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

As of August 2025, West Arnhem's population is approximately 6,270. This figure represents a growth of 1,066 people from the 2021 Census count of 5,204. The increase was inferred from ABS estimated resident population data for June 2024 and seven additional validated addresses since the census date. The population density is around 0.20 persons per square kilometer. West Arnhem's growth rate of 20.5% between the 2021 Census and August 2025 exceeds both national (8.6%) and state averages, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 50.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration also contributing positively.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, based on 2022 data, to forecast SA2 area populations. For areas not covered by this data and for years beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort-specific growth rates provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, using 2022 data). Future demographic trends suggest above-median population growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas. Based on current numbers, West Arnhem is projected to increase by 857 persons by 2041, representing a total growth of 13.7% 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. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) records this data on a financial year basis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 57 dwellings were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. On average, about 8.9 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

This indicates that supply is significantly lagging demand, which typically results in increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $477,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $745,000, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Comparatively, West Arnhem has seen elevated construction levels, averaging 47.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice and supports existing property values but is still lower than national averages, possibly due to market maturity or development constraints.

New developments consist of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments. This shift from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (92.0%), reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The area's population per dwelling approval is estimated at 1158 people, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment. Future projections suggest West Arnhem will add approximately 857 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favorable 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

Five projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact the area: Jabiru Masterplan, Kakadu Tourism and Infrastructure Upgrades, Jabiru Hybrid Renewable Power Station, and Jabiru Housing Remediation. These are key projects that could significantly influence the area's performance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment conditions in West Arnhem face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

West Arnhem has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, featuring prominently in essential services sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 14.8%.

At this time, 1,851 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 8.9% higher than the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%. Workforce participation stands at 34.9%, significantly lower than the Rest of NT's 50.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training, with a particular specialisation in education & training (1.6 times the regional level). Conversely, accommodation & food services have limited presence at 2.3%, compared to the regional average of 6.9%.

The labour force decreased by 1.8% during the year to June 2025, with employment declining by 2.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Arnhem's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022 shows West Arnhem had median income among taxpayers at $42,543 and average income at $56,789. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of NT having median and average incomes of $51,655 and $61,577 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% from June 2022 to March 2025, estimated current incomes are approximately $46,984 (median) and $62,718 (average). As per the 2021 Census, individual income at the 0th percentile is $260 weekly, while household income at the 25th percentile. The earnings profile shows 35.1% of residents (2,200 people) fall in the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, aligning with regional levels at 33.6%. Housing costs retention is high at 94.2%, 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 other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This compares to Non-Metro NT's figures of 83.6% houses and 16.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Arnhem stood at 1.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 0.0% and rented ones at 98.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $303, significantly lower than Non-Metro NT's average of $1,346. The median weekly rent in West Arnhem was $80, matching Non-Metro NT's figure but substantially below the national average of $375. Nationally, West Arnhem's mortgage repayments were much lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 87.7% of all households, consisting of 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 comprising 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 faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 7.0%, significantly below 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 at 28.4%, with residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (14.6%), secondary (9.3%), and tertiary education (0.9%). Seven schools operate within West Arnhem, educating approximately 951 students. All seven offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity.

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. The prevalence of common health conditions is very low across all age groups.

Private health cover rate is approximately 48%, covering around 3,028 people. This is lower than the national average of 55.3%. Heart disease and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 8% and 5.4% of residents respectively. A total of 77.9% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 78.5% across the Rest of NT. West Arnhem has a lower percentage of seniors aged 65 and over at 3.4%, covering around 211 people, compared to 9.4% in the Rest of NT. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and align 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's cultural diversity was above average with 2.2% of its population born overseas and 92.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 65.0% of people in West Arnhem. Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 11.7%, higher than the Rest of NT's 6.9%.

For ancestry, Australian Aboriginal topped with 87.7%, substantially higher than the regional average of 64.6%. English followed with 3.3%, notably lower than the regional average of 10.2%. Australian ancestry was at 2.6%, also notably 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, significantly lower than Rest of NT's 31 years and Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 are prominent at 17.9%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 2.5% compared to Rest of NT. This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is higher than the national average of 12.5%. Post-census data from 2021 shows that the 35-44 age group grew from 14.9% to 17.2%, and the 55-64 cohort increased from 6.6% to 7.9%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort declined from 19.3% to 17.9%, and the 0-4 group dropped from 7.3% to 6.1%. By 2041, West Arnhem's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 45-54 group will grow by 45% (301 people), reaching 973 from 671. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 5-14 cohorts.