Herbert

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

As of Nov 2025, Herbert's population is estimated around 1,755. This reflects a 9% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,610. The current estimate comes from AreaSearch, which validated new addresses and examined ERP data released by ABS in June 2024. This results in a population density ratio of 49 persons per square kilometer. Herbert's growth rate exceeded the national average of 8.9%, making it a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 63% to overall gains, with other factors like overseas and interstate migration also positive.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 based on 2022 data. For areas not covered, it applies age cohort-specific growth rates from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023). Future demographic trends suggest a population increase below the national median by 2041, with Herbert expected to expand by 202 persons, reflecting a total increase of 12.7% over 17 years.

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

Herbert has received approximately one dwelling approval per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, about 8 dwellings were approved, with an additional 3 approved in FY-26.

On average, each new dwelling constructed over these years attracted around 5.2 new residents annually. This supply lagged demand substantially, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost of new properties was $380,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. Compared to Greater Darwin, Herbert had significantly reduced construction activity, at 74.0% below the regional average per person as of recent data. This limited supply generally supported stronger demand and values for established homes.

However, construction activity has intensified recently. Nationally, Herbert's construction levels were also below average, reflecting its mature area status and possible planning constraints. All recent development in Herbert comprised detached houses, maintaining its traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval was 440 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Herbert's population growth to reach 222 additional residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Herbert has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes are anticipated in the area, as AreaSearch has identified zero relevant projects. Key initiatives include Darwin Renewable Energy Hub, Darwin Corporate Park, Australia-Asia PowerLink (AAPowerLink), and Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Herbert significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Herbert maintains a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area.

The unemployment rate stood at 2.3% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7% over the preceding year, according to AreaSearch's statistical data aggregation. As of June 2025, there were 1,056 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% lower than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.0%. Workforce participation was at 74.6%, slightly higher than Greater Darwin's 69.7%. The dominant employment sectors among Herbert's residents include construction, public administration & safety, and education & training.

Notably, the area shows a strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 8.2% compared to the regional average of 14.2%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.7%, while the labour force grew by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Darwin experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a marginal drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Herbert. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Herbert's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, although these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Herbert had a median income among taxpayers of $72,895 and an average level of $83,765. These figures were among the highest in Australia, compared to $65,522 and $75,260 across Greater Darwin respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% since financial year 2022, current estimates for median income are approximately $81,650 and average income is around $93,825 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Herbert rank highly nationally, between the 93rd and 94th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 31.7% of the community (556 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, mirroring the metropolitan region where 36.7% occupy this bracket. Notably, 44.2% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 94th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Herbert's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 98.8% houses and 1.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Darwin metro's 98.6% houses and 1.4% other dwellings in its structure. Home ownership in Herbert stood at 19.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (68.3%) or rented (12.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,323 in the area, higher than Darwin metro's average of $2,250. The median weekly rent figure for Herbert was recorded at $460, compared to Darwin metro's $380. Nationally, Herbert's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 80.2% of all households, including 45.5% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 19.8%, with lone person households at 15.7% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.8.

Herbert 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 14.2%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 31.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 54.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (41.5%). Educational participation is high at 33.0%, with 14.0% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Herbert's health outcomes show excellent results across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. As of 2021, approximately 60% (1,049 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Darwin's 55.5%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.1 and 5.4% of residents respectively. Notably, 79.0% report being completely free of medical ailments, compared to 74.8% in Greater Darwin. As of 2021, 10.2% (179 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 13.9% in Greater Darwin. Despite this, seniors' health outcomes are strong, aligning with the general population's profile.

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

Herbert's population showed low cultural diversity, with 87.9% born in Australia, 91.2% being citizens, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 40.1%. Buddhism was overrepresented at 2.4%, compared to Greater Darwin's 2.2%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (33.0%), English (29.5%), and Scottish (7.6%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal were overrepresented at 5.5% versus the regional 5.8%, Dutch at 1.5% versus 1.4%, and New Zealanders at 0.8% versus 0.7%.

Herbert's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Herbert's median age of 38 years is significantly older than Greater Darwin's 34 but aligns with the national average of 38 years. The age group of 55-64 shows strong representation at 14.3%, compared to Greater Darwin, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group has increased from 12.7% to 14.3% of the population, and the 75-84 cohort has risen from 1.0% to 2.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 17.8% to 15.6%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 16.5% to 14.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Herbert. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to increase by 50 people (39%), from 129 to 180, while the 5-14 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 0% (0 people).