Herbert

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Herbert's population is estimated at around 1,709 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 99 people (6.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,610 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,703, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 47 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the Herbert statistical area (Lv2) was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is applying 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected for the Herbert (SA2), with the area expected to expand by 210 persons to reach around 1,819 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 16.1% in total over the 17 years.

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 allocated from statistical area data shows Herbert has had virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years, totalling an estimated 3 homes over the past five financial years. So far in FY26, 1 approval has been recorded. This results in an average of approximately 0.4 new residents arriving per year for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating substantial supply lagging behind demand, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $380,000, somewhat higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. Compared to Greater Darwin, Herbert shows substantially reduced construction activity, 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 density of approximately 3523 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Herbert has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to 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, with the following list highlighting those most likely to be relevant.

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

Herbert has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors are well-represented, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% and estimated employment growth of 2.0% in the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025, there are 1,070 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% lower than Greater Darwin's 3.1%. Workforce participation is 74.6%, compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Major employment industries include construction, public administration & safety, and education & training. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance employs only 8.2% of local workers, below Greater Darwin's 14.2%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0%, with labour force growth also at 2.0% and unemployment remaining stable (AreaSearch analysis). In contrast, Greater Darwin saw employment rise by 1.9%, labour force grow by 1.9%, and a marginal increase in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NT employment contracted by 1.13%, with an unemployment rate of 4.4%. National forecasts suggest total employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies between sectors. Applying these projections to Herbert's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.7% in five years and 12.0% in ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Herbert suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $72,895 and an average income of $83,765. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to $66,956 and $77,199 for Greater Darwin respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $79,047 and average income is around $90,835 as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Herbert rank between the 93rd and 94th percentiles nationally. The largest earnings segment comprises 31.7% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 541 residents falling into this bracket, similar to 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, consisted of 98.8% houses and 1.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Darwin metro's 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Herbert stood at 19.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 68.3% and rented ones at 12.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,323, higher than Darwin metro's $2,250. Median weekly rent in Herbert was $460, compared to Darwin metro's $380. Nationally, Herbert's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents 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 making up 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%, comprising primary education (14.0%), secondary education (9.9%), and tertiary education (3.4%).

Educational participation is notably 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 boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Herbert with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (1,022 people), compared to 56.2% across Greater Darwin.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 7.1 and 5.4% of residents respectively, while 79.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.8% across Greater Darwin. The area has 10.2% of residents aged 65 and over (174 people), which is lower than the 13.9% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health 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, however, was overrepresented at 2.4%, compared to 2.2% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.0%), English (29.5%), and Scottish (7.6%). Notable differences existed in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal (5.5% vs regional 5.8%), Dutch (1.5% vs 1.4%), and New Zealand (0.8% vs 0.7%) were overrepresented in Herbert.

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

Herbert's median age is 38 years, which is older than Greater Darwin's median age of 34 but in line with the national average of 38 years. The age group of 55-64 years shows strong representation at 14.2% compared to Greater Darwin, whereas the 25-34 age group is less prevalent at 9.8%. Between 2021 and the present, the 55-64 age group has grown from 12.7% to 14.2%, while the 75-84 age group increased from 1.0% to 2.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 17.8% to 15.6%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 16.5% to 14.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Herbert, with the 55-64 age cohort projected to increase by 58 people (24%) from 242 to 301.