for 21.9% of the area and group households make up 6.9%, bringing total non-family households to 29.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, matching the average for Greater Darwin.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
30.8% of adults in Ludmilla - The Narrows hold a university qualification, including 21.1% with a bachelor degree and 6.4% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 23.9% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 133 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 895 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational benchmarks reveal some gaps in the region, with university degree attainment at 30.8% lagging behind the SA3 average of 45.3%. This gap presents an opportunity for focused local education programs. Among tertiary qualifications, bachelor degrees are the most common at 21.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 6.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Technical qualifications are common, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, split between advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (23.9%). Enrolment rates are high in the community, with 32.1% of residents participating in formal learning.
This figure is composed of 10.9% in primary schooling, 7.8% in secondary schooling, and 6.9% in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Ludmilla - The Narrows reaches 16 stops on 40 routes, timetabled for about 2,100 services a week. The typical home sits about 270 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services in Ludmilla - The Narrows include 16 active stops serviced by buses. These stops cover 40 distinct routes, generating 2,070 passenger trips per week. Transport links are good, with residents living an average of 268 meters from their nearest stop. Commuters mostly travel out of the suburb, with cars being the main transport mode at 86% and cycling at 4%. The average rate of car ownership is 1.3 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. Working from home was recorded at 4.6% in the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect pandemic conditions.
Daily service frequency across the transit network averages 295 trips, representing roughly 129 departures per stop every week.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
75.9% of residents in Ludmilla - The Narrows report no long-term health condition. 3.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health metrics for Ludmilla - The Narrows are favorable, with AreaSearch identifying low mortality rates and a low prevalence of chronic conditions across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is slightly below the SA2 average, with approximately 52% of the population (~1,441 people) covered, compared to 57.8% across Greater Darwin. Mental health conditions and asthma are the most common issues reported, affecting 6.6% and 5.0% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 75.9% of residents reported having no chronic health issues, compared to 77.1% in Greater Darwin. The working-age population exhibits strong health profiles.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 12.5% of the local population (344 people), which is higher than the Greater Darwin average of 11.0%. Seniors in the area record especially positive health outcomes, ranking higher than the general population benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Ludmilla - The Narrows is largely Australian-born, at 75.9% of residents, with 24.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (22.0%) and English (21.4%). 13.2% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Ludmilla - The Narrows is higher than in most comparable markets, with overseas-born residents making up 24.1% of the population and 24.6% of residents speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 37.2%. The area shows a notable concentration of Buddhists at 2.7% of the population, compared to 3.3% across Greater Darwin. Ancestry details indicate the three main backgrounds in Ludmilla - The Narrows are Australian at 22.0%, English at 21.4%, and Australian Aboriginal at 13.2%, which is higher than the regional average of 7.0%.
There are also differences in other groups: Filipino residents account for 3.7% of the population (vs 3.8% regionally), Sri Lankan background is at 0.5% (vs 0.3%), and Welsh ancestry is at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Ludmilla - The Narrows is 34, younger than 84% of areas nationally. 28.9% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 34 years in Ludmilla - The Narrows matches the Greater Darwin average of 34 but sits below the national median of 38. The suburb has a higher proportion of residents in the 75 - 84 bracket (5.2%) than Greater Darwin, but fewer young adults aged 15 - 24 (11.2%). Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 3.6% to 5.2%, and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 14.5% to 16.0%, while the 25 to 34 group dropped from 19.3% to 17.6%. Projections to 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to increase by 134 people (38%) from 353 to 488, while the 5 to 14 cohort is projected to see a change of 0 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Ludmilla - The Narrows
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2026 last month all 4 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 30 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,563 at the 2021 Census → 2,766 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (701011006). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.