Herbert

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

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and address validation, the suburb of Herbert had an estimated population of 1,709 as of February 2026. This figure indicates a growth of 99 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 1,610. AreaSearch's estimate is based on the resident population of 1,703, derived from examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation post-Census date. The population density in Herbert stands at 47 persons per square kilometer as of February 2026. Natural growth was the primary driver for population increase, contributing approximately 63.0% of overall gains during recent periods.

However, overseas migration and interstate migration also played positive roles. AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort to each area, using the latest Greater Capital Region projections from the ABS (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the national median statistical areas' average. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, Herbert is expected to expand by 201 persons to reach 1,840 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 15.8% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Herbert has had virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, an estimated three homes have been approved. In FY26 so far, one approval has been recorded.

This limited supply, given an average of 14 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years, is substantially lagging demand. This imbalance generally leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average value of $380,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. Compared to Greater Darwin, Herbert shows substantially reduced construction, with 90.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties in the area. The estimated population of 3523 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

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

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

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

Herbert has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, a low unemployment rate of 2.4%, and an estimated employment growth of 1.7% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025, there are 1,061 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% lower than Greater Darwin's 3.1%. Workforce participation is at 81.0%, slightly higher than Greater Darwin's 76.0%.

According to Census data, only 4.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have affected this figure. The leading employment industries are construction, public administration & safety, and education & training. Herbert specializes in construction, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance employs only 8.2% of local workers, lower than Greater Darwin's 14.2%.

The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7%, while the labour force grew by 1.7% with unemployment remaining largely unchanged (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). In contrast, Greater Darwin saw employment rise by 1.9%, labour force grow by 1.9%, and a marginal increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Herbert's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.7% over five years and 12.0% over ten years (simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes).

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

In financial year 2023, Herbert suburb had a median taxpayer income of $72,895 and an average income of $83,765, which were among the highest in Australia. These figures compared to $66,956 and $77,199 respectively across Greater Darwin. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $79,047 and $90,835 based on an 8.44% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Herbert's household, family, and personal incomes ranked highly nationally, between the 93rd and 94th percentiles. The earnings profile showed that 31.7% of residents earned $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (541 residents), mirroring the metropolitan region where 36.7% fell into this bracket. Notably, 44.2% earned above $3,000 weekly, indicating prosperity and robust local economic activity. High housing costs consumed 15.3% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 94th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

Herbert's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.8% houses and 1.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Darwin metro's 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Herbert stood at 19.3%, with the rest either mortgaged (68.3%) or rented (12.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,323, above Darwin metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent figure was $460, compared to Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Herbert's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,323 than the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Herbert were also 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 2.6.

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 the 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 such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (41.5%). Educational participation is high, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 14.0% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Herbert'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 Herbert based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both young and older age cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population, which amounts to 1,022 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.1 and 5.4% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 79.0%, report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. Working-age residents demonstrate particularly low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 10.6% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 181 people. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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 was predominantly born in Australia, with 87.9%. Citizenship was high at 91.2%, and English was the sole language spoken at home by 95.5%. Christianity was the primary religion, practiced by 40.1% of residents.

Buddhism, although a minority at 2.4%, was higher than the Greater Darwin average of 3.3%. Ancestry wise, Australian (33.0%), English (29.5%), and Scottish (7.6%) were the top groups, each exceeding regional averages. Notably, Australian Aboriginal (5.5%), Dutch (1.5%), and New Zealand (0.8%) ethnicities showed higher representation compared to regional figures.

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

Herbert's median age of 38 years is notably older than Greater Darwin's median age of 34 years, aligning with the national average of 38 years. The age group of 55-64 years shows strong representation in Herbert at 14.5%, compared to Greater Darwin's population. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age cohort is less prevalent in Herbert at 9.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the 55-64 age group has grown from 12.7% to 14.5% of Herbert's population, while the 75-84 age group increased from 1.0% to 2.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has declined from 17.8% to 15.3%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 16.5% to 14.6%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Herbert, with the 55-64 age cohort projected to increase by 57 people (23%), growing from 247 to 305 individuals. Additionally, the 0-4 age cohort is expected to grow modestly by 5%.