Weddell

An assessment of population growth drivers in Weddell reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Weddell's population is around 4666 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 377 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4289 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4642 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3.3 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Weddell has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.4%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 62.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch is applying growth rates by age cohort to each area, based on the ABS's Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Considering these projections, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected for Weddell, with an anticipated increase of 550 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 11.3% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Weddell, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Weddell averaged approximately 16 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, 82 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY26. The population has been declining recently, suggesting that the new supply is meeting demand and providing good options for buyers.

The average value of new homes being built is $231,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices. This financial year, $37.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Darwin, Weddell has comparable new home approvals per person, maintaining market balance with surrounding areas. However, this activity is below the national average, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints.

All recent developments have consisted of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Currently, there are approximately 468 people in the area for each dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Weddell is projected to grow by 526 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Weddell has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Darwin Renewable Energy Hub, Manton Dam Return to Service, Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage, and Australia-Asia PowerLink. The following details those expected to be 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 Weddell remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Weddell has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.7% and estimated employment growth of 1.6% in the past year.

As of September 2025, 2,527 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.6% higher than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%. Workforce participation in Weddell lags at 59.0%, compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Dominant employment sectors include construction, public administration & safety, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 8.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 7.1% versus the regional average of 14.2%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the Census working population count compared to resident population. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 1.6% while labour force grew by 1.8%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. Meanwhile, Greater Darwin experienced employment growth of 1.9%. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NT employment contracted by 1.13% (losing 4,100 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.4%, broadly in line with 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 Weddell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for local population projections.

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

The median taxpayer income in Weddell SA2 was $49,448, with an average of $61,262 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, contrasting with Greater Darwin's median income of $65,522 and average income of $75,260 in the same period. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,387 (median) and $68,620 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Weddell cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. The largest income segment comprises 30.7% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,432 residents), aligning with regional trends where this cohort represents 36.7%. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 63rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Weddell's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Darwin metro had 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Weddell stood at 30.0%, similar to Darwin metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (53.1%) or rented (16.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Weddell was $2,167, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,250. The median weekly rent figure in Weddell was recorded at $323, compared to Darwin metro's $380. Nationally, Weddell's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863. Meanwhile, rents in Weddell were lower at $323 than the national figure of $375.

Weddell has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.1% of all households, consisting of 33.8% couples with children, 29.7% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.9%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.8.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.7%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 31.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 51.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (40.4%). Educational participation is high, with 36.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 16.3% in primary, 9.9% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.3% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Weddell has seven active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 20 individual routes that collectively facilitate 1,360 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 12534 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 194 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 194 weekly trips per individual stop.

Weddell's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Weddell residents, with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is found to be relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2360 people), compared to 55.5% across Greater Darwin.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.6 and 7.2% of residents respectively, while 72.2% declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.8% across Greater Darwin. As of the latest data (2016), the area has 15.3% of residents aged 65 and over (714 people), which is higher than the 13.9% in Greater Darwin. This is broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Weddell's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 78.7% of its population being citizens, 84.5% born in Australia, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Weddell, making up 36.7% of people. Notably, Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin, comprising 3.3% versus 2.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (31.7%), English (27.4%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Dutch at 1.7% in Weddell versus 1.4% regionally, Vietnamese at 1.4% versus 0.5%, and German at 4.2% versus 4.0%.

Weddell's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Weddell's median age is 40, which is higher than Greater Darwin's figure of 34 and slightly above Australia's median age of 38. The 55-64 age group makes up 14.8% of Weddell's population, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Darwin. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 2.7% to 4.2%, while the 0-4 cohort increased from 6.0% to 7.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 15.6% to 13.8%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 11.7% to 10.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Weddell's age structure. The 65-74 group is expected to grow by 40%, reaching 686 people from 490. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who are projected to comprise 62% of the population growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 55-64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.