Howard Springs

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

Howard Springs' population, as estimated based on ABS updates and validated addresses by AreaSearch, stood at approximately 3,919 by November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 766 people, marking a 24.3% increase from the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 3,153. The current resident population estimate of 3,907, as per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024, along with three additional validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates this growth. This results in a density ratio of 51 persons per square kilometer. Howard Springs' population growth rate of 24.3% since the 2021 census surpassed the national average of 8.9%. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort-based growth rates provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends forecast a significant increase for Howard Springs. Aggregated SA2-level projections indicate an expected growth of 1,033 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 21.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Howard Springs recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Howard Springs experienced around 8 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 40 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY21 and FY25), with 7 so far in FY26. On average, 3.3 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $435,000, aligning with regional patterns. There have been $35,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, Howard Springs has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person relative to Greater Darwin.

It ranks among the 48th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. However, construction activity has intensified recently. New construction has been entirely standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. The estimated count of 348 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Howard Springs will gain 850 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Howard Springs has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially influencing this region. Notable projects include Darwin Light Rail Stage 1, Hudson Creek Power Station, Darwin Corporate Park, and Darwin Renewable Energy Hub, with the following list detailing those likely to have the most relevance.

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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 performance in Howard Springs ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Howard Springs has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.0%.

As of June 2025, 1,947 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1%, lower than Greater Darwin's 3.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Key industries include construction, public administration & safety, and education & training. Construction employment is particularly high at 1.9 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has a limited presence at 7.6% compared to the regional 14.2%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0%, labour force by 1.4%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Darwin had employment growth of 2.9% and a marginal decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's Sep-22 forecasts project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Howard Springs' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Howard Springs' median income among taxpayers is $65,044 with an average of $71,304. This is above the national average and compares to Greater Darwin's median of $65,522 and average of $75,260. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $72,856 (median) and $79,868 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Howard Springs, between the 86th and 91st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 31.1% of the population (1,218 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 36.7%. A significant 41.5% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Howard Springs' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Darwin metro had 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Howard Springs was 34.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.2% and rented ones at 16.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,388, higher than Darwin metro's $2,250. Median weekly rent was $400 in Howard Springs, compared to Darwin metro's $380. Nationally, Howard Springs' mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents exceeded the national average of $375.

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

Family households constitute 80.6% of all households, including 38.9% couples with children, 32.4% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 19.4%, with lone person households at 15.9% and group households making up 3.5%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.8.

Educational attainment in Howard Springs aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 18.0%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 31.3%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are common, with 48.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (36.8%). Educational participation is high at 29.1%, with 10.6% in secondary education, 8.8% in primary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

The area has two schools serving 1,329 students: Howard Springs Primary School and Good Shepherd Lutheran College. The ICSEA score is 991, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. There is one primary and one K-12 school in the area. It functions as an education hub with 33.9 school places per 100 residents, higher than the regional average of 17.1, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 17 active public transport stops in Howard Springs, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 41 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2559 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 1772 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 365 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 150 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Howard Springs is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Howard Springs shows superior health outcomes for both young and elderly cohorts, with low incidence of common conditions.

Approximately 55% (~2,154 people) have private health cover, the highest rate in the area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.1%) and asthma (6.6%). 72.7% claim to be free from ailments, compared to 74.8% across Greater Darwin. The elderly population (aged 65+) comprises 16.1% (630 people), higher than the 13.9% in Greater Darwin. Seniors' health outcomes are above average and align with the general population's profile.

Howard Springs ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Howard Springs, when assessed for cultural diversity, showed lower averages. Its population comprised 88.7% citizens, with 84.6% born in Australia and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 43.3%.

Notably, Judaism, which is not present regionally (0.0%), constituted 0.1% of Howard Springs' population. In terms of ancestry, Australian was the top group at 32.9%, followed by English at 29.3% and Irish at 7.4%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Australian Aboriginal was higher at 5.5% (compared to 5.8% regionally), Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.4%), and New Zealand at 0.8% (vs 0.7%).

Howard Springs hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Howard Springs has a median age of 43, which is higher than Greater Darwin's figure of 34 and Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Greater Darwin's average, Howard Springs has an over-representation of the 55-64 age cohort (15.9% locally) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (8.1%). Between 2021 and present, the 5-14 age group has increased from 11.7% to 12.5% of the population. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 11.0% to 8.1%, and the 15-24 age group has dropped from 10.9% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Howard Springs' age profile will change significantly. The 55-64 cohort is projected to expand by 173 people (28%), from 623 to 797, while the 25-34 cohort grows modestly by 3% (9 people).