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 evaluation of ABS updates for the broader region and fresh addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Farrar has a population calculated at 1,829 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 179 residents (10.8%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 1,650 individuals. This variation is derived from the resident population of 1,829, computed by AreaSearch through analysing the latest ERP statistics from the ABS (June 2025) along with 3 validated new addresses registered after the Census date. The population size yields a density of 1,244 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical level of national areas analyzed by AreaSearch. The suburb of Farrar experienced a 10.8% expansion since the 2021 census that surpassed the countrywide mark of 9.3%, placing it among the top expanding areas in the region. Demographic expansion within this territory was chiefly driven by natural increase, which generated approximately 57.99999999999999% of total population additions in recent times.

AreaSearch implements ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with 2022 as the baseline year. For any SA2 regions lacking this information, and to project development across all localities past 2032, AreaSearch utilizes growth rates by age cohort for each territory as detailed by the ABS in its most recent Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, using 2022 statistics). Looking at future demographic trends, a population rise slightly below the median of national statistical territories is projected, with the suburb of Farrar projected to add 211 persons by 2041 based on compiled SA2-level forecasts, showing an overall expansion of 11.5% over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval statistics compiled from local area files, Farrar has averaged approximately 1 residential approval annually, totaling an estimated 6 dwellings over the prior 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been registered. With an average of 13.7 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly outstrips new supply, which typically causes price growth and heightened competition among buyers. Furthermore, $17,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a mostly residential concentration.

Relative to Greater Darwin, Farrar displays significantly lower construction levels (83.0% below regional average per person). This restricted volume of new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints.

Looking ahead, Farrar is expected to grow by 211 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Farrar has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total no projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Darwin to Palmerston Mass Transit Corridor, Hudson Creek Power Station, Marine Industry Park, and Darwin Corporate Park, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

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

Farrar features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.7%, and 1.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026964 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.7% below Greater Darwin's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Darwin's 72.7%. Based on Census responses, a low 3.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. On the other hand, professional & technical is under-represented, with only 2.9% of Farrar's workforce compared to 5.8% in Greater Darwin. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, over the 12 months to March 2026, employment increased by 1.0% while labour force increased by 0.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Darwin, where employment rose by 0.4%, the labour force grew by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Farrar. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Farrar's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of Farrar is above the national average, with the median assessed at $67,525 while the average income stands at $73,471. This contrasts to 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 9.41% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $73,879 (median) and $80,385 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Farrar, between the 89th and 92nd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 40.7% of locals (744 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen the broader area where 36.7% similarly occupy this range. The substantial proportion of high earners (36.9% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the locality. High housing costs consume 16.6% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 90th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Housing configuration within Farrar, as measured at the most recent Census, consisted of 78.8% detached houses and 21.2% alternative structures (including duplexes, apartments, and other housing categories), contrasting with the Darwin metro mix of 63.5% houses and 36.5% alternative structures. Meanwhile, the proportion of residents who owned their homes in Farrar trailed the Darwin metro level, standing at 10.6%, with the remaining properties occupied under a mortgage (46.9%) or rented (42.5%). The median monthly home loan payment in the locality was higher than the Darwin metro average at $2,167, whereas the median weekly rent was set at $455, compared to Darwin metro rates of $2,100 and $385. On a national level, Farrar's mortgage payments are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rent charges are 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 dominate at 82.0% of all households, comprising 43.0% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.0%, with lone person households at 15.1% and group households comprising 4.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people 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 locality experiences hurdles in education, with tertiary qualification rates (21.2%) sitting well below the SA4 regional average of 31.3%. This situation presents both an obstacle and a chance for focused scholastic programs. Bachelor degrees represent the main qualification at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Practical and technical capabilities are highly visible, with 45.6% of inhabitants aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (33.0%).

Schooling enrollment is remarkably elevated, with 35.5% of local inhabitants currently registered in structured study. This comprises 12.1% attending primary school, 8.7% in secondary school, and 5.7% undertaking higher education.

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

Analysis of public transit options reveals 3 functioning stops operating within Farrar, utilizing a combination of buses. These facilities are served by 5 distinct routes, which combine to support 409 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is classified as good, with commuters generally situated 278 meters away from the closest transit stop. Because this is a predominantly residential sector, most workers travel out of the area, with private vehicles staying the primary choice for 94% of trips. Car ownership averages 1.8 for each home, which exceeds the regional average. A relatively low 3.7% of workforce members perform their roles from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Transit service frequency averages 58 runs per day across all routes, which translates to roughly 136 weekly runs for each 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 of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~1,020 people). This compares to 57.8% across Greater Darwin.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.7 and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 73.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. The area has 9.1% of residents aged 65 and over (166 people), which is lower than the 11.0% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 21.4% of its population born overseas and 15.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Farrar was found to be Christianity, which makes up 42.8% of people in Farrar. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 2.9% of the population, compared to 2.3% across Greater Darwin.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Farrar are Australian, comprising 28.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 22.6%, English, comprising 23.6% of the population, and Other, comprising 12.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 8.0% of Farrar (vs 7.0% regionally), Filipino at 3.2% (vs 3.8%) and Samoan at 0.3% (vs 0.1%).

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

With a median age of 32, the suburb of Farrar is slightly younger than the Greater Darwin figure of 34 similarly substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Darwin, the suburb of Farrar has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (15.9%) but fewer 55 - 64 year-olds (7.2%). In the period since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 16.5% to 18.5% of the population. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 10.5% to 8.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in the suburb of Farrar's age structure. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 62 people (28%) from 219 to 282. The 0 to 4 group displays more modest growth at no net change, adding no new residents.