Chart Color Schemes
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.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Parap has an estimated 3,175 residents, up from 2,819 at the 2021 Census — a change of 356 people, or 12.6%. Growth has averaged 1.1% a year over five years, faster than 79% of areas nationally. Overseas migration accounts for 88.3% of that increase. That puts 2,886 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 by AreaSearch, the population of Parap is estimated to be close to 3,175 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 356 residents (12.6%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 2,819 individuals. The calculation relies on the ABS June 2025 estimated resident population of 3,175 combined with 2 validated new addresses confirmed since the Census. With a population density of 2,886 persons per square kilometer, the suburb ranks in the top quartile of all Australian locations analyzed. The population expansion of 12.6% since the 2021 census outpaced the national rate of 9.3%, establishing the suburb as a regional growth leader.
The increase was mostly powered by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 88.3% of the total population gains in recent times. AreaSearch utilizes the 2024 projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for SA2 locations, which use 2022 as their baseline year. For any SA2 regions lacking this coverage, and to calculate growth beyond 2032, growth rates categorized by age cohort are applied using the latest Greater Capital Region projections from the ABS (published in 2023 with 2022 data). Factoring in these demographic shifts, the population is projected to expand at a rate slightly below the national median, increasing by 250 residents by 2041 compared to the most recent annual ERP statistics, which translates to a total growth of 7.9% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Over the last five years, Parap has recorded only 1 residential development approval. This indicates a fully established neighborhood with sparse options for new build projects. This lack of fresh supply typically bolsters demand for existing properties and can help maintain stable price levels. Compared against the Greater Darwin region, development activity in Parap is exceptionally quiet, sitting 91.0% below the regional average on a per capita basis. This low level of new building projects generally reinforces the value and demand for established homes. The volume of activity is also lower than the national average, showcasing a mature market that may be limited by local planning constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Parap
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 38 current infrastructure and development projects close to Parap, worth an estimated $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
Changes to local infrastructure, planning initiatives, and major developments can significantly influence the performance of a suburb. AreaSearch has identified 2 projects that are expected to have an impact on this location. Notable projects include the Darwin Inner Suburbs Area Plan, Richardson Park Community Space, Elysium Green, and the Darwin City Stadium, with details provided for the most relevant initiatives.
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
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.
The Avenue Larrakeyah
Luxury residential apartment development comprising 54 premium one, two and three bedroom apartments with rooftop resident amenities in Larrakeyah, close to the Darwin CBD. Publicly available information indicates the project remains under construction, with apartment sales continuing.
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 Galleria (Former Coles Site Redevelopment)
A major revitalisation of the former Coles site into a premium mixed-use precinct in the Darwin CBD. The project includes a multi-level retail podium with a flagship supermarket, specialty retail tenancies, and alfresco dining spaces. The redevelopment aims to integrate seamlessly with the Smith Street Mall improvements while providing modern office space and potential hospitality facilities in the upper levels to drive city center foot traffic.
Mantra on the Esplanade Hotel Refurbishment & Apartment Addition
A major refurbishment and adaptive reuse project at the 88 The Esplanade site, involving the conversion of hotel rooms into private residential apartments and the refurbishment of remaining guest suites. The project includes upgrades to the penthouse suites and common areas, with active renovation works scheduled between November 2025 and April 2026.
Larrakia Cultural Centre
Major Indigenous cultural centre on the Darwin Waterfront celebrating Larrakia Country, language, culture and knowledge. The project includes exhibition galleries, performance and education spaces, retail, cultural experiences and landscaped public areas. Construction commenced in May 2024 following a ground turning ceremony, with Sunbuild appointed as the main contractor.
Elysium Green
Twin seven-storey apartment towers approved for a 6,300 sqm site at 4 Blake St, The Gardens, just outside Darwin's CBD. The development comprises 101 apartments (67 two-bedroom and 34 three-bedroom) with ground-floor commercial tenancies, basement parking, vertical gardens, a swimming pool and public art installations. The Development Consent Authority approved the project in August 2021, and after a decade-long dispute involving multiple NTCAT hearings and Supreme Court actions brought by the Planning for People community group, the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal upheld the approval in July 2025, clearing the way for construction to proceed.
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).
1,912 residents of Parap are employed, from a labour force of 1,963. Unemployment sits at 2.6%, with participation at 73.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% 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
Parap has a highly qualified labor force, strong representation in essential services, a low unemployment rate of 2.6%, and steady employment levels over the course of the year. As of March 2026, there are 1,912 employed residents, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.9% lower than the Greater Darwin average of 3.5%, and workforce participation levels aligned with Greater Darwin's 72.7%. Census data indicates that a modest 5.4% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure was likely impacted by pandemic lockdowns. The primary sectors employing local residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.
The suburb exhibits a clear concentration in professional & technical services, where its employment share is 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, construction has a relatively small footprint at 6.7% compared to 9.2% across the wider region. Even though local job opportunities exist within the suburb, comparisons between Census workers and the local population suggest many residents travel to other areas for employment. Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, the 12 months leading up to March 2026 saw employment rise by 0.3% while the labor force expanded by 0.8%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe in Greater Darwin, employment rose by 0.4%, the labor force increased by 0.8%, and unemployment climbed by 0.3 percentage points. Job opportunities in Parap can be further analyzed using the May-25 employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia. These five and ten-year forecasts have been combined with the local workforce structure to predict employment trends. Nationally, employment is expected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sectors will experience different trajectories. Applying these sector-specific models to the local workforce suggests Parap's employment will rise by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, which serves as a weighted extrapolation based on the local profile rather than specific population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Parap is $2,231 a week (about $116,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,281 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $72,127 a year against an average of $87,753. 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
AreaSearch's analysis of the latest postcode-level ATO data from the 2023 financial year indicates that the Parap SA2 recorded a median taxpayer income of $72,127 and an average income of $87,753. These figures are among the highest nationwide, compared to $66,956 and $77,199 in Greater Darwin. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates suggest a median of $78,914 and an average of $96,011 as of March 2026. Census statistics show household, family, and individual incomes are positioned high nationally, falling between the 79th and 94th percentiles.
The largest income bracket contains 37.0% of local taxpayers (1,174 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the metropolitan pattern where 36.7% fall into this bracket. Local wealth is evident with 33.6% of residents earning weekly incomes above $3,000, which helps sustain high-end retail and local services. Even though residents spend 17.2% of their income on housing costs, strong earnings place disposable income in the 77th percentile, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 8th decile for income.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Parap had 1,122 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 31% detached houses and 59% apartments. 24% are owned with a mortgage, 63% rented and 13% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $415 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,232 a month, a total housing cost higher than 89% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 18.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The housing profile of Parap at the most recent Census consisted of 30.6% separate houses and 69.4% alternative dwellings, such as townhouses and apartments, differing from the wider Darwin metropolitan split of 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Furthermore, home ownership in Parap trailed the metropolitan average at 13.2%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (23.7%) or renting tenants (63.1%). The median mortgage payment in the area was higher than the Darwin metro average at $2,232 per month, while the median weekly rent stood at $415, compared to metropolitan benchmarks of $2,100 and $385.
Nationally, mortgage costs in Parap are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well above the countrywide figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Parap counted 1,122 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,264 today, averaging 2.3 people each. 26% are couples with children, against 23% couples without children. 31% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 60.3%, consisting of 26.2% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 9.9% single parents. The remaining 39.7% are non-family households, which include lone person households at 31.2% and group households at 8.5%. The typical household size is 2.3 individuals, which is smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
43.8% of adults in Parap hold a university qualification, including 27.9% with a bachelor degree and 11.6% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 85% of areas nationally. A further 20.3% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 397 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,066 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
Education statistics in Parap are well above broader averages, with 43.8% of the population aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.3% across NT and 30.4% nationally. This educational profile leaves the suburb well-positioned for knowledge-based employment. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 27.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 11.6% and graduate diplomas at 4.3%. Vocational training is also common, with 31.5% of residents aged 15+ holding technical credentials, including advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 20.3%. Participation in study is high, with 31.1% of local residents enrolled in an educational program.
This group is composed of 9.5% in primary school, 7.2% in high school, and 7.1% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Parap reaches 12 stops on 31 routes, timetabled for about 1,900 services a week. The typical home sits about 190 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.2 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 Parap include 12 active stops serviced by a selection of buses. These stops accommodate 31 distinct routes, which combine to offer 1,930 weekly passenger trips. Access to transport is rated as excellent, with the average distance to a stop being 185 meters. Because it is a residential suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with private cars remaining the primary transport method at 85%, and 3% of residents choosing to cycle. Car ownership stands at an average of 1.2 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average.
A small proportion of 5.4% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules. Across all routes, service frequency averages 275 runs per day, which equates to about 160 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
76.9% of residents in Parap report no long-term health condition. 2.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 63.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
An analysis of health indicators reveals strong results for Parap, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic health conditions, with low rates of common health issues observed in both young and old cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, with approximately 63% of the total population (2,009 people) covered, compared to 57.8% in Greater Darwin and a national average of 55.7%. The most frequent health issues reported by residents were mental health conditions and asthma, affecting 6.5 and 5.6% of the population respectively, while 76.9% reported no long-term medical conditions, compared to 77.1% in Greater Darwin.
Residents under the age of 65 experience better than average health outcomes. The suburb has 12.5% of its population aged 65 and over (397 people), which is higher than the Greater Darwin average of 11.0%. Health indicators for senior residents are positive, with national rankings aligning with the broader community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
34.2% of Parap residents were born overseas and 25.7% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (23.3%) and Australian (19.0%). 3.4% 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
Parap exhibits higher levels of cultural diversity than most local areas, with 25.7% of the community speaking a language other than English at home and 34.2% born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 38.9% of residents. The most notable deviation from regional averages is in the Other category, which accounts for 2.0% of the population compared to 1.3% in Greater Darwin. Regarding ancestry, the top three backgrounds reported in Parap are English at 23.3%, Australian at 19.0%, and Other at 13.3%. There are also differences in the proportions of other ethnic backgrounds: Filipino residents make up 2.7% of Parap (compared to 3.8% across the region), Sri Lankan residents represent 0.6% (compared to 0.3%), and German heritage is recorded at 4.6% (compared to 3.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Parap is 36. 32.4% 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
With a median age of 36, Parap is slightly older than Greater Darwin at 34, but slightly younger than the national average of 38. Compared to the wider Darwin region, Parap has a higher percentage of residents aged 25 - 34 (20.9%) and a lower percentage aged 5 - 14 (10.2%). The concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 is higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 9.3% to 11.5%, while those aged 75 to 84 increased from 2.2% to 3.8%.
In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 11.9% to 10.2%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.7% to 11.3%. Projections for 2041 point to significant changes, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow by 25%, adding 89 residents to reach 448, while the 5 to 14 age group is projected to shrink by 18 residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Parap
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 — 2 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,819 at the 2021 Census → 3,175 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 (701011007). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.