Malak - Marrara

Malak - Marrara 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, Malak - Marrara's population is around 4,656 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 315 people (7.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,341 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,656 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 964 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Malak - Marrara's 7.3% growth since the census positions it within 0.1 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 55.7% 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 national statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 837 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 18.0% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Malak - Marrara is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Malak - Marrara has recorded around 2 residential properties granted approval each year. As the area has experienced population decline, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers. Also, $11.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Relative to Greater Darwin, Malak - Marrara shows substantially reduced construction. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints.

Malak - Marrara has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 3rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Berrimah North Area Plan, Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, Northern Suburbs Youth Hub, and Leanyer Primary School, 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.

The labour market performance in Malak - Marrara lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Malak - Marrara features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 8.2%, and 2.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,352 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 5.1% above Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (67.8% compared to Greater Darwin's 76.1%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 16.9% versus the regional average of 19.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.3% and the labour force increased by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.0 percentage points. This compares to Greater Darwin, where employment grew by 1.3%, the labour force expanded 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 Malak - Marrara. 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 Malak - Marrara's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Malak - Marrara SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $60,634 with the average level standing at $69,043. This is slightly above average nationally and compares to levels of $66,956 and $77,199 across Greater Darwin respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $65,752 (median) and $74,870 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 72nd percentile ($938 weekly), while household income sits at the 51st percentile. Distribution data shows 30.4% of the population (1,415 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 36.7% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.9% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 51st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Malak - Marrara displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Malak - Marrara, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 63.6% houses and 36.4% 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 Malak - Marrara was well beyond that of Darwin metro, at 25.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.8%) or rented (39.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Darwin metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Darwin metro's $2,100 and $385. Nationally, Malak - Marrara's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Malak - Marrara features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 68.9% of all households, comprising 27.3% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.1%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 5.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Darwin average.

Educational outcomes in Malak - Marrara fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (24.2%) substantially below the SA3 area average of 36.1%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (26.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.5% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 4.9% 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 31 active transport stops operating within Malak - Marrara, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 57 individual routes, collectively providing 2,918 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 201 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 4.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 416 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 94 weekly trips per individual stop.

Malak - Marrara's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Malak-Marrara's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~2,481 people). This compares to 57.8% across Greater Darwin.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and arthritis, impacting 6.4 and 6.3% of residents, respectively, while 72.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 16.3% of residents aged 65 and over (759 people), which is higher than the 10.8% in Greater Darwin. 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 Malak - Marrara was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Malak - Marrara was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 28.3% of its population born overseas and 25.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Malak - Marrara is Christianity, which makes up 51.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which comprises 3.2% 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 Malak - Marrara are Australian, comprising 21.2% of the population, English, comprising 18.4% of the population, and Other, comprising 14.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 4.5% of Malak - Marrara (vs 3.8% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 12.3% (vs 7.0%) and Maori at 0.8% (vs 0.6%).

Malak - Marrara's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Malak - Marrara's median age of 38 years stands materially older than Greater Darwin's 34, though in line with the 38-year national average. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 10.1% compared to Greater Darwin, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.2%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.5% to 5.1% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.0% to 15.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.3% to 11.9% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 13.4% to 12.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Malak - Marrara. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 178 people (29%) from 620 to 799. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 5% (16 people).