Durack (NT)

Population growth drivers in Durack are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Durack (NT) is around 4,231, reflecting a 13.4% increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,730 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional validated new address since the Census date. The population density is estimated at 1,439 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Durack's growth rate exceeded the national average of 9.3%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts 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 post-2032 growth estimation, 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, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation. The suburb of Durack is expected to increase by 660 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.6% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Durack according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Durack has seen approximately eight new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 40 homes were approved, with a further 22 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling built over this period has resulted in three new residents per year, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $369,000. This financial year has seen $41,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. When measured against Greater Darwin, Durack records significantly lower building activity, 50.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. However, construction activity has intensified recently. This is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New building activity shows 43.0% standalone homes and 57.0% attached dwellings, focusing on higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently at 95.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 405 people per dwelling approval, Durack shows a developed market. Looking ahead, Durack is expected to grow by approximately 660 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Durack has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are probable to impact this area. Notable projects include Darwin to Palmerston Mass Transit Corridor, Hudson Creek Power Station, Marine Industry Park, and Darwin Corporate Park, with the following list specifying those likely to be most relevant.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Durack performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Durack's workforce is skilled with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%. As of December 2025, 2,512 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.7% lower than Greater Darwin's 3.1%.

Workforce participation stood at 78.4%, higher than Greater Darwin's 72.5%. According to Census responses, 4.4% of residents worked from home. Leading industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction.

However, health care & social assistance was under-represented with 11.2% of Durack's workforce compared to Greater Darwin's 14.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 1.2% alongside labour force growth of 1.2%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Darwin experienced employment growth of 1.3% and labour force growth of 1.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Durack's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Durack had a median taxpayer income of $63,030 and an average income of $69,591 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is slightly above the national average. In comparison, Greater Darwin had a median income of $66,956 and an average income of $77,199 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth, current estimates for Durack would be approximately $68,961 (median) and $76,140 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Durack ranked highly nationally, between the 90th and 94th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis showed that 44.2% of Durack's community earned between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, mirroring regional levels where 36.7% fell into this bracket. The suburb exhibited considerable affluence with 36.2% earning over $3,000 per week. However, high housing costs consumed 17.9% of income. Despite this, strong earnings placed disposable income at the 87th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

Durack is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Durack's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.4% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Darwin metro's 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Durack stood at 11.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.5% and rented ones at 46.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Darwin metro's average of $2,100. Median weekly rent in Durack was $500, compared to Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Durack's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 80.8% of all households, including 40.6% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 19.2%, with lone person households at 15.3% and group households comprising 4.2%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Durack exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 26.7%, higher than the SA3 average of 21.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 28.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.0% currently enrolled in formal education: 12.2% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 5.6% in tertiary education.

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

Durack has 14 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 27 different routes that together facilitate 1,362 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Durack is rated as good, with residents typically living within 220 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 93% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.4% of Durack's residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 194 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 97 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Durack is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Durack shows above-average health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 54% (~2,297 people) of Durack's total population has private health cover, compared to 57.8% across Greater Darwin. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (6.8%) and mental health issues (6.4%). 78.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.1% in Greater Darwin. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Durack has 9.0% (380 people) of its population aged 65 and over, lower than the 11.0% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking higher nationally than those of the general population.

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

Durack's population is more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 27.0% born overseas and 19.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Durack, accounting for 44.1% of its population. Hinduism stands out as overrepresented in Durack, comprising 3.0% compared to 4.2% across Greater Darwin.

The top three ancestral groups are Australian (25.6%), English (22.8%), and Other (10.1%). Notably, Filipino (4.6%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 3.8%. Maori (1.0%) and Sri Lankan (0.5%) also show higher representation than their respective regional averages of 0.6% and 0.3%.

Durack hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Durack's median age is 32, which is slightly lower than Greater Darwin's figure of 34 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Darwin, Durack has a higher proportion of 0-4 year-olds (9.1%) but fewer 15-24 year-olds (10.4%). Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group grew from 8.5% to 10.2%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 4.6% to 6.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 19.7% to 18.1%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 12.1% to 10.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Durack's age structure. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 143 people (55%), from 262 to 406. The 0-4 group displays more modest growth at 2%, adding only 7 residents.