Wagaman

Wagaman has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wagaman's population is around 2,055 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 32 people (1.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,023 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,055 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,446 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 72.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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). Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 190 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 9.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential dwelling approval activity has been practically non-existent in Wagaman

Wagaman has seen only 1 residential development approval in the past five years. This indicates a mature, established suburb where available land for new construction is limited. For buyers, this scarcity of new housing stock typically supports property values and means competition may be primarily among existing homes.

Compared to Greater Darwin, Wagaman records markedly lower building activity. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade, Casuarina Square Redevelopment, and Northern Suburbs Youth Hub, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Wagaman maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Wagaman features a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.5%, and 1.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,143 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% above Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (70.4% compared to Greater Darwin's 76.1%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. In contrast, public administration & safety employs just 13.2% of local workers, below Greater Darwin's 19.5%. 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, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7% and the labour force increased by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Darwin, where employment rose by 1.3%, the labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment fell marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wagaman. 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 Wagaman's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Wagaman SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $52,660 with the average level standing at $61,909. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $66,956 and $77,199 across Greater Darwin respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,105 (median) and $67,134 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Wagaman cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 37.1% of the community (762 individuals), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 36.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing accounts for 14.1% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 74th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Wagaman, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 80.6% houses and 19.3% 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 Wagaman was well beyond that of Darwin metro, at 22.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.0%) or rented (41.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Darwin metro average at $1,820, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $340, compared to Darwin metro's $2,100 and $385. Nationally, Wagaman's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 76.5% of all households, comprising 37.8% couples with children, 22.1% couples without children, and 14.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.5%, with lone person households at 16.5% and group households comprising 7.4% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 people is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Wagaman fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational qualifications in Wagaman trail regional benchmarks, with 30.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 36.1% in the SA3 area. This gap highlights the potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 29.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (21.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 8.1% 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 7 active transport stops operating within Wagaman comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 24 individual routes, collectively providing 1,330 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 166 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 5% by bus and 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 3.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 190 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 190 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Wagaman, 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 relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,023 people). This compares to 57.8% across Greater Darwin. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and diabetes, impacting 4.9% and 4.8% of residents, respectively, while 79.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.6% of residents aged 65 and over (279 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.

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

Wagaman scores highly on cultural diversity, with 46.4% of its population born overseas and 48.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Wagaman is Christianity, which makes up 47.1% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 8.4% of the population, compared to 4.2% across Greater Darwin.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wagaman are Other, comprising 19.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 13.1%, Australian, comprising 15.4% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 22.6%, and English, comprising 14.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 21.7%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Greek is notably overrepresented at 8.5% of Wagaman (vs 2.3% regionally), Filipino at 7.2% (vs 3.8%) and Spanish at 0.8% (vs 0.4%).

Wagaman's population is younger than the national pattern

At 35 years, Wagaman's median age is comparable to the Greater Darwin average of 34 and marginally lower than the 38-year national average. Relative to Greater Darwin, Wagaman has a higher concentration of 55 - 64 residents (11.4%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (16.1%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.2% to 4.4% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 10.4% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 7.3% to 5.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Wagaman's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 23%, adding 63 residents to reach 340. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts.