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 7,924. This figure reflects an increase of 775 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,149. AreaSearch, after examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and validating additional addresses, estimated the resident population at 7,872 in Darwin City (SA2). This results in a density ratio of 2,499 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Darwin City statistical area's growth since the 2021 Census was 10.8%, exceeding the SA3 area (8.1%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed 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 post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort to each area, using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for the Darwin City statistical area, with an expected increase of 1,899 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 23.3% 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 for Darwin City shows around 9 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 48 homes were approved, with none yet in FY-26. On average, 5 people moved to the area per dwelling built during this period, indicating demand outpaces supply.

New homes are constructed at an average value of $417,000, higher than regional levels. In FY-26, $93,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Darwin, Darwin City has 57.0% higher development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, this level is lower than national averages, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development consists entirely of attached dwellings, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. The area has approximately 324 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Population forecasts estimate Darwin City will gain 1,847 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Darwin City has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones 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 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 well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.5% and there was an estimated employment growth of 2.0% over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 5,964 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.6% below Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%. Workforce participation is high at 75.8%, compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. The area specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share twice the regional level, but construction shows lower representation at 5.3% versus the regional average of 9.2%.

There are 1.9 workers for every resident, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby areas. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 2.0% alongside labour force growth of 1.9%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Darwin experienced employment growth of 1.9%. State-level data from November 25 shows NT employment contracted by 1.13%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.4%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Darwin City has an above average income. The median income is $62,290 and the average income is $73,761. This contrasts with Greater Darwin's figures of a median income of $66,956 and an average income of $77,199. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $67,547 (median) and $79,986 (average). Census data reveals that individual earnings in Darwin City stand out at the 92nd percentile nationally with weekly earnings of $1,236. Distribution data shows that 42.7% of locals (3,383 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income category. High housing costs consume 19.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 70th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 0.5% houses and 99.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Darwin metro's structure of 23.6% houses and 76.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darwin City was at 7.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 15.1% and rented ones at 77.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,781, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure stood at $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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 48.6%, with lone person households at 38.4% and group households at 10.2%. The median household size is 2.0 people, 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 is notably high, with 51.1% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications, compared to the Northern Territory average of 27.3% and the Australian average of 30.4%. This significant educational advantage positions Darwin City favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent among residents with university qualifications, at 31.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent in Darwin City, with 28.2% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.5%, while certificates make up 15.7%.

Educational participation is notably high in the city, with 31.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes tertiary education (13.1%), primary education (5.0%), and secondary education (3.4%).

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

Darwin City has 12 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 27 individual services that collectively facilitate 1,368 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 219 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 195 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 114 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Darwin City shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover rate is high at approximately 56% (around 4,431 people), compared to Greater Darwin's 61.2%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 5.2% and 5.0% respectively. About 82.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 79.9% in Greater Darwin. The area has 9.0% (713 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Darwin's 11.0%. Health outcomes among seniors align with the general population's 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. The predominant religion in Darwin City is Christianity, making up 31.7% of the population. Notably, Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin, comprising 11.7% versus 7.4%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (20.9%), Other (20.2%), and Australian (14.6%). The 'Other' category is substantially higher than the regional average of 15.2%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Sri Lankan at 0.7% compared to 0.7% regionally, Korean at 0.9% versus 0.4%, and Filipino at 2.6% versus 2.9%.

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

Darwin City's median age at 33 years is comparable to Greater Darwin's average of 34 and is lower than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Darwin, Darwin City has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (32.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (4.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has increased from 5.5% to 6.4%, while the proportion of those aged 55-64 has decreased from 9.9% to 8.4%. The proportion of residents aged 25-34 has also dropped, from 33.6% to 32.3%. Demographic projections suggest that Darwin City's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 407 people (43%) from 942 to 1,350. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age cohort is projected to grow modestly, with an increase of 8% (23 people).