Humpty Doo

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Humpty Doo statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,976. This figure reflects an increase of 663 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,313. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,958 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 69 persons per square kilometer. The area's growth rate of 15.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (9.6%) and the metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimation, 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). Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation. The Humpty Doo (SA2) is expected to increase by 678 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 9.6% over the 17 years.

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

Humpty Doo has recorded approximately 35 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 177 homes. In the current financial year, FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded to date. Over the past five financial years, between July 2021 and June 2025 inclusive, there has been an average of 1.2 people moving to the area for each dwelling built. However, this figure has intensified to 4.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years ending June 2025.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $380,000, which is slightly above the regional average. In the current financial year, FY-26, there have been $4.8 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. When compared to Greater Darwin, Humpty Doo records 116.0% more new home approvals per person as of June 2025. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of around 278 people per dwelling approval.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Humpty Doo is expected to grow by 476 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

No infrastructure changes will impact the area more than local infrastructure modifications, major projects, or planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that may affect the area. Key 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 relevant.

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Employment conditions in Humpty Doo demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Humpty Doo has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area.

The unemployment rate is 2.8%, lower than the national average of 4.3%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.1%. As of September 2025, there are 2,827 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Darwin's rate of 69.7%.

Key industries of employment among Humpty Doo residents include construction, public administration & safety, and education & training. Construction shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 8.2% compared to the regional average of 14.2%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, while labour force increased by 2.0%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In comparison, Greater Darwin recorded employment growth of 1.9% during the same period, with a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data from November 25 shows NT employment contracted by 1.13%, losing 4,100 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.4%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Humpty Doo's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Humpty Doo had an income level higher than average nationally according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ending June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Humpty Doo was $62,087 and the average income stood at $71,346. These figures compared to those for Greater Darwin which were $66,956 (median) and $77,199 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $67,327 (median) and $77,368 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Humpty Doo ranked highly nationally, between the 85th and 87th percentiles. Distribution data showed that the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated with 33.2% of residents (1,652 people), mirroring regional levels where 36.7% occupied this bracket. Humpty Doo demonstrated considerable affluence with 38.7% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consumed 15.4% of income, though strong earnings still placed disposable income at the 87th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

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

Humpty Doo's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Darwin metro had 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Humpty Doo was at 23.8%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (59.6%) or rented (16.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,206, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,250. The median weekly rent figure in Humpty Doo was recorded at $400, compared to Darwin metro's $380. Nationally, Humpty Doo's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 79.3% of all households, including 38.6% couples with children, 29.0% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 20.7%, with lone person households at 17.7% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.8.

Educational outcomes in Humpty Doo fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 14.6%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 31.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 50.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (40.0%). Educational participation is high, with 32.0% currently enrolled in formal education: 13.1% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.1% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Humpty Doo has 14 operational public transport stops offering bus services. These stops are connected by 39 routes that facilitate a total of 2517 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is limited, with residents on average being located 1811 meters away from the nearest one.

On average, there are 359 daily trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 179 weekly trips per stop.

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

Humpty Doo shows excellent health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages.

Approximately 55% (~2,735 people) have private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.0% and 6.3% respectively. 75.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 74.8% in Greater Darwin. About 14.2% (706 people) are aged 65 and over. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Humpty Doo's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.4% of its population being citizens, 85.5% born in Australia, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, composing 40.5% of Humpty Doo's population. Buddhism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin, comprising 1.8% versus 2.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (31.9%), English (27.6%), and Irish (8.1%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal, Maori, and German ethnicities have different representations in Humpty Doo compared to regional averages: Australian Aboriginal is at 5.0% versus 5.8%, Maori is at 0.7% versus 0.5%, and German is at 3.9% versus 4.0%.

Humpty Doo's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Humpty Doo's median age is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Darwin's average of 34 years. This figure is also very close to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Darwin, Humpty Doo has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (15.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.7%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 65-74 has increased from 9.0% to 10.3%, while those aged 75-84 have risen from 2.5% to 3.8%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 16.0% to 13.8%, and those aged 5-14 have dropped from 14.6% to 12.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Humpty Doo's age profile will change significantly. The 65-74 cohort is projected to grow by 31%, adding 158 residents to reach a total of 671. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 59% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.