Thamarrurr
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Thamarrurr's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 2446. This figure represents a growth of 328 people, equivalent to a 15.5% increase since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 2118. The increase was inferred from the estimated resident population of 2442 in June 2024 and address validation as of the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.70 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person. Thamarrurr's growth rate since the 2021 census surpassed both the national average (8.6%) and state averages, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Natural growth was the primary driver for this population increase.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by these data and post-2032 estimations, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth rates provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future demographic trends suggest a population increase slightly below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, Thamarrurr's population is expected to reach approximately 2716, marking a total increase of 10.9% over 17 years.

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

Thamarrurr experiences limited development activity with an average of three approvals per year over five years (19 approvals). This is characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest, limiting construction activity by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Note: the small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Thamarrurr has much lower development activity compared to Rest of NT and national averages. Population forecasts indicate Thamarrurr will gain 267 residents by 2041.

Building activity is keeping pace with projected population growth, but buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Thamarrurr has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly impact performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects influencing this area. Notable initiatives include East Kimberley Clean Energy Project, Northern Territory Freight Rail And Logistics Capacity Improvements, Network Optimisation Program - Rail, and Coastal Hazards Adaptation Strategy. Most relevant projects are listed below.

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

Employment conditions in Thamarrurr face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Thamarrurr has a diverse workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs, particularly in essential services sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 27.7%.

In comparison, the Rest of NT's unemployment rate is 5.9%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Thamarrurr lags behind the Rest of NT, with a rate of 26.6% compared to 50.7%. Employment among residents is concentrated in education & training, public administration & safety, and other services. Notably, employment in education & training is higher than the regional level, representing 2.5 times the share.

Conversely, accommodation & food services have a limited presence with only 1.7% of employment compared to the regional average of 6.9%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as suggested by the difference between Census working population and resident population figures. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.8%, accompanied by a 3.8% decrease in employment, leading to an increase in unemployment of 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, the Rest of NT saw a marginal fall in unemployment despite similar declines in employment and labour force numbers. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 provide insight into potential future demand within Thamarrurr. These projections suggest that national employment could expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Thamarrurr's employment mix indicates a potential local growth of approximately 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, although these figures are illustrative extrapolations and do not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Thamarrurr's median taxpayer income was $31,089 and average income was $41,499 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of NT having a median income of $51,655 and an average of $61,577. By March 2025, estimates suggest median income would be approximately $34,335 and average income $45,831, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data shows Thamarrurr's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 28.7% of residents (702 individuals) had income within $0 - 399 range, unlike regional trends where 33.6% fell within $1,500 - 2,999 range. The prevalence of lower-income residents indicates constrained household budgets, with 50.7% earning less than $800/week. Housing costs are modest, with 94.0% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Thamarrurr is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Thamarrurr, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 75.7% houses and 24.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NT had 83.6% houses and 16.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Thamarrurr was at 5.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (0.0%) or rented (94.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $0, below Non-Metro NT's average of $1,346 and Australia's figure of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Thamarrurr was $50, significantly lower than Non-Metro NT's $80 and the national figure of $375.

Thamarrurr features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 87.1% of all households, including 50.4% couples with children, 13.8% couples without children, and 18.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 12.9%, with lone person households at 11.4% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 4.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of NT average of 3.5.

Thamarrurr faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 8.9%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 5.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational pathways account for 15.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 4.0% and certificates at 11.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 19.0% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 1.3% in tertiary education. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic College provides local educational services within Thamarrurr, with an enrollment of 456 students as of 2021. All one schools offer integrated K-12 education, providing continuity throughout students' academic journey. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs at 18.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.7, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Thamarrurr region with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 1,120 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are heart disease and asthma, affecting 4.5 and 3.4% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 86.9%, report being completely free of medical ailments, higher than the Rest of NT figure at 78.5%. The region has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 4.1% (around 99 people), compared to the Rest of NT's 9.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Thamarrurr was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Thamarrurr's cultural diversity was above average with 2.4% born overseas and 88.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the primary religion, comprising 52.2% of Thamarrurr's population. The 'Other' category overrepresented with 12.7%, higher than Rest of NT average of 6.9%.

Ancestry-wise, Australian Aboriginal dominated at 84.9%, significantly higher than regional average of 64.6%. Australians comprised 3.6%, lower than regional average of 9.9%. English ancestry was also 3.6%, lower than the region's 10.2% average.

Thamarrurr hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Thamarrurr's median age of 27 years is significantly lower than the Rest of NT's 31 years and Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 are particularly prominent, making up 20.6% of the population, while the 55-64 group comprises only 7.3%, which is smaller than in the Rest of NT. This concentration of those aged 15-24 is well above the national average of 12.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.8% to 16.8%, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 6.1% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 19.7% to 17.0%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 19.1% to 17.5%. By the year 2041, Thamarrurr is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 56%, reaching 407 from 260 people. However, population declines are projected for those aged 85 and above, as well as for the 15 to 24 cohort.