Virginia
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Virginia's population was approximately 3,625 as of August 2025. This figure shows an increase of 428 people from the 2021 Census total of 3,197 people, a rise of 13.4%. The estimated resident population of 3,598 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses contributed to this growth. This results in a density ratio of 66 persons per square kilometer. Virginia's population growth exceeded the national average of 8.6% since the 2021 Census. Natural growth accounted for approximately 40.7% of overall gains, with all migration factors also being positive contributors.

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 future years post-2032, growth rates by age cohort are applied, as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future demographic trends forecast significant population increases, with Virginia expected to grow by 947 persons by 2041, a total gain of 25.4% over the 17 years.

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

Virginia sees approximately eight new homes approved annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 41 dwellings approved over the past five financial years, from FY20 to FY25, and six recorded so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling brings in 2.8 new residents per year over these five years, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $460,000.

This financial year has seen $2.5 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Darwin, Virginia shows moderately higher development activity, with a 36.0% increase above the regional average per person over the past five years. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values.

New development consists of 92.0% standalone homes and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and emphasizing detached housing to attract space-seeking buyers. With around 245 people per approval, Virginia reflects a transitioning market. Looking ahead, Virginia is projected to grow by 920 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

No changes can influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Darwin Renewable Energy Hub, Hudson Creek Power Station, Marine Industry Park, and Darwin Corporate Park, with the following list detailing those likely most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis reveals Virginia significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Virginia's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 2.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.8%. In Virginia, 2,128 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.9% lower than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.0%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, construction, and retail trade.

Virginia shows strong specialization in construction with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance had lower representation at 8.6% versus the regional average of 14.2%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.8% and labour force increased by 2.9%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.0%. By comparison, Greater Darwin recorded employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment falling marginally to 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%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, with NT's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.26%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Virginia's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Virginia was $61,145 and average income was $71,059. In Greater Darwin, median income was $65,522 and average income was $75,260. By March 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $67,529 and average income will be around $78,478, based on a 10.44% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census data ranks Virginia's household, family, and personal incomes between the 75th and 86th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort in Virginia is 31.4% of locals earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, consistent with broader regional trends at 36.7%. Notably, 34.1% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing costs consume 15.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 76th percentile nationally. Virginia'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

Virginia's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.5% houses and 20.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Darwin metro, on the other hand, had 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings. In Virginia, home ownership stood at 30.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.3% and rented ones at 29.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,383, surpassing Darwin metro's average of $2,250. The median weekly rent figure in Virginia was $370, slightly lower than Darwin metro's $380. Nationally, Virginia's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,383 compared to the Australian average of $1,863. Conversely, rents in Virginia were lower at $370 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 74.0% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.7 people, smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.8.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.4%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 31.3%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common (12.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 47.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (35.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.2% in primary, 9.2% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education. Virginia has 3 schools with a combined enrollment of 543 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 985) and offering balanced educational opportunities. The schools include one primary, one secondary, and one K-12 institution.

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

Transport analysis indicates 33 active stops in Virginia, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 50 routes, facilitating 3,825 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited, with residents usually located 816 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 546 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 115 weekly trips per individual stop.

Virginia's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates robust performance across Virginia, with both younger and older age groups exhibiting low prevalence rates for common health conditions.

The percentage of residents with private health coverage is notably high at approximately 55% (~1,993 people). Asthma and arthritis were identified as the most prevalent medical conditions in the region, affecting 7.1% and 6.9% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 73.0% of residents reported being completely free from medical ailments, compared to a rate of 74.8% across Greater Darwin. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.8% (609 people), compared to the 13.9% in Greater Darwin. Notably, health outcomes among seniors in Virginia are exceptionally strong and outperform those of the general population in health metrics.

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

Virginia's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.1% of its population being citizens, 82.3% born in Australia, and 91.7% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Virginia is Christianity, comprising 38.6% of the population. However, Buddhism appears overrepresented at 1.5%, compared to 2.2% across Greater Darwin.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (30.8%), English (28.1%), and Irish (7.2%). Notably, certain ethnic groups show divergent representation: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 5.0% (vs regional 5.8%), New Zealand at 0.8% (vs 0.7%), and Filipino at 1.5% (vs 0.9%).

Virginia's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Virginia is 41 years, which is higher than Greater Darwin's average of 34 and slightly exceeds Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Darwin, Virginia has a greater proportion of residents aged 55-64 (14.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.2%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75-84 has increased from 3.6% to 4.8%, while the 35-44 age group has risen from 12.0% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 15.7% to 13.6%, and the 25-34 age group has fallen from 13.5% to 12.2%. By 2041, Virginia's population is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 41%, reaching 693 people from the current 492.