Weddell

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 around 4,685 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 396 people 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 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, as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase of just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected. The area is 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 averaged approximately 16 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY21 and FY25, 82 homes were approved, with an additional 13 approved so far in FY26. The population has declined recently, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choices for buyers.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $231,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year, $37.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Darwin, Weddell shows comparable new home approvals per capita, maintaining market balance with surrounding areas. However, this activity is below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent development has consisted entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. As of now, there are estimated to be 468 people in the area per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet and low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Weddell is expected to grow by 507 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, 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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Darwin Renewable Energy Hub, Manton Dam Return to Service, Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage, and Zuccoli Aspire. The following list details those most likely to be 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. There are 2,527 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is 0.6% higher than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%.

Workforce participation is lower at 71.5% compared to Greater Darwin's 76.0%. Only 11.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Major employment sectors are construction, public administration & safety, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Weddell specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 8.7 times the regional level, but has lower representation in health care & social assistance at 7.1% compared to the regional average of 14.2%.

Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by Census data. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 1.6%, labour force by 1.8%, raising unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Greater Darwin had higher employment growth at 1.9% and marginal unemployment increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies between sectors. Applying these projections to Weddell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% in five years and 11.6% in ten years, though these are simplified extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 $52,426, with an average of $64,575, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, 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 financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $56,851 (median) and $70,025 (average). 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 between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Darwin metro's 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Weddell stood at 30.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 53.1% and rented ones at 16.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Darwin metro's $2,100. Median weekly rent in Weddell was $323, lower than Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Weddell's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $323 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise 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, 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'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 at 36.6%, comprising primary education (16.3%), secondary education (9.9%), and tertiary education (3.8%).

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 operational public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by 21 different routes, collectively facilitating 1,362 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 12534 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 88%, while 4% walk. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 194 trips daily 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover was relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,398 people), compared to 57.8% across Greater Darwin. The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.6 and 7.2% of residents respectively. 72.2% declared themselves 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. National rankings are 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'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 predominant religion in Weddell was Christianity, comprising 36.7% of the population. Notably, Buddhism had an overrepresentation in Weddell, making up 3.3% compared to the regional average of 3.3%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (31.7%), English (27.4%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.3%) were the top three groups represented in Weddell, each substantially higher than their respective regional averages of 22.6%, 21.7%, and not specified. Additionally, Dutch (1.7% vs 1.0%), Vietnamese (1.4% vs 0.8%), and German (4.2% vs 3.2%) were notably overrepresented in Weddell compared to the regional averages.

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 national average of 38 years. The age group of 65-74 shows strong representation in Weddell at 11.2%, compared to Greater Darwin. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 9.4% to 11.2% of the population, while the 75-84 cohort has risen from 2.7% to 4.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 15.6% to 13.8%, and the 25-34 group has dropped from 11.7% to 10.0%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Weddell's age structure. The 65-74 group is expected to grow by 30%, reaching 686 people from the current 527. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 62% of the population growth. In contrast, the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.