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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area around the suburb of Farrar, its population is estimated at approximately 1,773 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a growth of 123 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,650 people in the suburb. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,772 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with validation of three new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,206 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively consistent with averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Farrar has demonstrated stable growth patterns with an average annual growth rate of 0.6%. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing around 57.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 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 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 around 11.5% in total over the next 17 years to reach approximately 2,041 persons by 2041.

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, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Farrar averaged around 1 new dwelling approval each year. Approximately 7 homes were approved between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 3 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past 5 financial years, an average of 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling was recorded. Recent figures show this has eased to -17 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years.

The average construction value for development projects is $554,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year, there have been $17,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting Farrar's residential nature. Compared to Greater Darwin, Farrar has significantly less development activity, 80.0% below the regional average per person.

Future projections estimate Farrar will add 204 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Darwin Light Rail Stage 1, Hudson Creek Power Station, Marine Industry Park, and Darwin Corporate Park; the following list outlines those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Farrar ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Farrar's unemployment rate was 2.8% in the year ending September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.8%. As of this date, 977 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%, and workforce participation at 76.0%. Only 3.7% of residents worked from home according to Census responses.

Key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 2.9% of Farrar's workforce compared to Greater Darwin's 5.8%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally as the working population count is lower than the resident population.

Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, labour force grew by 2.2%, and unemployment rate fell by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Darwin experienced employment growth of 1.9% and labour force growth of 1.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment to expand by 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

The suburb of Farrar had a median taxpayer income of $67,525 and an average of $73,471 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was higher than the national average, contrasting with 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, current estimates would be approximately $73,224 (median) and $79,672 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Farrar ranked highly nationally, between the 89th and 92nd percentiles. Income distribution data showed that the predominant cohort was 40.7% of locals (721 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region where 36.7% fell into the same category. Economic strength was evident through 36.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consumed 16.6% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 90th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

Farrar is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Farrar's dwellings were 78.8% houses and 21.2% other types at the latest Census, compared to Darwin metro's 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Farrar was 10.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.9% and rented ones at 42.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, above Darwin metro's $2,100. Median weekly rent in Farrar was $455, higher than Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Farrar's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 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 constitute 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, which is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

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 prevalent 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+, 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.

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

Public transport analysis shows three active transport stops operating within Farrar. These stops are served by five individual routes, collectively providing 409 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 278 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature; car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 3.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 58 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 136 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Farrar is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Farrar faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high for common health conditions across all age groups but particularly so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population, which totals around 989 people. This compares to a rate of 57.8% across Greater Darwin. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.7% and 6.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 73.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. As of June 2021, 9.6% of Farrar's population is aged 65 and over, comprising around 170 people. This figure is lower than the 10.8% recorded in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to broader population figures.

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

Farrar's population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 21.4% born overseas and 15.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Farrar, composing 42.8% of its population. Islam, however, was overrepresented at 2.9%, compared to Greater Darwin's average of 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (28.9%), English (23.6%), and Other (12.1%) were the top three groups in Farrar. Notable differences included higher representation of Australian Aboriginal (8.0% vs regional 7.0%), Filipino (3.2% vs 3.8%), and Samoan (0.3% vs 0.1%).

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 below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Darwin, Farrar has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (16.7%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (7.0%). Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 16.5% to 18.2%, while the 5-14 cohort increased from 15.5% to 16.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 16.9% to 15.6%, and the 0-4 group dropped from 10.5% to 9.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Farrar's age structure. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase by 56 people (26%), from 214 to 271. The 0-4 group is expected to grow modestly at 1%, adding only 2 residents.