Virginia

Virginia has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Virginia's population is around 3,632 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 435 people (13.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,197 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,598 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 66 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Virginia's 13.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (9.6%) and Greater Darwin, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 40.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is applying growth rates by age cohort to each area, as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 947 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 25.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Virginia when compared nationally

Virginia has experienced around 15 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 79 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 2.8 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $381,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. Additionally, $2.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

When measured against Greater Darwin, Virginia has slightly more development (30.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. Recent construction comprises 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 245 people per approval, Virginia reflects a transitioning market.

Looking ahead, Virginia is expected to grow by 913 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Virginia has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 2ndth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Darwin Light Rail Stage 1, Darwin Renewable Energy Hub, Hudson Creek Power Station, and Marine Industry Park, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Virginia well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Virginia possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and 0.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,141 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.7% below Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (73.6% compared to Greater Darwin's 76.1%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 8.6% versus the regional average of 14.2%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.9% while labour force increased by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Darwin recorded employment growth of 1.3%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment falling marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Virginia. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Virginia's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Virginia SA2's income level is higher than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Virginia SA2's median income among taxpayers is $61,718 and the average income stands at $73,648, compared to figures for Greater Darwin of $66,956 and $77,199 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $66,927 (median) and $79,864 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Virginia, between the 75th and 85th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 31.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,140 residents), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 36.7% in the same category. The district demonstrates considerable affluence with 34.1% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 76th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Virginia is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Virginia, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.5% houses and 20.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Darwin metro's 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Virginia was well beyond that of Darwin metro, at 30.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.3%) or rented (29.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Darwin metro average at $2,383, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $370, compared to Darwin metro's $2,100 and $385. Nationally, Virginia's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Virginia features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 74.0% of all households, comprising 32.6% couples with children, 29.3% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.0%, with lone person households at 21.6% and group households comprising 4.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Virginia aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.4%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 31.3%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 47.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (35.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 34 active transport stops operating within Virginia comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 50 individual routes, collectively providing 3,787 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 816 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, above the regional average. A relatively low 5.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 541 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 111 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Virginia is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Virginia demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~2,012 people), compared to 57.8% across Greater Darwin.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.1% and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 73.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 17.4% of residents aged 65 and over (631 people), which is higher than the 10.8% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

Virginia ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Virginia was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.1% of its population being citizens, 82.3% born in Australia, and 91.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Virginia is Christianity, which makes up 38.6% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which comprises 1.5% of the population, compared to 3.3% across Greater Darwin.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Virginia are Australian, comprising 30.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 22.6%, English, comprising 28.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 21.7%, and Irish, comprising 7.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.0% of Virginia (vs 7.0% regionally), New Zealand at 0.8% (vs 0.6%) and Filipino at 1.5% (vs 3.8%).

Virginia's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The 41-year median age in Virginia is notably higher than Greater Darwin's average of 34 and also modestly exceeds the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Darwin, Virginia has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (11.6%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (11.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.0% to 13.4% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.6% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.7% to 13.4% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 13.5% to 11.8%. By 2041, Virginia is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 42% (205 people), reaching 693 from 487.