West Arnhem

Population growth drivers in West Arnhem are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

West Arnhem's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 6,275 people. This figure represents an increase of 1,071 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,204. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,270 in June 2024 and the addition of 8 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 0.20 persons per square kilometer. West Arnhem's growth rate of 20.6% since the 2021 census exceeds both the national average (8.9%) and the state average, positioning it as a region with significant population growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 50.8% to this growth during recent periods, although natural growth and overseas migration also played positive roles.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by these data, AreaSearch applies age cohort-based growth rates provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023 and based on 2022 data). Future population trends project an above-median growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with West Arnhem expected to increase by 857 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.6% 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 seen approximately 11 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 57 homes from FY-20 to FY-24. As of FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 8.9 new residents arrive annually for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply has lagged demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $435,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting a focus on quality construction.

This financial year, $745,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential growth. Compared to the Rest of NT, West Arnhem has seen elevated construction levels, with 47.0% more per person over the past five years, supporting good buyer choice and existing property values. However, this activity is lower than national averages, suggesting market maturity and potential development constraints. New developments consist of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses at 92.0%. This change may be due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The estimated population per dwelling approval in West Arnhem is 1158 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, West Arnhem is projected to 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects likely impacting the region. Key projects are 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 white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 is 14.9%.

There are 1,875 residents in work, which is 9.0% above the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%. Workforce participation 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, with a strong specialization in education & training (1.6 times the regional level). Accommodation & food services have limited presence at 2.3%, compared to the regional average of 6.9%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.9% while employment declined by 2.2%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate of 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, the Rest of NT recorded an employment decline of 1.3% and a labour force decline of 1.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Arnhem's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2022, West Arnhem SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $42,543 and an average income of $56,789. This is lower than the national average, which was $51,655 in Rest of NT for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $47,652 and average income would be around $63,609 as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, individual incomes at the 0th percentile were $260 weekly, while household incomes were better off at the 25th percentile. The earnings profile showed that 35.1% of residents (2,202 people) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represented 33.6%. Housing costs were manageable with 94.2% retained, but disposable income was below average at the 38th 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, 92.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro NT's figures of 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 dwellings at 98.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $303, significantly lower than Non-Metro NT's average of $1,346. The median weekly rent figure was $80, equal to both West Arnhem and Non-Metro NT averages. Nationally, West Arnhem's mortgage repayments were lower at $303 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 12.3%, with lone person households at 11.1% and group households making up 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 area's university qualification rate is 7.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. 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+, with advanced diplomas at 2.4% and certificates at 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.

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

West Arnhem shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 48%, covering around 3,030 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Heart disease and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.0% and 5.4% of residents respectively. A total of 77.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, similar to the 78.5% reported across the Rest of NT. The region 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. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with the overall population's health profile.

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

West Arnhem's cultural diversity was above average with 2.2% born overseas and 92.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion, accounting for 65.0%. The category 'Other' had an overrepresentation of 11.7%, compared to Rest of NT's 6.9%.

For ancestry, Australian Aboriginal was highest at 87.7%, substantially above the regional average of 64.6%. English and Australian followed with 3.3% and 2.6% respectively, both notably lower than their regional averages of 10.2% and 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 prominently represented at 17.9%, while the 65-74 age 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%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.9% to 17.2%, and the 55 to 64 cohort has increased from 6.6% to 7.9%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 19.3% to 17.9%, and the 0 to 4 age group has dropped from 7.3% to 6.1%. By the year 2041, West Arnhem is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 45%, reaching 973 people from 672. Conversely, population declines are projected for both the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 cohorts.