West Arnhem
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in West Arnhem are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

West Arnhem's population is around 6,275 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,071 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,204 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,270 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.20 persons per square kilometer. West Arnhem's growth rate of 20.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 50.8% 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, growth rates by age cohort are applied to estimate future trends. As per the latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data, West Arnhem is projected to have an above median population growth trend for Australian non-metropolitan areas. The area is expected to increase by 857 persons to reach a total of 7,132 by 2041, marking a 13.6% increase over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees West Arnhem recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

West Arnhem has received approximately 11 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 57 homes. As of FY26, 13 approvals have been recorded. On average, 8.9 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This indicates a significant supply-demand mismatch, likely leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction value of new dwellings is $435,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $745,000, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Compared to the Rest of NT, West Arnhem has somewhat elevated construction levels, with 47.0% above the regional average per person over five years. This supports good buyer choice and existing property values but is still lower than national averages, reflecting market maturity and potential development constraints. New developments consist of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, showing a shift from the current housing mix of 92.0% houses.

This change may be due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1158 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections suggest West Arnhem will add 852 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

West Arnhem has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 2ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Jabiru Masterplan, Kakadu Tourism and Infrastructure Upgrades, Jabiru Hybrid Renewable Power Station, and Jabiru Housing Remediation. The following list details those 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 West Arnhem face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

West Arnhem has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar employment. Essential services sectors are well represented, and the unemployment rate is 14.8%.

As of June 2025, there are 1,851 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 8.9%, which is higher than the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%. The workforce participation rate in West Arnhem is significantly lower at 34.9% compared to the Rest of NT's 50.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Education & training has a particularly strong presence with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

However, accommodation & food services have limited presence at 2.3% compared to the regional average of 6.9%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.8%, while employment declined by 2.6%, leading to an increase in unemployment rate of 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, the Rest of NT saw a marginal decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to West Arnhem's employment mix indicates potential local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

In financial year 2022, West Arnhem had a median income of $42,543 among taxpayers and an average income of $56,789. These figures are lower than the national averages of $51,655 for Rest of NT median and $61,577 for Rest of NT average. By September 2025, estimates project a median income of approximately $47,652 and an average income of $63,609 based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, individual incomes lag at the 0th percentile with a weekly income of $260, while household incomes perform better at the 25th percentile. The earnings profile shows that the majority of residents (35.1%, or 2,202 people) fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 income bracket, which is similar to regional levels where this cohort represents 33.6%. Housing costs are manageable with 94.2% retained, but disposable income sits below average at the 39th percentile.

West Arnhem is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In West Arnhem, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.0% of dwellings were houses, with 7.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro NT's 83.6% houses and 16.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Arnhem was at 1.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 0.0% and rented ones at 98.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $303, below Non-Metro NT's average of $1,346. The median weekly rent figure in West Arnhem was $80, the same as Non-Metro NT's figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, West Arnhem's mortgage repayments were well below the Australian average of $1,863.

West Arnhem features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 87.7% of all households, including 48.5% couples with children, 14.6% couples without children, and 19.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 12.3%, with lone person households at 11.1% and group households at 2.0%. The median household size is 5.0 people, larger than the Rest of NT average of 3.5.

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

The region faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 7.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 4.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational pathways account for 20.2% of qualifications among those aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (2.4%) and certificates (17.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.6% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 0.9% pursuing tertiary education. As of the latest data available (2021), there are 7 schools operating within West Arnhem, educating approximately 951 students. All these schools offer integrated K-12 education, providing continuity throughout students' academic journey. However, educational conditions vary across West Arnhem.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

West Arnhem's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows exceptional results across West Arnhem, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is found to be very low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 3,030 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Heart disease and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.0 and 5.4% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 77.9%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, which is comparable to the 78.5% figure across the Rest of NT. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 3.4% (211 people), compared to the 9.4% in the Rest of NT. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, aligning with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in West Arnhem was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

West Arnhem had a cultural diversity index above average with 2.2% of its population born overseas and 92.1% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in West Arnhem, accounting for 65.0% of people. Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 11.7%, higher than the Rest of NT's average of 6.9%.

Regarding ancestry, Australian Aboriginal was the most represented group at 87.7%, significantly higher than the regional average of 64.6%. English ancestry accounted for 3.3%, lower than the regional average of 10.2%, and Australian ancestry stood at 2.6%, also lower than the regional average of 9.9%.

West Arnhem hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

West Arnhem's median age is 27 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NT's 31 years and Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 are particularly prominent at 17.9%, while the 65-74 group is comparatively smaller at 2.5% compared to Rest of NT. This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35-44 age group has grown from 14.9% to 17.2%, while the 55-64 cohort increased from 6.6% to 7.9%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort has declined from 19.3% to 17.9%, and the 0-4 group dropped from 7.3% to 6.1%. By 2041, West Arnhem is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 45-54 group will grow by 45%, reaching 973 people from 672. However, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 5-14 cohorts.