Farrar

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

As of November 2025, Farrar's population is estimated at around 1,764 people. This reflects an increase of 114 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,650 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,759 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional four validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of approximately 1,200 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Farrar has demonstrated steady growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.6%, outpacing the state's growth rate. Population growth in the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 57.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 to each area, as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a modest increase for Farrar, with an expected gain of 222 persons to reach approximately 1,986 people by 2041, reflecting a total growth rate of 12.1% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Farrar averaged approximately one new dwelling approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, an estimated seven homes were approved, with two more approved in FY26 so far. On average, 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been recorded over these five years.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand, creating stable market conditions. However, recent figures show this has eased to -17 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating improved supply availability. Commercial approvals in Farrar totalled $49.0 million in the current financial year, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to Greater Darwin, Farrar records significantly lower building activity, at 80.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. The area's level of development is also below national averages, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Farrar to grow by 213 residents by 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 in the future.

Farrar has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than alterations to its local infrastructure, major undertakings, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed zero projects that could significantly impact this area. Notable ventures include Darwin Light Rail Stage 1, Hudson Creek Power Station, Marine Industry Park, and Darwin Corporate Park, with the following list highlighting those most pertinent.

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The labour market in Farrar shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Farrar's workforce is skilled with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.8% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.0%. This rate is 0.2% lower than Greater Darwin's unemployment rate of 3.0%, while workforce participation is similar at 69.7%. Resident employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction.

Professional & technical services have limited presence with 2.9% employment compared to the regional average of 5.8%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 4.0% and labour force grew by 3.1%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Darwin where employment rose by 2.9%, labour force grew by 2.9%, and unemployment fell marginally. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Farrar's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

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

Farrar's median income among taxpayers was $67,525 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $73,471 during the same period. These figures are higher than those for Greater Darwin, which were $65,522 and $75,260 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $75,635 (median) and $82,295 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Farrar rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 92nd percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 40.7% of Farrar's population (717 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range. This is similar to patterns seen in the region where 36.7% similarly occupy this range. The locality demonstrates considerable affluence with 36.9% earning over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 16.6% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 90th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Farrar, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 78.8% houses and 21.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Darwin metro's 75.9% houses and 24.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Farrar was higher than that of Darwin metro at 10.6%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (46.9%) or rented (42.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, exceeding the Darwin metro average, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $455, compared to Darwin metro's $2,037 and $400 respectively. Nationally, Farrar's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 82.0% of all households, including 43.0% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.0%, with lone person households at 15.1% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.8.

Farrar demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 21.2%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 31.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 45.6% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 33.0%. Educational participation is high, with 35.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.1% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

The analysis of public transport in Farrar indicates three operational stops currently active. These stops facilitate a mix of bus services, with five unique routes serving the area. In total, these routes provide 409 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically situated 278 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 58 trips per day, which translates to approximately 136 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Farrar is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Farrar demonstrates above-average health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, although this is higher than the national average for older and at-risk cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high, approximately 56% of the total population, which consists of around 984 people. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.7% and 6.9% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 73.8%, report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 76.6% across Greater Darwin. Farrar has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 9.4% (165 people) compared to the 7.5% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than those for the broader population.

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

Farrar's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 21.4% of its population born overseas and 15.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Farrar, comprising 42.8% of people. Islam had an overrepresentation in Farrar at 2.9%, compared to 1.6% across Greater Darwin.

In terms of ancestry, Australian comprised 28.9%, English 23.6%, and Other 12.1%. Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 8.0% (vs regional 9.1%), Filipino at 3.2% (vs 4.8%), and Samoan at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

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

Farrar'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, Farrar has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.6%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (6.9%). Between 2021 and the present, the population of those aged 35-44 has grown from 16.5% to 18.2%, while the 5-14 age group increased from 15.5% to 16.6%. Conversely, the 0-4 age group has declined from 10.5% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Farrar's age structure. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase by 60 people (28%), growing from 211 to 272. The 0-4 age group is projected to remain unchanged at 0 residents.