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 August 2025, is approximately 2,980 people. This figure represents an increase of 161 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,819. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 2,969 as of June 2024 and two additional validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,709 persons per square kilometer, placing Parap in the upper quartile compared to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Parap has exhibited resilient growth patterns with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and applies growth rates by age cohort to areas not covered by this data, as provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on projected demographic shifts, Parap is expected to grow by approximately 233 persons to reach a population of around 3,213 by 2041, with an overall increase of about 7.5% over the 17-year period.

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

Parap has seen minimal dwelling approvals in recent years, totalling 1 home over the past five financial years. As of FY26, 3 approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline suggests new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers.

This year has seen $3.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating Parap's residential character. Compared to Greater Darwin, Parap records significantly lower building activity, being 91.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically enhances demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. Two projects identified by AreaSearch are likely to impact this area. Key projects include Darwin Inner Suburbs Area Plan, Richardson Park Community Space, Elysium Green, and Darwin Mid Suburbs Area Plan. The following list details those most relevant:.

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.

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

Parap has a highly educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate as of June 2025 is 2.1%, showing an estimated employment growth of 3.0% over the past year.

This rate is 0.9% lower than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.0%. Workforce participation in Parap is 74.2%, compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.7% compared to the regional average of 9.2%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment in Parap increased by 3.0%, while labour force increased by 2.9%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Darwin experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a marginal drop. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May 2025, project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2022, Parap had a median income among taxpayers of $70,759 with the average level standing at $87,352. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to levels of $65,522 and $75,260 across Greater Darwin respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $79,257 (median) and $97,843 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Parap, between the 80th and 94th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment comprises 37.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,102 residents), reflecting patterns seen regionally where 36.7% similarly occupy this range. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 33.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 17.2% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 77th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it 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 evaluated Parap's dwelling structure as 30.6% houses and 69.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Darwin metro's 23.6% houses and 76.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parap was at 13.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.7% and rented ones at 63.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Parap was $2,232, higher than Darwin metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Parap was recorded at $415, compared to Darwin metro's $420. Nationally, Parap's median monthly mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 account for 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 notably exceeds broader metrics. Among residents aged 15+, 43.8% possess university qualifications, compared to 27.3% in the Northern Territory (NT) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are 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 aged 15+ holding such qualifications - 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, 7.2% in secondary, and 7.1% pursuing tertiary education. Parap Primary School serves the local community, enrolling 397 students, and offers above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1066). The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby.

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

Transport analysis shows 12 active stops operating within Parap. These stops serve a mix of buses, with 29 individual routes providing service. Weekly passenger trips total 1,915 across these routes.

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

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

Parap's health outcomes show exceptional results across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover stands at approximately 64% of Parap's total population (1,901 people), compared to Greater Darwin's 61.3%, and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Parap, affecting 6.5% and 5.6% of residents respectively.

A significant majority, 76.9%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Darwin's 79.9%. Parap has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.0% (359 people) than Greater Darwin's 11.0%. Health outcomes among seniors in Parap are notably strong, mirroring 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 was found to have a higher 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 population. Notably, the category 'Other' comprises 2.0% of Parap's population, which is higher than the regional average of 1.4%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (23.3%), Australian (19.0%), and Other (13.3%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences in representation: Filipino at 2.7% in Parap compared to 2.9% regionally, Sri Lankan at 0.6% versus 0.7%, and German at 4.6% versus 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%). This 25-34 concentration is significantly higher than the national figure 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 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 10.2%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 12.7% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for Parap in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 45 to 54 cohort 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.