Gunbalanya

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

Gunbalanya's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 1,697. This figure reflects a growth of 520 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,177. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch validation following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and two additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3.3 persons per square kilometer. Gunbalanya's growth rate of 44.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both national (9.7%) and state averages, marking it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch projections for Gunbalanya are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied. Looking ahead, non-metropolitan areas like Gunbalanya are projected to have above median population growth, with an expected increase of 217 persons by 2041, reflecting a decline of 3.6% in total over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Gunbalanya when compared nationally

Gunbalanya experienced an average of three dwelling approvals per year between 2016 and 2020, totalling 18 dwellings over the five-year period. This low development activity reflects its rural nature, where housing needs drive development rather than broader market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Gunbalanya's development levels are substantially lower than those of the Rest of NT and below national averages. New building activity from 2016 to 2020 showed 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options across price brackets. This marks a considerable change from the previous housing mix of 91.0% houses, addressing reduced development sites availability and shifting lifestyle demands. The location had approximately 188 people per dwelling approval during this period, indicating an expanding market. However, with population projections showing stability or decline, Gunbalanya is expected to experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Gunbalanya should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Gunbalanya has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects likely affecting this region. Notable initiatives include Kakadu Tourism and Infrastructure Upgrades, Australia-Asia PowerLink (AAPowerLink), Northern Territory Freight Rail And Logistics Capacity Improvements, and Network Optimisation Program - Rail.

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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Gunbalanya performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Gunbalanya's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.1%. The area has a lower unemployment rate than the Rest of NT (4.6% vs 5.9%), but workforce participation is lower (36.3% vs 50.7%). Major employment areas are public administration & safety, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Public administration & safety has high concentration (2.1 times regional average), while health care & social assistance has limited presence (10.8% vs regional 18.8%).

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.1%, labour force by 0.9%, leading to a 2.1 percentage point unemployment drop. In contrast, the Rest of NT saw employment fall by 1.3% and unemployment rise marginally. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gunbalanya's employment mix suggests local growth of 5.4% over five years and 11.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Gunbalanya suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $45,161 and an average income of $60,283. This is below the national average and compares to median and average incomes of $53,572 and $63,776 respectively across Rest of NT. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $48,973 (median) and $65,371 (average). Census data reveals household income ranks at the 18th percentile with a weekly income of $1,277, while personal income sits at the 0th percentile. The largest segment comprises 595 residents earning $800 - 1,499 weekly, accounting for 35.1% of the population and differing from the regional norm where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 33.6%. Housing costs allow residents to retain 94.6% of their income, though disposable income ranks below average at the 31st percentile.

Gunbalanya is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Gunbalanya, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.1% houses and 8.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NT's 83.6% houses and 16.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gunbalanya was at 1.6%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (0.0%) or rented (98.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $0, below Non-Metro NT's average of $1,346 and Australia's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Gunbalanya was $70, lower than Non-Metro NT's $80 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 83.8% of all households, including 44.5% couples with children, 18.1% couples without children, and 20.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 16.2%, with lone person households at 13.7% and group households at 0%. The median household size is 4.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of NT average of 3.5.

Gunbalanya faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 8.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 5.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational pathways account for 23.5% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 3.8% and certificates at 19.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.7% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 1.2% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Gunbalanya's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Gunbalanya shows excellent health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions across all ages. Approximately 51% (~860 people) have private health cover, compared to 48.0% in the Rest of NT and a national average of 55.7%. Heart disease (6.3%) and diabetes (5.4%) are the most prevalent medical conditions.

Around 79.9% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of NT's 78.5%. The area has 3.4% (57 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the Rest of NT's 9.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require particular attention.

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

Gunbalanya's cultural diversity is above average, with 2.8% of its population born overseas and 87.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Gunbalanya, comprising 33.4% of people. The 'Other' category makes up 1.5%, lower than the Rest of NT average of 6.9%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian Aboriginal is the highest represented group at 83.6%, substantially higher than the regional average of 64.6%. English and Australian groups follow with 5.4% and 2.7% respectively, the latter notably lower than the regional average of 9.9%. Maori and Welsh groups are overrepresented in Gunbalanya at 1.0% and 0.5%, compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.1% respectively.

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

Gunbalanya's median age is 27 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NT's 31 years and Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that 35-44 year-olds make up 19.1% of the population, while those aged 65-74 comprise only 2.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has increased from 17.2% to 19.1%, and the 55-64 cohort has risen from 7.2% to 8.4%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 18.0% to 16.6%. By 2041, Gunbalanya's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 23%, reaching 190 people from the current 154. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for those aged 0-4 and 25-34 years.