Parap
Statistical Area - sa2

Parap has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Parap's population, as of Aug 2025, is approximately 2980. This figure represents a rise from the 2021 Census count of 2819 people, an increase of 161 individuals (5.7%). The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 2969 in June 2024 and two additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2709 persons per square kilometer, placing Parap in the upper quartile compared to other national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Parap has exhibited resilient growth patterns with an annual compound growth rate of 1.2%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth, contributing approximately 80.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch uses age cohort-based growth rates provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering projected demographic shifts, Parap is expected to grow by around 233 persons by 2041, with an overall increase of approximately 7.5% over the 17-year period.

Residential dwelling approval activity has been practically non-existent in Parap

Parap has averaged approximately one new dwelling approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY20 to FY25, 5 dwellings were approved in total, with an additional 3 approvals so far in FY26.

The area has experienced population decline, suggesting that new supply may have been keeping up with demand, offering buyers good choice. There have also been $3.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Darwin, Parap records markedly lower building activity, 92.0% below the regional average per person.

This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. When measured nationally, Parap's development activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Future projections show Parap adding 222 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Parap has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 3rdth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. Two projects identified by AreaSearch may impact this area. Notable projects are Darwin Inner Suburbs Area Plan, Richardson Park Community Space, Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct, and Elysium Green. Below details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Parap performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Parap has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% as of June 2025, which is lower than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.0%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.0%. As of June 2025, 1,901 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Greater Darwin's rate and a workforce participation rate of 74.2%, compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. Notably, professional & technical employment levels are at 1.6 times the regional average, while construction has limited presence with 6.7% employment compared to the regional average of 9.2%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.0%, and labour force increased by 2.9%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Greater Darwin saw employment growth of 2.9% and a marginal decrease in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NT employment grew by 1.0% year-on-year with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, outpacing the national average of 0.26%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Parap's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

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

Parap's median income among taxpayers was $70,759 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $87,352 during the same period. These figures compare to those of Greater Darwin, which had a median income of $65,522 and an average income of $75,260. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $78,146 and the average income around $96,472 as of March 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Parap all rank highly nationally, between the 80th and 94th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 37.0% of residents (1,102 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to the regional figure of 36.7%. Economic strength is evident with 33.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 17.2% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 77th percentile nationally. Parap's area has an SEIFA income ranking in the 8th decile.

Parap features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The latest Census evaluation revealed that 30.6% of dwellings in Parap were houses, with the remaining 69.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. In contrast, Darwin metro had 23.6% houses and 76.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parap stood at 13.2%, with mortgaged properties at 23.7% and rented dwellings making up 63.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Parap was $2,232, exceeding the Darwin metro average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Parap was $415, compared to $420 in Darwin metro. Nationally, Parap's median monthly mortgage repayment is higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and its median weekly rent figure is substantially above the national figure of $375.

Parap features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 60.3% of all households, including 26.2% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.7%, with lone person households at 31.2% and group households comprising 8.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches the Greater Darwin average.

Parap shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In Parap, educational attainment is notably high. Among residents aged 15 and above, 43.8% hold university qualifications, exceeding both the Northern Territory's (27.3%) and Australia's (30.4%) averages. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area, positioning it favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 27.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.5% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (20.3%). Educational participation is high, with 31.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 7.1% pursuing tertiary education. Parap Primary School serves the local community, enrolling 397 students. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. Parap demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions, as indicated by its ICSEA score of 1066.

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

Transport analysis indicates twelve active public transport stops operating within Parap. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling twenty-nine individual routes. Collectively, they facilitate 1,915 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 185 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 273 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 159 weekly trips per individual stop.

Parap's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Parap demonstrates excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (1,901 people), compared to 61.3% in Greater Darwin and 55.3% nationally. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 6.5% and 5.6% of residents respectively.

A significant majority, 76.9%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 79.9% in Greater Darwin. Parap has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.0% (359 people), compared to 11.0% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

Parap 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

Parap has a higher level of cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 34.2% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Parap, comprising 38.9% of its people. The most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which makes up 2.0% of Parap's population compared to 1.4% across Greater Darwin.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (23.3%), Australian (19.0%), and Other (13.3%). There are also significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Filipino is overrepresented at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 2.9%, Sri Lankan at 0.6% versus 0.7%, and German at 4.6% compared to 3.3%.

Parap's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Parap's median age is 36, slightly higher than Greater Darwin's 34 but lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Darwin, Parap has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (20.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.2%). The 25-34 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 9.3% to 10.9%, while the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 2.2% to 3.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 11.9% to 10.2%, and the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 12.7% to 11.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Parap. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow by 26%, adding 84 residents to reach a total of 415. Meanwhile, both the 25 to 34 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.