Driver

Driver is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the Driver statistical area (Lv2), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population is estimated at around 2,894 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 147 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,747 people in the Driver (SA2). The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,894, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,682 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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 to each area, as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Examining future population trends projects an above median population growth for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. The Driver (SA2) is expected to increase by 386 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 13.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years, totalling an estimated 4 homes over the past five financial years. So far in FY26, 0 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in Driver has resulted in adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $799,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year, $30,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Darwin, Driver shows substantially reduced construction, 93.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Nationally, this is also lower, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction has been comprised of standalone homes, sustaining Driver's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Notably, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (66.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 5757 people per approval, Driver shows characteristics of a mature, established area.

Driver has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than alterations to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Key projects include Darwin Light Rail Stage 1, Hudson Creek Power Station, Marine Industry Park, and Darwin Corporate Park, with the following list highlighting those likely 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 Driver remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Driver has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.2%, and there was an estimated 1.6% employment growth over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025, 1,600 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.0% higher than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Darwin at 69.7%. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Construction employment is particularly high, with a share 1.3 times the regional level.

Public administration & safety has limited presence with 16.0% employment compared to 19.5% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.6%, labour force by 1.6%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. Greater Darwin recorded higher growth rates and a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data (to 25-Nov) shows NT employment contracted by 1.13% with an unemployment rate of 4.4%. National forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.8% over ten years. Applying these projections to Driver's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation and does not consider localized population projections.

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, released for financial year 2023, indicates that the suburb of Driver has a median income among taxpayers of $69,603 and an average income of $76,917. Nationally, these figures are very high compared to Greater Darwin's median income of $66,956 and average income of $77,199. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $75,477 (median) and $83,409 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Driver cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Income brackets show that 37.3% of individuals in Driver earn between $1,500 and $2,999, reflecting regional patterns where 36.7% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 17.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 62nd percentile.

Driver displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Driver, as per the latest Census evaluation, 66.1% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 33.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Darwin metro's dwelling structure where 75.9% were houses and 24.0% were other dwellings. Driver had a home ownership rate of 12.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.7% and rented ones at 47.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,037. The median weekly rent figure for Driver was $350, compared to Darwin metro's $400. Nationally, Driver's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $350 compared to the national figure of $375.

Driver features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 73.6% of all households, including 30.9% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 16.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.4%, with lone person households at 21.0% and group households comprising 5.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.8.

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

Educational qualifications in Driver trail regional benchmarks show that 23.4% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to 31.3% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (32.7%). Educational participation is high, with 35.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.2% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows nine active stops operating within Driver, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 22 unique routes, collectively facilitating 1046 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 214 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 149 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 116 weekly trips per individual stop.

Driver's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Driver with younger cohorts seeing particularly low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (about 1653 people). The most prevalent medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.7% and 7.3% of residents respectively. 75.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 76.6% across Greater Darwin. Driver has 9.2% of its residents aged 65 and over (266 people), higher than the 7.5% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.

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

Driver's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 25.7% born overseas and 21.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Driver, accounting for 39.0% of its population. However, the category 'Other' showed significant overrepresentation, comprising 1.8% compared to 1.1% across Greater Darwin.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (25.2%), English (23.0%), and Other (10.8%). Notably, Filipino (4.4%) was slightly overrepresented in Driver compared to regionally (4.8%). Australian Aboriginal (10.1%) and Maori (0.9%) also showed higher representation than the regional averages of 9.1% and 0.7%, respectively.

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

Driver's median age is 33 years, comparable to Greater Darwin's average of 34 and substantially under Australia's median of 38. Relative to Greater Darwin, Driver has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (16.2%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.2%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 75-84 age group grew from 1.3% to 2.6%, while the 5-14 cohort increased from 15.1% to 16.2%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort declined from 12.7% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Driver's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 80 people (45%) from 179 to 260. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort grows by a modest 5% (10 people).