Karama

Karama is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Following an examination of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new address files verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the population of the suburb of Karama is calculated to be approximately 5,050 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 247 people (5.1%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 4,803 people. The adjustment is derived from the resident population of 5,050, which was calculated by AreaSearch using the most recent ABS ERP statistics (June 2025) and post-Census address verification. This population size corresponds to a density ratio of 2,439 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Karama in the top quartile of all Australian areas assessed by AreaSearch. In recent times, overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth, representing approximately 62.0% of the total population increases.

AreaSearch utilizes ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For any SA2 regions lacking this coverage, and to calculate growth across all zones beyond 2032, AreaSearch implements growth rates by age cohort for each location as outlined by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 data). Looking at future demographic trends, population growth in the suburb of Karama is projected to be slightly below the median of all analysed statistical areas, with the suburb of Karama anticipated to grow by 603 persons by 2041 using aggregated SA2 projections, representing an overall rise of 11.9% across the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Karama is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

For the past five-year period, the suburb of Karama recorded no new home approvals. This indicates that the locality is almost entirely developed, with little to no empty land remaining for construction. Established neighborhoods of this nature frequently experience consistent demand for existing housing options, given that purchasers have no newly built alternatives.

Karama exhibits significantly lower levels of construction activity compared to Greater Darwin. This constrained flow of new properties typically underpins stronger demand and values for existing homes. This volume is also lower than the national standard, showcasing the mature state of the local market and highlighting potential planning and development barriers.

Karama has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

An area's long-term performance is deeply tied to changes in local infrastructure, key developments, and urban planning. In total, 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a likely local impact. Main projects include the Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, Berrimah North Area Plan, Darwin Corporate Park, and the Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade, with the accompanying details outlining those of greatest significance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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.

The labour market performance in Karama lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Karama possesses a skilled labor market with solid representation from key service industries, an unemployment rate of 7.9%, and relatively consistent job numbers over the prior year, according to AreaSearch aggregations of statistical data. By March 2026, 2,462 residents were employed, while the local unemployment rate was 4.4% higher than the Greater Darwin average of 3.5%, indicating opportunities for labor market gains, and the participation rate was slightly below the regional benchmark (67.9% compared to 72.7% in Greater Darwin). According to Census records, a minor 3.4% of workforce participants worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.

The major employment industries for residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The locality displays a particularly pronounced concentration in retail trade, where the employment proportion is 1.3 times the regional standard. Conversely, public administration & safety is underrepresented, accounting for 14.5% of the local workforce compared to 19.5% throughout Greater Darwin. This highly residential locality seems to provide few local employment options, as shown by the relationship between the Census working population and resident population counts.

Based on AreaSearch calculations of SALM and ABS statistics gathered from broader geographic zones, the labor force expanded by 0.8% while total employment fell by 0.2% over the 12 months ending March 2026, which led to a 0.9 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Darwin saw employment expand by 0.4% and the labor force grow by 0.8%, with its unemployment rate increasing by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment projections from May-25 offer additional perspective on potential future demand in Karama. These forecasts, which span five and ten-year horizons, have been aligned with the local employment structure to project growth trends. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the pace of growth varies greatly between different sectors. Matching these sector-specific forecasts to the local workforce composition indicates that employment in Karama should rise by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate localized population forecasts).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Based on AreaSearch's aggregation of the most recent postcode level ATO statistics published for financial year 2023, the suburb of Karama recorded a median income of $53,397 among taxpayers, with the average income recorded at $59,528. These figures are below the national averages and compare to values of $66,956 and $77,199 across Greater Darwin respectively. Applying Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to approximately $58,422 (median) and $65,130 (average) as of March 2026. Under 2021 Census data, household, family, and individual incomes in Karama sit near the 54th percentile nationally. Distribution metrics show that the most common category consists of 34.6% of residents (1,747 people) within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is very similar to the wider region where 36.7% fall into this band. High housing expenses account for 17.0% of total income, yet solid overall earnings keep disposable income at the 51st percentile.

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

An assessment of housing types in Karama at the time of the latest Census showed that houses represented 77.2% of dwellings and other structures (such as townhouses, apartments, and alternative dwellings) accounted for 22.8%, compared to the Darwin metro mix of 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Furthermore, home ownership in Karama was higher than the Darwin metro rate, standing at 19.1%, while the rest of the properties were either under mortgage (41.8%) or rented (39.0%). The median monthly home loan payment was below the Darwin metro standard at $1,950, and the median weekly rent was recorded at $293, compared to regional figures of $2,100 and $385 respectively. On a national scale, Karama's monthly mortgage payments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, whereas weekly rents are considerably lower than the national benchmark of $375.

Karama has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Families make up the vast majority of households at 73.9%, consisting of couples with children at 35.0%, couples without children at 19.0%, and single-parent homes at 18.3%. The remaining 26.1% of households are non-family units, with single-person households representing 22.3% and group housing comprising 3.7%. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

Karama faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The locality presents educational disparities, with university degree completion rates (21.9%) falling considerably short of the SA3 area average of 36.1%. This situation represents both a hurdle and a chance for focused educational policies. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate studies (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational and technical capabilities are highly prevalent, with 35.3% of residents aged 15+ holding technical qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (26.5%).

Learning enrollment is remarkably strong, with 34.5% of local residents currently studying in formal settings. This includes 12.8% attending primary schools, 10.5% in secondary education, and 4.7% undertaking tertiary programs.

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

Public transport studies show 27 active transit stops operating in Karama, consisting of various bus options. These stops are connected to 45 separate routes, which combine to support 2,400 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is classified as outstanding, with residents generally residing 140 meters from the nearest transit point. Being a mostly residential suburb, the majority of working residents commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 89%. Car ownership averages 1.4 vehicles per household. A minor 3.4% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census records which may reflect the impact of pandemic lockdowns.

Daily transit frequency averages 342 trips across the network, which translates to approximately 88 weekly trips per active stop.

Health performance in Karama is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Karama exhibits notable health vulnerabilities, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality patterns and the presence of chronic illnesses, with typical health issues somewhat common across both younger and older cohorts, and private medical insurance coverage is relatively low at approximately 50% of the population (~2,544 people). This compares to 57.8% in Greater Darwin and a national benchmark of 55.7%.

Asthma and arthritis were identified as the most prevalent health issues, affecting 7.0 and 5.8% of the population, respectively, while 74.7% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 77.1% throughout Greater Darwin. Health indicators for the working-age cohort are generally standard. Residents aged 65 and over make up 12.9% of the population (651 people), which exceeds the Greater Darwin proportion of 11.0%. Health outcomes among older residents are above average, with their national rankings tracking higher than the broader local community.

Karama was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Karama exhibits a high degree of cultural diversity, with 33.4% of its residents born outside Australia and 36.6% utilizing a language other than English in their households. Christianity is the primary religion, accounting for 53.2% of local residents. The most pronounced religious overrepresentation relative to the wider region is Buddhism, which is practiced by 4.7% of the population compared to 3.3% across Greater Darwin.

Regarding family heritage (parents' countries of birth), the primary groups in Karama are Australian at 18.6%, Other at 17.8%, and English at 16.0%, which sits significantly below the regional benchmark of 21.7%. There are also notable differences in the concentration of other backgrounds: Filipino heritage is highly represented at 6.7% of Karama (compared to 3.8% across the region), Australian Aboriginal heritage stands at 13.7% (compared to 7.0%), and Greek heritage is at 4.0% (compared to 2.3%).

Karama's population is younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 35 years, Karama matches the Greater Darwin average of 34 and is slightly below the Australian average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Darwin, Karama has a larger proportion of residents aged 5 - 14 (15.4%) but fewer people in the 25 - 34 bracket (12.3%). Post-2021 Census figures reveal that the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 7.3% to 9.1% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort has contracted from 14.0% to 13.0%. Long-term modeling indicates that Karama's age structure will shift considerably by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort is expected to grow the fastest at 20%, adding 136 residents to reach a total of 808, while population reductions are expected for the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 brackets.