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 4,685 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 396 people (9.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,289 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,642 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3.3 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Weddell has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.4% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which 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 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). Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to increase by 550 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 10.8% in total over the 17 years.

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 has averaged around 16 new dwelling approvals per year, with 82 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 15 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $231,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $37.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to Greater Darwin, Weddell shows comparable new home approvals (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 468 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Weddell is expected to grow by 507 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Weddell has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Darwin Renewable Energy Hub, Manton Dam Return to Service, Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage, and Zuccoli Aspire, 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.

Employment conditions in Weddell remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Weddell features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.8%, and 1.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,529 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.7% above Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (71.6% compared to Greater Darwin's 76.1%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include construction, public administration & safety, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 8.7 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 7.1% versus the regional average of 14.2%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.1% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.2%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Darwin experienced employment growth of 1.3% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a marginal drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Weddell. 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 Weddell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 11.6% 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

The Weddell SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $52,426 and an average of $64,575 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Greater Darwin's median income of $66,956 and average income of $77,199. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $56,851 (median) and $70,025 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Weddell cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, the largest segment comprises 30.7% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,438 residents), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 36.7%. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 63rd percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Weddell, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.6% houses and 4.4% 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 Weddell was well beyond that of Darwin metro, at 30.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (53.1%) or rented (16.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Darwin metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $323, compared to Darwin metro's $2,100 and $385. Nationally, Weddell's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 74.1% of all households, comprising 33.8% couples with children, 29.7% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.9%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

Weddell 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 (14.7%) 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 10.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 51.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (40.4%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 7 active transport stops operating within Weddell, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 21 individual routes, collectively providing 1,362 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 12534 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 11.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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

Health outcomes in Weddell are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Weddell, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,398 people), compared to 57.8% 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% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 16.1% of residents aged 65 and over (756 people), which is higher than the 10.8% in Greater Darwin, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Weddell was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 78.7% of its population being citizens, 84.5% born in Australia, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Weddell is Christianity, which makes up 36.7% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which comprises 3.3% 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 Weddell are Australian, comprising 31.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 22.6%, English, comprising 27.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 21.7%, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 7.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 1.7% of Weddell (vs 1.0% regionally), Vietnamese at 1.4% (vs 0.8%) and German at 4.2% (vs 3.2%).

Weddell's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, Weddell is materially older than the Greater Darwin figure of 34 as well as slightly above Australia's 38 years. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 11.2% compared to Greater Darwin, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.0%. In the period since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 9.4% to 11.2% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.7% to 4.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.6% to 13.8% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 11.7% to 10.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Weddell's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 30% (158 people), reaching 686 from 527. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 62% of projected growth. On the other hand, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.