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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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Palmerston - North has an estimated 4,949 residents, up from 4,456 at the 2021 Census — a change of 493 people, or 11.1%. Growth has averaged 0.9% a year over five years, faster than 75% of areas nationally. Overseas migration accounts for 50.4% of that increase. That puts 1,038 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 investigations by AreaSearch, the population of Palmerston - North is estimated at 4,949 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 493 residents (11.1%) from the 4,456 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 4,949 alongside 16 validated new addresses identified after the Census. The resulting population density stands at 1,037 persons per square kilometer, a figure that aligns closely with typical results across other studied territories. This 11.1% expansion rate since the 2021 census outpaced the national benchmark of 9.3%, positioning the locality as a regional leader in population growth.
The expansion was largely propelled by arrivals from overseas, who accounted for roughly 50.4% of the total demographic gains in recent times. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, using 2022 as a baseline, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. In cases where these projections are unavailable, or to calculate development past 2032, cohort-specific growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data are applied. Future demographic trends point to a population gain that sits just below the median of all locations examined by AreaSearch, with the resident count projected to rise by 564 individuals by 2041 relative to the latest annual ERP statistics, indicating a total growth of 11.4% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
In Palmerston - North, building approvals have averaged approximately 2 residential units annually, with 13 residences authorized during the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and an additional 5 approvals recorded during FY-26 so far. Because housing construction has coincided with an influx of 16.8 new residents per completed dwelling over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 through FY-25, demand remains far greater than new additions, a dynamic that typically spurs price escalation and intensifies competition among buyers, even as new residential builds register a mean value of $246,000, which is below the wider region's baseline and offers cheaper entry points for buyers.
Additionally, commercial building approvals have reached $49.0 million this financial year, indicating a high volume of local business development. Building activity in Palmerston - North is quiet compared to Greater Darwin, running 86.0% below the regional average on a per capita basis. Such restricted building volumes generally reinforce the valuation and desirability of existing housing. This volume of construction is also lower than the national benchmark, indicating a mature marketplace and suggesting possible development barriers. Furthermore, all recent building works have consisted of detached houses, maintaining a suburban layout dominated by family homes preferred by those wanting extra space. Recording approximately 3266 people for each approved dwelling, Palmerston - North exhibits a highly established real estate market. Looking ahead, the population of Palmerston - North is projected to rise by 564 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly data from AreaSearch. If current building rates persist, residential supply might not keep pace with population expansion, which could exacerbate buyer competition and support upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Palmerston - North
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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 6 current infrastructure and development projects close to Palmerston - North, worth an estimated $775 million. 2 are already under construction and 2 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, national security and business parks & technology hubs. 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 performance is heavily shaped by developments in regional infrastructure, major construction works, and municipal planning. In total, 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are expected to influence this locality. Prominent initiatives include the Darwin to Palmerston Mass Transit Corridor, the Hudson Creek Power Station, the Marine Industry Park, and the Darwin Corporate Park, with the subsequent list outlining the most relevant items.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Berrimah Road Duplication - Stuart Highway to Tiger Brennan Drive
Planned duplication of Berrimah Road to a dual carriageway between Stuart Highway and Tiger Brennan Drive to improve freight efficiency, road safety and traffic capacity, supporting Darwin Port and future residential growth including Northcrest. The project remains in the Australian Government's funded road corridor program and is progressing through planning.
Northcrest
A 168-hectare master-planned community development delivering up to 2,000 housing lots. The precinct includes residential homes, parks, a government primary school, retirement living, and 56,000sqm of retail, dining, and commercial space.
Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road intersection overpass
Construction of a new overpass to improve road safety, reduce traffic delays, and increase freight connectivity. The new overpass carries Berrimah Road traffic over Tiger Brennan Drive. Final works include shared user paths, landscaping, and emergency services access.
Defence Establishment Berrimah Redevelopment
Base-wide redevelopment of Defence Establishment Berrimah (DEB), a tri-service Defence support hub located in Coonawarra, about 8km east of Darwin CBD. The project delivers upgraded in-ground services including power supply, water and fire water systems, sewerage and ICT infrastructure, along with security upgrades and construction of three deployable force precincts with hardstands, messing, ablutions and recreational areas. Internal road network improvements will be delivered if budget allows. Delivered under Defence's Estate Capital and Sustainment Works Program via a head contractor construct-only arrangement, with Jacobs engaged as Project Manager/Contract Administrator.
Darwin Corporate Park
Darwin Corporate Park is a premier business park for mixed use commercial office space located in Berrimah, recognised as the geographic centre of greater Darwin. The precinct currently comprises five premium three-level office buildings set on 25,800 square metres, holding a 5-star NABERS rating and campus-style landscaping with covered walkways. Stage 1 was completed in 2014 and is almost fully leased. Stage 2 delivered Building 7, a purpose-built 3,500 square metre call centre solely occupied by bet365 as its Australian headquarters.The masterplan envisions up to eight office buildings in total. The park was sold by Berrimah Holdings to a South Australian private equity group, Spencer Property Group, for approximately 78.5 million AUD in one of the largest commercial real estate transactions in Darwin's history.
Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
Upgrade of the existing wastewater treatment plant and associated pumping stations and rising mains, aimed at increasing robustness, optimizing treatment, improving environmental outcomes, and catering for future population growth until 2030. It was the largest sewer project ever undertaken by NT Power and Water Corporation.
2,861 residents of Palmerston - North are employed, from a labour force of 2,925. Unemployment sits at 2.2%, with participation at 76.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,854, about 118% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The employment landscape in Palmerston North features a highly skilled labor pool with strong representation across essential service industries. The region maintains an unemployment rate of only 2.2% and has experienced an estimated employment growth of 1.0% during the previous year. As of March 2026, there are 2,861 employed residents in the area. This unemployment rate sits at 1.3% lower than the Greater Darwin rate of 3.5%. Workforce participation stands at a relatively typical level of 76.7%, which is higher than the 72.7% recorded in Greater Darwin. According to Census data, just 3.4% of residents were working from home, although the lingering effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account when interpreting these figures.
The primary sectors employing residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. The community displays a marked concentration in the mining sector, where the employment proportion is 1.9 times higher than the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services are underrepresented, accounting for 4.0% of local jobs compared to the regional benchmark of 5.8%. The presence of 1.0 workers for every resident at the time of the Census points to a strong availability of local employment. According to AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS statistics, employment rose by 1.0% during the 12 months ending March 2026, while the overall labor force grew by 0.8%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point decline in the unemployment rate. This trend differed from Greater Darwin, where employment increased by 0.4%, the labor force expanded by 0.8%, and the unemployment rate rose by 0.3 percentage points. Employment projections published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context regarding upcoming labor demand in Palmerston - North. These forecasts, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future patterns. Nationally, employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these trajectories vary widely across different fields. Projecting these trends onto the industry composition of Palmerston - North suggests local jobs could grow by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, representing a simple weighted calculation for demonstration purposes that excludes local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Palmerston - North is $2,445 a week (about $127,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,182 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $69,884 a year against an average of $76,246. 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
The most recent ATO postcode records compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicate that incomes within the Palmerston - North SA2 are high on a national scale, with a median of $69,884 and an average of $76,246. By comparison, Greater Darwin recorded a median of $66,956 and an average of $77,199. Adjusted for a 9.41% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, current projections suggest figures of approximately $76,460 for the median and $83,421 for the average in March 2026. Census statistics show that household, family, and individual incomes in Palmerston - North are situated within the 89th to 90th percentiles nationally.
The largest income bracket accounts for 40.4% of residents (1,999 people) who earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the broader regional pattern where 36.7% fall into this bracket. A notable 35.6% of earners receive more than $3,000 weekly, indicating pockets of high affluence that support local commerce. High housing expenses take up 16.6% of income, yet robust earnings preserve disposable income at the 87th percentile, and the SEIFA index places the area in the 7th decile for income.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Palmerston - North had 1,432 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 86% detached houses and 6% apartments. 44% are owned with a mortgage, 45% rented and 12% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $460 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month, a total housing cost higher than 93% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 18.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential structures in Palmerston - North at the time of the last Census consisted of 86.3% detached houses and 13.7% alternative dwellings such as semi-detached homes and apartments, compared to 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings across the Darwin metro area. Home ownership in Palmerston - North was lower than the Darwin metro rate, standing at 11.7%, with the remaining properties occupied by households with a mortgage (43.7%) or tenants (44.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,000 was lower than the Darwin metro median of $2,100, while the median weekly rent was $460 compared to the Darwin metro figure of $385.
Nationally, mortgage payments in Palmerston - North exceed the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are also higher than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Palmerston - North counted 1,432 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,590 today, averaging 2.9 people each. 41% are couples with children, more than in 80% of areas nationally, against 25% couples without children. 17% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the majority of local households at 79.5%, which is split between couples with children at 40.6%, couples without children at 24.5%, and single parent households at 13.3%. Non-family households represent the remaining 20.5% of the community, with single-person households making up 16.5% and group share households accounting for 3.9%. The median household size stands at 2.9 people, exceeding the Greater Darwin median of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
20.3% of adults in Palmerston - North hold a university qualification, including 13.7% with a bachelor degree and 4.1% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 75% of areas nationally. A further 31.9% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational challenges exist within the locality, as the proportion of residents holding university qualifications (20.3%) is lower than the SA4 regional average of 31.3%. This gap presents opportunities for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational and technical expertise is common, with 44.2% of residents aged 15 and over possessing vocational certificates, divided between advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (31.9%). Enrollment rates in educational institutions are high, with 34.9% of local residents actively participating in formal study.
This student population includes 12.3% attending primary schools, 9.2% in secondary education, and 5.7% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Palmerston - North reaches 11 stops on 27 routes, timetabled for about 1,800 services a week. The typical home sits about 280 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.6 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
An evaluation of public transport options shows 11 active transit stops within Palmerston - North, consisting of bus services. These stops accommodate 27 different routes, which support 1,751 weekly passenger journeys. Transit accessibility is good, with residents living an average of 284 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the suburban character of the area, most workers travel outside the neighborhood, and private cars remain the primary transit mode at 92%. The average number of motor vehicles per household is 1.6. A minor 3.4% of the population worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic circumstances.
Daily services average 250 trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 159 weekly trips at each individual transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
75.4% of residents in Palmerston - North report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 81% of areas nationally. 5.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 57.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 12.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Public health metrics indicate notable challenges for Palmerston - North, as shown by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, which reveal high rates of common illnesses among both youth and older residents, alongside a high rate of private health insurance coverage held by approximately 57% of the population (~2,820 people). Asthma and mental health issues are the most widespread medical diagnoses in the region, affecting 7.8% and 6.7% of residents, respectively, while 75.4% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 77.1% in Greater Darwin.
The working-age population is healthy, showing low rates of long-term illness. Residents aged 65 and older make up 6.8% of the population (335 people), which is lower than the Greater Darwin proportion of 11.0%. Health trends among the elderly present some difficulties, with national performance metrics generally aligned with the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Palmerston - North is largely Australian-born, at 77.4% of residents, with 15.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (27.0%) and English (23.7%). 7.4% 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 Palmerston - North is higher than average, with 22.6% of residents born outside Australia and 15.8% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 41.6% of the population. The most prominent disproportionate religious representation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.2% of residents compared to 0.1% across Greater Darwin. Regarding ancestry based on parental birthplaces, the three most common backgrounds in Palmerston - North are Australian at 27.0%, English at 23.7%, and Other at 10.8%. There are also distinct variations in other ethnic origins: Filipino background is represented at 3.4% of Palmerston - North (compared to 3.8% across the region), Australian Aboriginal ancestry stands at 7.4% (compared to 7.0%), and Samoan ancestry is recorded at 0.3% (compared to 0.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Palmerston - North is 32, younger than 92% of areas nationally. 30.7% 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
Recording a median age of 32, Palmerston - North is slightly younger than the Greater Darwin benchmark of 34 and younger than the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Darwin, the area has a higher share of residents aged 5 to 14 (15.5%) but a smaller proportion of people aged 65 to 74 (4.1%). Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age bracket has expanded from 16.5% to 18.5% of the population, while the group aged 0 to 4 has contracted from 9.0% to 7.4%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate shifts in the local age distribution, with the 45 to 54 cohort projected to experience growth of 177 people (29%), rising from 619 to 797, while the 0 to 4 group is expected to grow by 1%, adding 4 residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Palmerston - North
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, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 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 May 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 — 16 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,456 at the 2021 Census → 4,949 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 (701041041). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.