Rapid Creek

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, as of November 2025, is approximately 3,410. This figure represents an increase of 149 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,261. The growth is inferred from ABS data: an estimated resident population of 3,408 in June 2024 and one validated new address post-Census. This results in a population density of 1,776 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.6% of recent population gains.

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 and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on projected demographic shifts, Rapid Creek is expected to have above median population growth, with an increase of 486 persons to 2041, reflecting a 14.2% total increase over the 17-year period.

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 over the past five financial years, totalling 11 homes. In FY26 so far, one approval has been recorded. The area's population decline suggests that new supply is likely keeping pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $459,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $1.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Darwin, Rapid Creek records significantly lower building activity, 66.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This is also below national averages, suggesting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining Rapid Creek'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 (41.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes despite densification trends.

The location has approximately 1412 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Rapid Creek is expected to grow by 484 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Rapid Creek has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 1stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects that could affect this region: Social Housing Accelerator Payment (SHAP) in Greater Darwin/Nightcliff, CDU's Centre for Better Health Futures, John Stokes Square Redevelopment, and CDU's Trades Training Centre. The following 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.

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

Rapid Creek has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.8%, lower than the Greater Darwin rate of 3.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.9%. As of September 2025, there are 2,191 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Greater Darwin's rate and workforce participation at 75.7%, higher than Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Health care & social assistance shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while public administration & safety has a limited presence at 15.0% compared to 19.5% regionally.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.9%, labour force by 1.7%, leading to a unemployment rate decrease of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Darwin experienced employment growth of 1.9% and labour force growth of 1.9%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NT employment contracted by 1.13%, with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, closely matching the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rapid Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The Rapid Creek SA2 had an extremely high national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. The median income among taxpayers was $73,694 and the average income stood at $85,824. These figures compared with those of Greater Darwin's which were $65,522 and $75,260 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $82,545 (median) and $96,131 (average) as of September 2025. Census data revealed that household, family and personal incomes all ranked highly in Rapid Creek, between the 78th and 92nd percentiles nationally. The largest segment comprised 35.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,220 residents), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represented 36.7%. A significant 32.6% earned above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drove robust local economic activity. Housing accounted for 14.0% of income while strong earnings ranked residents within the 80th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 41.4% houses and 58.7% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Darwin metro's 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rapid Creek stood at 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% of all households, including 26.7% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households making up 8.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.7.

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

Rapid Creek has a notably high level of educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above. Specifically, 54.2% have university qualifications, which is significantly higher than the Northern Territory's average of 27.3% and Australia's average of 30.4%. This indicates a substantial educational advantage for the area, positioning it favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the 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 among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 14.9%. Educational participation is particularly high in Rapid Creek, 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.

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 mix of buses along 28 different routes, offering a total of 1,935 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 235 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 276 daily trips, equating to about 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 shows excellent health outcomes across all ages, with very low prevalence of common conditions. Private health cover stands at approximately 63% (2,158 people), compared to Greater Darwin's 56.7%. Nationally, it averages 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 6.7% and 5.4% respectively. 78.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Darwin's 77.0%. The area has 10.6% (362 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Darwin's 12.3%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

Rapid Creek 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

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

The top three ancestry groups in Rapid Creek are English (21.4%), Australian (19.9%), and Other (15.9%). There are also significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: French is overrepresented at 1.0% compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Indian is at 4.5% versus 3.2%, and Australian Aboriginal is at 4.6% compared to 7.4%.

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 years. Relative to Greater Darwin, Rapid Creek has a higher concentration of 25-34 year-olds at 24.0%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 9.9%. This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 23.1% to 24.0%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 9.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Rapid Creek's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort projected to grow by 26%, adding 107 residents to reach 527. The 0 to 4 group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 6%, adding only 12 residents.