Wulagi
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wulagi's population is around 2,687 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 177 people since the Census in 2021, which reported a population of 2,510 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,687 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,132 persons per square kilometer. Wulagi's growth rate of 7.1% since the census positions it close to the SA3 area's growth rate of 7.6%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering projected demographic shifts, above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation. Wulagi is expected to increase by 434 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 16.1% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Wulagi is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Wulagi has averaged approximately one new dwelling approval per year. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, totalling five approvals across the past five financial years from FY20 to FY25, and zero so far in FY26. The population has declined over recent years, with development activity considered adequate relative to demand, maintaining a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

There have been $140,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating a predominantly residential focus compared to Greater Darwin, which records markedly higher building activity. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Looking ahead, Wulagi is expected to grow by 434 residents through to 2041.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Wulagi has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 3rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that may impact this region. Notable projects are Royal Darwin Hospital's Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD upgrades, Northern Suburbs Youth Hub, Casuarina Square Redevelopment, and Leanyer Primary School. The following list details those most relevant.

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

The employment environment in Wulagi shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Wulagi's workforce is skilled with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.3% as of June 2025.

Employment grew by an estimated 3.3% over the past year. In June 2025, 1,449 residents were employed at an unemployment rate of 3.5%, slightly higher than Greater Darwin's 3.0%. Workforce participation was 66.9%, lower than Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training, with a particular specialization in the latter at 1.3 times the regional level.

The accommodation & food sector has limited presence at 5.4% compared to the regional 8.0%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over the past year, employment increased by 3.3%, while labour force grew by 3.0%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Darwin saw employment rise by 2.9% and unemployment fall marginally. As of Sep-25, NT employment grew by 1.0% year-on-year, adding 1,710 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, comparing favourably to the national rate of 4.5%. Job growth in NT outpaced the national average of 0.26%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Wulagi's mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Wulagi's median income among taxpayers was $67,033 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $74,729 during the same period. These figures compare to those of Greater Darwin which were $65,522 and $75,260 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Wulagi's median income would be approximately $74,031 and the average would be around $82,531 as of March 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Wulagi rank highly nationally, between the 83rd and 85th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 38.8% of Wulagi's population (1,042 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting a pattern similar to the region where 36.7% occupy this range. The locality demonstrates considerable affluence with 34.2% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 85th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Wulagi is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Wulagi as 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Darwin metro's 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wulagi stood at 22.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.5% and rented dwellings at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,028. The median weekly rent in Wulagi was $425, higher than Darwin metro's figure of $350. Nationally, Wulagi's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 82.4% of all households, including 39.3% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 17.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 17.6%, with lone person households at 13.4% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in Wulagi fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Wulagi's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks: 26.2% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to the SA3 area's 36.1%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (26.6%).

Educational participation is high at 37.7%, including primary education (14.8%), secondary education (11.2%), and tertiary education (4.9%). Wulagi Primary School serves the local area with an enrollment of 153 students. There's one school focusing exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 5.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.9, leading many families to travel for schooling.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows ten active public transport stops in Wulagi, served by a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by thirty-four individual routes, offering 1,902 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 271 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 190 weekly trips per stop.

Wulagi's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows notable results in Wulagi, with younger cohorts experiencing low prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Approximately 56% (~1,518 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 5.6% and 5.4% of residents respectively. A majority (77.9%) report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 77.0% in Greater Darwin. Wulagi has 11.8% (316 people) of its population aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors requiring more attention than the broader population.

Wulagi was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wulagi's population showed higher cultural diversity than most nearby markets, with 25.0% born overseas and 21.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Wulagi, accounting for 47.1%. Buddhism stood out as overrepresented, comprising 4.0%, compared to Greater Darwin's 4.1%.

Regarding ancestry, Australians were the largest group (25.2%), significantly higher than the regional average of 19.4%. English and Other groups followed at 18.4% and 14.8%, respectively. Notably, Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented in Wulagi at 10.1% compared to the region's 7.4%. Filipinos and Maori also showed variations: 3.4% vs 4.7% and 0.9% vs 0.5%, respectively.

Wulagi's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wulagi's median age is 36, slightly higher than Greater Darwin's 34 but lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Darwin, Wulagi has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 at 17.6%, but fewer residents aged 25-34 at 11.3%. This 5-14 concentration is notably higher than the national average of 12.2%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 11.3% to 12.9%, while those aged 75 to 84 have grown from 3.0% to 4.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 15.6% to 14.4%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic changes in Wulagi. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 23%, adding 87 residents to reach a total of 475. Meanwhile, the 85+ age group is forecast to remain unchanged at 0%.