Darwin City

Darwin City lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Darwin City's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 8,008 people. This reflects an increase of 859 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,149 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,872, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 60 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,526 persons per square kilometer. Darwin City's growth rate of 12.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 8.7%, as well as the national average, indicating it is a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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). Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for Darwin City, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,899 persons to reach a total of 9,897 people by 2041, reflecting a gain of 22.0% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Darwin City when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Darwin City indicates an average of around 9 new dwelling approvals per year. From FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 48 homes were approved, with none so far in FY-26. This averages out to about 5 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years, suggesting supply is lagging demand and potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $417,000, aligning with regional trends. There have been $93,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Darwin, Darwin City records 57.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice but remaining below national average levels, possibly due to planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of medium and high-density housing, providing affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 324 people per dwelling approval, Darwin City shows a developing market with population forecasts indicating an addition of 1,763 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Population forecasts indicate Darwin City will gain 1,763 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Darwin City has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Twenty-four projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Darwin Galleria (formerly Coles Site Redevelopment), Civic and State Square Precinct Revitalisation, Mantra on the Esplanade Hotel Refurbishment & Apartment Addition, and Darwin Digital Hub. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Darwin City demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Darwin City has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9%.

As of June 2025, 5,919 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 0.5% below Greater Darwin's rate of 3.0%, and workforce participation was 75.8% compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included public administration & safety, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. Employment specialization in accommodation & food was particularly high at 2.0 times the regional level, while construction showed lower representation at 5.3% versus the regional average of 9.2%. There were 1.9 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.9% while labour force increased by 2.9%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable in contrast to Greater Darwin's marginal drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Darwin City. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Darwin City's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Darwin City's median income among taxpayers was $62,290 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $73,761 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Darwin had median and average incomes of $65,522 and $75,260 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Darwin City were approximately $69,771 and $82,620, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 income data, individual earnings in Darwin City stood at the 92nd percentile nationally, with weekly earnings of $1,236. In terms of income distribution, 42.7% of Darwin City's population (3,419 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 36.7% occupied this bracket. High housing costs consumed 19.0% of income in Darwin City, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 70th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 8th decile.

Darwin City features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Darwin City's housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 0.5% houses and 99.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Darwin metro's 23.6% houses and 76.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darwin City stood at 7.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 15.1% and rented ones at 77.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,781, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Darwin City was $450, higher than Darwin metro's $420. Nationally, Darwin City's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Darwin City features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 51.4% of all households, including 13.2% couples with children, 32.3% couples without children, and 4.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 48.6%, with lone person households at 38.4% and group households making up 10.2%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.3.

Darwin City shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Darwin City's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 51.1% hold university qualifications, compared to 27.3% in the Northern Territory (NT) and 30.4% nationwide. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 31.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 16.6% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 28.2% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 15.7%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.1% in tertiary education, 5.0% in primary education, and 3.4% pursuing secondary education. St Mary's Catholic Primary School operates within Darwin City, enrolling 180 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1071. There is one school focused exclusively on primary education in the area, with secondary options available in surrounding regions. Local school capacity is limited, with 2.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.1, indicating that many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Transport analysis reveals twelve active transport stops operating within Darwin City. These comprise a mix of buses serving twenty-seven individual routes, collectively providing one thousand three hundred sixty-eight weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located two hundred nineteen meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages one hundred ninety-five trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one hundred fourteen weekly trips per stop.

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

Health outcomes data for Darwin City shows very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is approximately 56% of the total population (around 4,478 people), compared to 61.3% across Greater Darwin.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 5.2% and 5.0% of residents respectively. A total of 82.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 79.9% across Greater Darwin. The area has 9.0% of residents aged 65 and over (720 people), which is lower than the 11.0% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Darwin City is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Darwin City has a high level of cultural diversity, with 40.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 51.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Darwin City, comprising 31.7% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented in Darwin City compared to Greater Darwin, making up 11.7% versus 7.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (20.9%), Other (20.2%), and Australian (14.6%). Notably, Sri Lankan (0.7% vs 0.7%), Korean (0.9% vs 0.4%), and Filipino (2.6% vs 2.9%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Darwin City compared to the regional averages.

Darwin City's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Darwin City's median age in 2021 was 33 years, comparable to Greater Darwin's average of 34 and lower than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Darwin, Darwin City had a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (32.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (4.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds was significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data showed that the 65 to 74 age group had grown from 5.5% to 6.4% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 9.9% to 8.4%, and the 25 to 34 group decreased from 33.6% to 32.3%. Demographic projections suggest that Darwin City's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 45 to 54 age cohort projected to grow by 397 people (42%) from 952 to 1,350. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 age group is expected to grow modestly by 7% (20 people).