Girraween (NT)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Girraween reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Girraween (NT) is estimated at around 1,771 people. This reflects an increase of 103 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,668 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,761 following examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional validated new address since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 75 persons per square kilometer. Natural growth contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

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, growth rates by age cohort are applied to each area, using ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, the suburb is projected to experience above median population growth for national statistical areas, with an expected expansion of 250 persons to reach a total of 2,021 by 2041, reflecting a 17.2% increase over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Girraween recorded approximately one residential property approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around eight homes were approved, with three more approved in FY-26 so far.

This results in an average of 7.4 people moving to the area per dwelling built each year over these five years. Demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $380,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. Compared to Greater Darwin, Girraween has significantly less development activity, 75.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, although recent construction activity has intensified.

Nationally, this level is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development in Girraween has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 727 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections estimate Girraween will add 305 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Girraween has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly impact a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to affect this area. Notable projects include Darwin Renewable Energy Hub, Darwin Corporate Park, Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage, Desert Springs Octopus Renewable Energy Program, with the following list outlining those most likely to be relevant.

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Employment conditions in Girraween rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Girraween's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented. In September 2025, the unemployment rate was 1.3%.

Employment grew by 2.4% in the past year. The unemployment rate of 1.8% is below Greater Darwin's 3.1%. Workforce participation is high at 82.1%, compared to Greater Darwin's 76.0%. Only 4.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure.

Dominant employment sectors are public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Construction is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance has lower representation at 8.1% compared to the regional average of 14.2%. Local employment opportunities may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.4%, while labour force also grew by 2.4%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 1.8%. Greater Darwin recorded employment growth of 1.9% and labour force growth of 1.9%, with a marginal rise in unemployment to 3.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Girraween's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for local population projections.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Girraween's median income among taxpayers is $72,205. The average income is $82,972. Nationally, this is extremely high compared to Greater Darwin's median of $66,956 and average of $77,199. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Girraween would be approximately $78,299 (median) and $89,975 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Girraween, between the 93rd and 96th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 30.1% of individuals earn more than $4,000 weekly (533 individuals), differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 36.7%. A significant 50.5% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 13.5% of income. Residents rank within the 96th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

In Girraween, as per the latest Census evaluation, all dwellings were houses with none being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Darwin metro's mix of 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Girraween stood at 26.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 60.3% and rented ones at 13.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Darwin metro's $2,100. Median weekly rent in Girraween was $420 compared to Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Girraween's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $420 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 85.1% of all households, including 44.1% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 14.9%, with lone person households at 12.8% and group households making up 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

Girraween shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 15.8%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 31.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 49.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (36.9%). Educational participation is high, with 31.6% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.8% in primary, 10.6% in secondary, and 4.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.8% in primary education, 10.6% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Girraween has six operational public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by 14 unique routes that facilitate a total of 1002 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered limited, with residents located an average of 1053 meters from the nearest stop. As Girraween is predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 95% of residents. On average, there are 2.4 vehicles per dwelling, surpassing the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.3% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 143 trips are made daily, translating to approximately 167 weekly trips per individual stop.

Girraween's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates robust performance across Girraween.

AreaSearch's assessment reveals low prevalence of common health conditions among both young and elderly residents. Approximately 60% of Girraween's total population (1,053 people) has private health cover, which is exceptionally high. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.3% and 6.0% of residents respectively. 77.1% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, similar to the Greater Darwin average. Health outcomes for those under 65 are better than average. Girraween has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 11.8% (208 people), compared to Greater Darwin's 10.8%. Notably, health outcomes among seniors in Girraween rank even higher nationally than the general population.

Girraween is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Girraween's cultural diversity was found to be below average. As of a certain date, 88.4% of its population were born in Australia, with 91.3% being citizens and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Girraween, comprising 37.3% of people.

Notably, Judaism was not represented in Girraween's population, unlike Greater Darwin where it comprised 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.1%), English (27.3%), and Irish (8.2%). These figures were substantially higher than the regional averages of 22.6%, 21.7%, and 4.9% respectively. Additionally, there were notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 5.5% compared to the regional average of 7.0%, German at 4.8% versus 3.2%, and Serbian at 0.4% compared to 0.1%.

Girraween's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Girraween is 41 years, which exceeds Greater Darwin's average of 34 years and is slightly higher than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Darwin, Girraween has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 at 18.6%, but fewer residents aged 25-34 at 10.0%. This concentration of 45-54 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 12.0%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has increased from 13.7% to 15.7%, while those aged 65-74 have risen from 6.5% to 7.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 21.0% to 18.6%, and those aged 5-14 have fallen from 15.8% to 14.0%. By the year 2041, significant shifts in Girraween's age composition are expected. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 21%, adding 70 people and reaching a total of 400 from the current 329. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 5%, with an increase of just 4 residents.