Rapid Creek
Statistical Area - sa2

Rapid Creek is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Rapid Creek's population was 3,261 as of Aug 2021. By Aug 2025, it is around 3,408, an increase of 147 people (4.5%). This growth is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. The population density as of Aug 2025 is 1,775 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.6% 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. For areas not covered, growth rates by age cohort from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied. Projected demographic shifts indicate an above median population growth for national statistical areas. By 2041, Rapid Creek is projected to grow by 486 persons, a 14.3% increase over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Rapid Creek is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Rapid Creek has averaged approximately two new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 13 dwellings approved over the past five financial years between FY20 and FY25. There have been zero approvals so far in FY26. The area's population decline has likely resulted in new supply keeping pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $500,000. In the current financial year, there have been $1.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Darwin, Rapid Creek records significantly lower building activity, 66.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and potentially pointing to possible planning constraints.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies, indicating persistent strong demand for family homes. The location has approximately 1412 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Looking ahead, Rapid Creek is expected to grow by 486 residents through to 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Rapid Creek has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to affect the area. Major initiatives include Social Housing Accelerator Payment (SHAP) for Greater Darwin/Nightcliff, Nightcliff Police Station, CDU - Centre for Better Health Futures, and John Stokes Square Redevelopment. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

Employment conditions in Rapid Creek rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Rapid Creek has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.8%, lower than the national average of 4.5%.

Over the past year, employment grew by 2.8% while unemployment remained stable. As of June 2025, 2,202 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Greater Darwin's rate of 3.0%, and workforce participation at 75.7%. Key industries of employment include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Health care & social assistance is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety has limited presence at 15.0% compared to the regional average of 19.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the discrepancy between Census working population and resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.8% while labour force grew by 2.9%, with unemployment remaining unchanged. Meanwhile, Greater Darwin experienced employment growth of 2.9%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NT employment grew by 1.0% year-on-year, adding 1,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rapid Creek's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.0%% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

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

Rapid Creek's income level is extremely high nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Rapid Creek's median income among taxpayers was $73,694 and the average income stood at $85,824. This compares to figures for Greater Darwin of $65,522 and $75,260 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $81,388 (median) and $94,784 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Rapid Creek, between the 79th and 92nd percentiles nationally. The largest segment comprises 35.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,220 residents), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 36.7%. A significant 32.6% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 80th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Rapid Creek features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Rapid Creek's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 41.4% houses and 58.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Darwin metro's figures of 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Rapid Creek was 19.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.6% and rented ones at 56.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,956, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,028. The median weekly rent in Rapid Creek was $350, matching Darwin metro's figure but lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Rapid Creek's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

Rapid Creek features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 61.3 percent of all households, including 26.7 percent couples with children, 24.5 percent couples without children, and 8.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.7 percent, with lone person households at 30.0 percent and group households making up 8.4 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.7 people.

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

Educational attainment in Rapid Creek is notably high, with 54.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 27.3% in the Northern Territory (NT) and 30.4% in Australia overall. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 19.7% and graduate diplomas at 5.8%. Vocational pathways account for 23.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 14.9%.

Educational participation is also high, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in tertiary education, 9.0% in primary education, and 6.5% pursuing secondary education. Rapid Creek's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,360 students as of the latest data available. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1065. Educational mix includes one primary school, two secondary schools, and one K-12 school. Rapid Creek functions as an education hub, offering 39.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 16.9, and attracts students from surrounding communities.

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

Rapid Creek has 15 operational public transport stops. These are served by a total of 28 bus routes, offering 1,935 weekly passenger trips combined. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents situated an average of 235 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 276 daily trips across all routes, equating to around 129 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Rapid Creek demonstrates excellent health outcomes with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 63% of its total population of 2,157 people have private health cover, compared to Greater Darwin's 56.7%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in Rapid Creek are mental health issues (6.7%) and asthma (5.4%), with 78.4% of residents reporting no medical ailments. This compares to 77.0% across Greater Darwin. As of 2,150 people (10.6%), Rapid Creek's population aged 65 and over is lower than Greater Darwin's 12.3%. Despite this, seniors' health outcomes in Rapid Creek are strong and align with the general population's health profile.

Rapid Creek is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Rapid Creek has high cultural diversity, with 34.4% of its population born overseas and 29.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Rapid Creek, comprising 29.3%. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin, making up 9.1% versus 5.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (21.4%), Australian (19.9%), and Other (15.9%). Notably, French (1.0%) and Indian (4.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 3.2%, respectively.

Rapid Creek's population is younger than the national pattern

Rapid Creek's median age is 35 years, comparable to Greater Darwin's average of 34 and marginally lower than the national average of 38. Relative to Greater Darwin, Rapid Creek has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (24.0%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.9%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has grown from 23.1% to 24.0%, while the proportion of those aged 5 to 14 has declined from 11.6% to 9.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Rapid Creek's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The strongest projected growth is in the 45-54 cohort, with a 26% increase adding 107 residents to reach 527. The 0-4 group shows more modest growth at 6%, adding only 12 residents.