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

As of Nov 2025, Howard Springs's population is estimated at around 3,973, reflecting an increase of 820 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 3,153 in the area. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,961 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional three validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 51 persons per square kilometer. Howard Springs's growth rate of 26.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's 9.6%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 post-2032 estimations, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends forecast a significant increase in Howard Springs's top quartile of national areas, with an expected growth of 1,043 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.3% over the 17 years.

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 has experienced around 7 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 39 homes were approved, with another 8 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 3.4 people moving to the area over these years.

This significant demand exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. Developers focus on the premium market, constructing new properties at an average value of $435,000. In FY-26, there have been $35,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Darwin, Howard Springs has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 45th percentile nationally for areas assessed.

This limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. However, construction activity has intensified recently. The area's low density character is maintained with all new construction comprising standalone homes, appealing to those seeking space and families. The estimated count of 365 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Howard Springs will gain 806 residents through to 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 17thth percentile nationally

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

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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. The unemployment rate was 2.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7%.

As of September 2025, 1,987 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.1% lower than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Darwin's at 69.7%. Employment is concentrated in construction, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area has a particular specialization in construction with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance had limited presence at 7.6% compared to the regional 14.2%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.7%, labour force by 0.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Darwin recorded employment growth of 1.9% with a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NT employment contracted by 1.13%, with an unemployment rate of 4.4%. National forecasts project employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years for Howard Springs, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 2023 shows Howard Springs' median income among taxpayers is $65,047, with an average of $71,302. This is above the national average and compares to Greater Darwin's median of $66,956 and average of $77,199. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $70,537 (median) and $77,320 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Howard Springs rank highly nationally, between the 86th and 91st percentiles. The earnings profile shows 31.1% of the population (1,235 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort represents 36.7%. A significant 41.5% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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 structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This compares to Darwin metro's 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Howard Springs was at 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 average of $2,250. Median weekly rent in Howard Springs was $400, compared to Darwin metro's $380. Nationally, Howard Springs' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 19.4%, with lone person households at 15.9% and group households comprising 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 common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, 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.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in secondary education, 8.8% in primary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Howard Springs shows that there are currently 17 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 41 individual routes providing service to the community. The weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 2,494.

However, transport accessibility is rated as limited in Howard Springs, with residents typically located approximately 1772 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency across all routes averages around 356 trips per day, which equates to roughly 146 weekly trips per individual 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes for both young and old age cohorts, with low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~2,183 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.1 and 6.6% of residents respectively. 72.7% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.8% across Greater Darwin. As of 2020-21, 16.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (639 people), which is higher than the 13.9% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health 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' cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.7% of its population being citizens, 84.6% born in Australia, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Howard Springs, comprising 43.3% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Howard Springs with 0.1%, compared to 0% across Greater Darwin.

In terms of ancestry, Australians make up 32.9%, English 29.3%, and Irish 7.4%. Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Australian Aboriginal are notably more represented at 5.5% in Howard Springs (vs regional 5.8%), Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.4%), and New Zealanders at 0.8% (vs 0.7%).

Howard Springs hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Howard Springs has a median age of 43, which is significantly higher than Greater Darwin's figure of 34 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Darwin, Howard Springs has an over-representation of the 55-64 age cohort at 15.9%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 5-14 age group has increased from 11.7% to 12.6% 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 age cohort is projected to expand by 168 people (27%), growing from 631 to 800. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 2% (5 people).