Palmerston - South
Statistical Area - sa2

Palmerston - South lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Palmerston - South's population, as of Nov 2025, is approximately 8,843. This figure represents an increase of 2,392 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,451. The growth is inferred from ABS data: an estimated resident population of 8,546 in June 2024 and an additional 482 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 354 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space for further development. Between the 2021 Census and Nov 2025, Palmerston - South's population grew by 37.1%, outpacing both national (8.9%) and SA4 region averages. The primary driver of this growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 66.8% of overall population gains.

However, natural growth and overseas migration also played positive roles. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch applies age cohort-based growth rates provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest significant population increases across statistical areas nationwide. Palmerston - South is forecast to grow by 2,187 persons to reach a total of 11,030 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 21.4% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Palmerston - South was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Palmerston - South has averaged approximately 139 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 696 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 57 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.5 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that demand significantly outpaces supply. This typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $292,000. In this financial year, $19.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Darwin, Palmerston - South exhibits 424.0% higher construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice, although recent construction activity has eased somewhat. This level is notably above the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 97.0% detached dwellings and 3.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (81.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 84 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Future projections anticipate Palmerston - South adding 1,890 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections and providing good conditions for buyers.

Palmerston - South has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. One major project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this region: Darwin Light Rail Stage 1, scheduled for completion on 30 June 2025. Other notable projects include Hudson Creek Power Station, expected online from January 2024, Marine Industry Park slated for opening in December 2026, and Darwin Corporate Park planned for occupation by late 2027.

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 Palmerston - South rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Palmerston - South has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 1.0% as of June 2025. This is lower than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.0%.

Employment growth in the area was estimated at 2.8% over the past year. As of June 2025, there were 5,147 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, and workforce participation at 80.1%, compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. The leading employment industries are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Public administration & safety has a particularly high employment share, at 1.2 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 3.8% of employment compared to the regional average of 5.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, while labour force increased by 2.9%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. In comparison, Greater Darwin recorded similar employment and labour force growth rates but saw a marginal decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that overall employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Palmerston - South's employment mix indicates potential local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Palmerston - South had a median taxpayer income of $70,898 and an average income of $76,309 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national averages of $65,522 (median) and $75,260 (average), as seen in Greater Darwin. By September 2025, these figures are estimated to have grown to approximately $79,413 (median) and $85,474 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01%. In Palmerston - South, incomes rank highly nationally, with household, family, and personal incomes all between the 91st and 94th percentiles according to Census 2021 data. The largest income segment comprises 44.0% earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly (3,890 residents), similar to the surrounding region where 36.7% fall into this range. A substantial proportion of high earners (36.7%) indicates strong economic capacity in the area. High housing costs consume 19.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 88th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Palmerston - South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Palmerston - South's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.4% houses and 18.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Darwin metro's 75.9% houses and 24.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palmerston - South was at 2.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 58.2% and rented ones at 39.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,300, higher than Darwin metro's average of $2,037. The median weekly rent figure for Palmerston - South was $450, compared to Darwin metro's $400. Nationally, Palmerston - South's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Palmerston - South features high concentrations of family households and group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 80.5% of all households, including 46.1% couples with children, 22.2% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.5%, with lone person households at 15.4% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.8.

The educational profile of Palmerston - South exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable within its region, with university qualification rates at 27.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 21.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 29.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 37.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.2% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education. Palmerston - South's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,632 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions with an ICSEA score of 1000, indicating balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 18.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.7, suggesting the area serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Palmerston - South has 12 active public transport stops. These are served by 34 different bus routes, offering a total of 1,986 weekly passenger trips. Residents' access to transport is rated good, with an average distance of 335 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 283 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 165 weekly trips per individual stop.

Palmerston - South's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Palmerston - South shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups.

Both young and elderly cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 58% of the total population (5,111 people) has private health cover, which is notably high. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.5% and 5.5% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 82.2%, report being free from any medical ailments, compared to 76.6% across Greater Darwin. As of July 2021, the area has 3.6% (319 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 7.5% in Greater Darwin. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to being above average compared to the broader population.

Palmerston - South 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

Palmerston-South was found to have a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 32.5% of its population born overseas and 29.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Palmerston-South is Christianity, accounting for 46.2%. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, comprising 5.1% compared to the regional average of 2.6%.

For ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (23.5%), English (19.6%), and Other (14.6%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Filipino at 8.8% (regional average 4.8%), Australian Aboriginal at 6.0% (vs regional 9.1%), and Indian at 3.1% (vs regional 1.6%).

Palmerston - South hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Palmerston - South is 29 years, which is lower than Greater Darwin's average of 34 and younger than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Darwin's average, the 35-44 age group is notably over-represented at 20.6% locally, while the 55-64 age group is under-represented at 3.9%. This concentration in the 35-44 age group is well above the national average of 14.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 45 to 54 age group has grown from 8.8% to 10.9%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 23.1% to 20.6% and the 0 to 4 age group dropped from 11.6% to 9.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Palmerston - South's age structure. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth of 56%, adding 546 residents to reach 1,514. In contrast, the 0 to 4 cohort shows minimal growth of just 7% (61 people).