Weddell
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Weddell's population is 4,666 as of Nov 2025. This shows an increase of 377 people (8.8%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,289. The change is inferred from ABS data: 4,642 residents in June 2024 and 7 additional validated addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 3.3 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade (2015-2025), Weddell's growth rate has been 0.4% compound annually, outperforming its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 62.2% to recent population gains.

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 post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth rates provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). By 2041, Weddell's population is projected to increase by 550 persons, reflecting an 11.3% total increase over the 17-year period.

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 approximately 16 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 82 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved so far in FY26. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good housing choices for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $231,000, which is lower than regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY26, $37.6 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Darwin, Weddell has comparable new home approvals per capita, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. This activity is below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

All recent development has consisted of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are estimated to be 468 people in the area for each dwelling approval, indicating a quiet development environment. Looking ahead, Weddell is projected to grow by 526 residents by 2041. 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 3rdth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 18 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Darwin Renewable Energy Hub, Manton Dam Return to Service, Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage, and Australia-Asia PowerLink (AAPowerLink). The following list details those projects considered 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector stands out with a significant representation.

Unemployment rate in Weddell is 3.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9% over the past year. As of June 2025, there are 2,546 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%. This is 0.5% higher than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.0%. Workforce participation in Weddell lags at 59.0%, compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%.

Major employment sectors include construction, public administration & safety, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly specialized with an employment share of 8.7 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 7.1% versus the regional average of 14.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable at 3.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Weddell's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.5%% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Weddell has a median taxpayer income of $49,448 and an average income of $61,262, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Darwin having a median income of $65,522 and an average income of $75,260. By September 2025, current estimates project Weddell's median income to be approximately $55,387 and average income to reach $68,620, accounting for a 12.01% growth in wages since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Weddell cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The largest segment of earners comprises 30.7%, earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (1,432 residents), which aligns with the regional pattern where this cohort represents 36.7%. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income in Weddell, 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

The latest Census evaluation showed that 95.6% of dwellings in Weddell were houses, with the remaining 4.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Darwin metro had 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Weddell was 30%, with mortgaged dwellings at 53.1% and rented ones at 16.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Weddell was $2,167, lower than Darwin metro's $2,250. The median weekly rent in Weddell was $323, compared to Darwin metro's $380. Nationally, Weddell's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $323 compared to 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, including 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 making up 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 has lower university qualification rates at 14.7% compared to the SA4 region average of 31.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualifications, with 10.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.2%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 51.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 40.4%. Educational participation is high, with 36.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 16.3% in primary, 9.9% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education. Berry Springs Primary School and Middle Point School serve a total of 227 students. Both schools cater exclusively to primary education, with secondary options available nearby. The area has limited local school capacity, with 4.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.1, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by twenty different routes that together facilitate 1,360 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in the area is limited, with residents on average located 12534 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 194 daily trips across all routes, which equates 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 shows relatively positive outcomes for Weddell residents, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level. Private health cover rate is relatively low, at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,360 people), compared to 55.5% in Greater Darwin.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.6 and 7.2% of residents respectively. 72.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.8% in Greater Darwin. 15.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (714 people), higher than the 13.9% in Greater Darwin, broadly aligning 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. The dominant religion in Weddell is Christianity, comprising 36.7% of the population. However, Buddhism was found to be overrepresented at 3.3%, compared to the regional average of 2.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (31.7%), English (27.4%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.3%). Notably, Dutch (1.7%) and Vietnamese (1.4%) populations were overrepresented in Weddell compared to regional averages of 1.4% and 0.5%, respectively.

Weddell's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Weddell has a median age of 40, which is higher than Greater Darwin's figure of 34 and slightly above Australia's median age of 38. The age group of 55-64 is strongly represented in Weddell at 14.8%, compared to Greater Darwin. However, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent in Weddell at 10.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 2.7% to 4.2% of the population, 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 projected to grow by 40%, reaching 686 people from the current figure of 490. This aging population trend means that those aged 65 and above will comprise 62% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 55-64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.