Gray (NT)

Gray is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, the Gray (NT) statistical area (Lv2)'s estimated population is around 3,387 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 245 people from the 2021 Census figure of 3,142, indicating a growth rate of 7.8%. The latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date were used to estimate this population level. This results in a density ratio of 2,258 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Gray's growth rate of 7.8% since the census places it within 1.8 percentage points of the SA4 region's 9.6%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

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). Future population dynamics project an above median growth for national statistical areas, with the Gray (NT) (SA2) expected to expand by 687 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.3% over the 17 years.

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

Gray has had minimal development with just 2 approvals over five years. This indicates a mature, established suburb where available land for new construction is limited. For buyers, this scarcity of new housing stock typically supports property values and means competition may be primarily among existing homes.

Compared to Greater Darwin, Gray shows substantially reduced construction. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints.

Gray has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact the area. Key projects include Darwin Light Rail Stage 1, Hudson Creek Power Station, Marine Industry Park, and Darwin Corporate Park, with the following list detailing those most likely to be relevant.

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.

Employment drivers in Gray are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Gray's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Retail trade employment is notably high at 1.4 times the regional average. However, public administration & safety employs only 15.7% of local workers, below Greater Darwin's 19.5%. As of September 2025, 1,637 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 9.6%, above Greater Darwin's 3.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 60.1% compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.8%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. The unemployment rate in Gray is 12.7%. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 1.8% alongside labour force increasing by 1.8%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, Greater Darwin recorded employment growth of 1.9%, with unemployment rising marginally. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NT employment contracted by 1.13%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.4%. National employment forecasts from May-25 indicate national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gray's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Gray suburb is $60,378 and average income is $66,723. This is lower than national averages of $71,945 (median) and $97,984 (average). In Greater Darwin, median income is $66,956 and average is $77,199. Assuming an 8.44% Wage Price Index growth by September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $65,474 (median) and $72,354 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Gray's personal income ranks at the 63rd percentile with weekly earnings of $877. Household income is at the 34th percentile. Income distribution shows that 33.8% of residents (1,144 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 29th percentile nationally.

Gray displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Gray's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.8% houses and 40.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Darwin metro had 75.9% houses and 24.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gray was at 12.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.6% and rented ones at 52.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,725, lower than Darwin metro's $2,037. The median weekly rent figure was $300, compared to Darwin metro's $400. Nationally, Gray's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Gray features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 63.6% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 18.5% couples without children, and 19.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.8.

Educational outcomes in Gray fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 31.3%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 44.4% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 33.0%. Educational participation is high, with 38.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 14.8% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 13 active stops operating in Gray, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 23 routes, offering 1,422 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 163 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 203 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 109 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Gray 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

Gray demonstrates above-average health outcomes with prevalence of common health conditions low among its general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,801 people), slightly leading that of the average SA2 area.

This compares to a rate of 57.0% across Greater Darwin. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.6% and 6.7% of residents respectively, while 72.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 76.6% across Greater Darwin. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 10.6% (359 people) compared to the 7.5% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

Gray was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 24.1% of its population born overseas and 19.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Gray, comprising 40.6% of people. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin, making up 3.3% of Gray's population versus 2.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (22.9%), English (22.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (14.9%), which is higher than the regional average of 9.1%. Notably, Filipino (4.4%) and Vietnamese (1.0%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 4.8% and 0.7%, respectively. Maori representation is also notable at 0.6% versus a regional average of 0.7%.

Gray hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Gray's median age at 34 years is the same as Greater Darwin's average of 34 but is significantly lower than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Darwin, Gray has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (12.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.2%). Between the years 2021 and present, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 12.2% to 13.0%. Conversely, the age group of 5-14 has decreased from 15.7% to 14.4%. By the year 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Gray's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, with an increase of 132 people (27%) from 497 to 630 residents.