Suburb profile · Greater Darwin
Karama has an estimated 5,050 residents, up 5.1% since the 2021 Census, with 6 projects tracked in the area around Karama.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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Karama is a suburb 10.5 kilometres northeast from Darwin CBD, with an estimated population of around 5,050 as of Aug 2026. This estimate is based on aggregated SA2-level ERP counts, released yearly, and national address file data updated each quarter. Since the 2021 Census population of 4,803 people, the estimate represents an increase of 247 people (5.1%). The suburb’s median age is 35, and its population profile includes notable representation of people aged 5 to 14. Growth remains limited, alongside a severely constrained dwelling supply, an above-average renting population and a strong semi-detached presence.
Karama has an elevated public administration employment base and pronounced administrative employment. The area is typically associated with lower educational attainment. Located in the Northern Territory of Australia, it is described as having a diverse and bustling environment, with parks and greenspaces, walking paths, picnic spots, community events, weekend markets, local sports facilities and international eateries.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Karama is a suburb 10.5 kilometres northeast from Darwin CBD, with an estimated population of around 5,050 as of Aug 2026. This estimate is based on aggregated SA2-level ERP counts, released yearly, and national address file data updated each quarter. Since the 2021 Census population of 4,803 people, the estimate represents an increase of 247 people (5.1%). The suburb’s median age is 35, and its population profile includes notable representation of people aged 5 to 14. Growth remains limited, alongside a severely constrained dwelling supply, an above-average renting population and a strong semi-detached presence.
Karama has an elevated public administration employment base and pronounced administrative employment. The area is typically associated with lower educational attainment. Located in the Northern Territory of Australia, it is described as having a diverse and bustling environment, with parks and greenspaces, walking paths, picnic spots, community events, weekend markets, local sports facilities and international eateries.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 5,152 in 2006 and 5,050 in 2025. The Aug 2026 estimate (ABS June 2025 base) is the same.
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 5 to 14, 16%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 34.6%.
Karama ranks in the 78th percentile nationally for cultural diversity and the 77th for transport & access.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
AreaSearch tracks 6 projects in and around Karama, 1 of them under construction.
Upgrade of the existing wastewater treatment plant and associated pumping stations and rising mains, aimed at increasing robustness, optimizing treatment, improving environmental outcomes, and catering for future population growth until 2030. It was the largest sewer project ever undertaken by NT Power and Water Corporation.
A purpose-built facility for young people aged 10 to 17 at Leanyer Recreation Park in Darwin's northern suburbs, providing a safe, structured space for after-hours and school holiday programs, mentoring, skill development, and support services.
Darwin Corporate Park is a premier business park for mixed use commercial office space located in Berrimah, recognised as the geographic centre of greater Darwin. The precinct currently comprises five premium three-level office buildings set on 25,800 square metres, holding a 5-star NABERS rating and campus-style landscaping with covered walkways.
A 168-hectare master-planned community development delivering up to 2,000 housing lots. The precinct includes residential homes, parks, a government primary school, retirement living, and 56,000sqm of retail, dining, and commercial space.
The Northern Territory Government is constructing a new classroom building at Leanyer Primary School.
A new $26.8 million aquatic and leisure centre in Casuarina, featuring an 8-lane 50m pool, a resort-style lagoon pool, a learn-to-swim pool, wet and dry play areas, a cafe, BBQ facilities, a gymnasium, and a basketball 3-on-3 court. The project was funded by the City of Darwin and the Australian Government.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS building approvals | 0.0 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 3rd percentile nationally |
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Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Karama include: Berrimah North Area Plan (Approved); Darwin Corporate Park (Approved); Northern Suburbs Youth Hub (Approved); Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade (Construction); and Marine Industry Park (Approved). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Karama spans multiple sectors including Ports, Marinas, Fisheries & Aquaculture, Precincts & Urban Renewal, and Business Parks & Technology Hubs, among others.
Infrastructure development activity impacting the suburb of Karama currently ranks below national averages at the 14th percentile.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
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.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,050 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +5.1% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 40th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 2,445 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 77th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | -0.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | -0.5% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 4,803 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 247 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | -0.5% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | -1.4% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 2.07 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Karama was estimated to be approximately 5,050 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 5,050 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of Karama has added approximately 247 people and shown a 5.14% increase from the 4,803 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Karama is estimated at 2,440 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Karama has shown a compound annual growth rate of -0.5% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Karama is driven by: Overseas migration (62.0%), Natural increase (38.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 62.0% of overall population gains.
Karama's population is younger than the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 35 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 24th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 12.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 22.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 25.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 52.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 35 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 6.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 16.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 12.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 12.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 14.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 13.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 11.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 8.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 3.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 0.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Karama at 35 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 35 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 35 years as at August 2026, Karama is comparable to the Greater Darwin 2021 Census average (34 years) yet 3 years younger than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Karama compared to the Greater Darwin region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 16.0% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Karama compared to the Greater Darwin region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 12.7% of the population.
No, the age distribution in the suburb of Karama is broadly in line with Greater Darwin.
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 22.5% of the population in the suburb of Karama as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 12.7% of the population in the suburb of Karama as at August 2026.
Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $57,177 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 41st percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $64,796 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,783 | 2021 Census, weekly | 52nd percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $838 | 2021 Census, weekly | 57th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 22.4% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $2,021 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 22.3% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Karama is approximately $60,722. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $57,177.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Karama is approximately $68,813. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $64,796.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Karama is approximately $60,722 compared to $74,514 in Greater Darwin. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $57,177 and $70,164 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Karama is approximately $68,813 compared to $86,622 in Greater Darwin. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $64,796 and $81,565 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Karama's households (~34.6% / 538 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Karama is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 34.6% of households. In comparison, Greater Darwin's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 36.7% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Karama is $1,783/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Karama is $2,021/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Karama is $838/wk.
The suburb of Karama shows a median taxpayer income of $57,177 and an average of $64,796 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. This is below the national average, contrasting with Greater Darwin's median income of $70,164 and average income of $81,565. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.2% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $60,722 (median) and $68,813 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Karama is $6,416 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of Karama's disposable income is $6,416 compared to $8,044 for Greater Darwin, based on AreaSearch analysis.
AreaSearch assessment indicates Karama faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 68.5% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 2,462 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 4,031 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 2,672 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Karama has approximately 2,462 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 7.9%. The elevated unemployment rate suggests challenging labour market conditions. The area faces employment challenges compared to other regions nationally.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Karama stands at 7.9%, which is 4.4 percentage points above Greater Darwin's rate of 3.5%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Karama is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are public administration & safety (14.5% of employment), health care & social assistance (13.4%), and education & training (11.1%). Other significant employers include retail trade and construction.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Karama has experienced a decline in employment, with total jobs decreasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Greater Darwin saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Karama is 68.5%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate trailing the Greater Darwin average of 72.9%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Greater Darwin.
The suburb of Karama shows notable specialisation in retail trade, which employs 10.0% of the local workforce compared to 7.6% across Greater Darwin. This moderate specialisation indicates some local strength in the sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 1 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The suburb of Karama's employment market shows weaker performance compared to most areas nationally. This suggests the need for targeted economic development initiatives. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 12.8% decline, ranking 37th out of 37 regions nationally.
Karama faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 14.9% | 2021 Census | 41st percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 4.4% | 2021 Census | 45th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 21.9% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 26.5% | 2021 Census | 55th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 2.6% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 8.8% | 2021 Census | 16th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 42.8% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 34.5% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 4.7% | 2021 Census | 53rd percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 12.8% | 2021 Census | 87th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 10.5% | 2021 Census | 93rd percentile nationally |
21.9% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Karama have university qualifications, compared to 31.3% in Greater Darwin.
42.8% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Karama have no formal qualifications, compared to 32.6% in Greater Darwin.
The suburb of Karama ranks in the 23th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Karama are: Certificate (26.5%), Bachelor Degree (14.9%), Advanced Diploma (8.8%).
34.5% of the population in the suburb of Karama is currently engaged in formal education, including 12.8% in primary school, 10.5% in secondary school, 4.7% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Karama is 893, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 4 schools within the suburb of Karama, with a combined enrollment of approximately 1,189 students.
The suburb of Karama includes 3 primary schools, 1 secondary school.
Karama features high concentrations of single parent families and group households but relatively few couples without children, with a larger average household size than Greater Darwin.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.9 people | 2021 Census | 85th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 22.3% | 2021 Census | 38th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 35.0% | 2021 Census | 65th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 19.0% | 2021 Census | 7th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 18.3% | 2021 Census | 96th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 3.7% | 2021 Census | 70th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 1,554 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 1,634 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 73.9% | 2021 Census | 60th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.8 per family | 2021 Census | 74th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Karama had 1,554 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 5.1% to an estimated 1,634 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Karama is 2.9 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Darwin and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 73.9% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (22.3%), group households (3.7%), and other household types (0.1%).
Of the 1,148 family households, couples with children account for 35.0% of all households, couples without children at home 19.0%, and single parent families 18.3%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Darwin, the suburb of Karama shows distinct household patterns. This family-oriented profile influences local demand for family homes, schools, and children's services.
Families in the suburb of Karama have an average of 1.8 children, slightly above the Greater Darwin average of 1.4. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 39.2% of the adult population are currently married, while 44.3% have never married. This compares to 42.3% married and 43.1% never married across Greater Darwin.
Single-person households represent 22.3% of all households in the suburb of Karama, similar to the average for Greater Darwin of 23.4%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 3.7% of households, below the Greater Darwin average of 5.6%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
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.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 33.4% | 2021 Census | 71st percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 36.6% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 63.4% | 2021 Census | 19th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 81.3% | 2021 Census | 26th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 66.6% | 2021 Census | 28th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 13.7% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
Karama scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 33.4% of its population born overseas and 36.6% speaking a language other than English at home.
The main religion in Karama was found to be Christianity, which makes up 53.2% of people in Karama. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which comprises 4.7% of the population, compared to 3.3% across Greater Darwin.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Karama are Australian, comprising 18.6% of the population, Other, comprising 17.8% of the population, and English, comprising 16.0% of the population, which is notably lower than Greater Darwin's 21.7%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 6.7% of Karama (vs 3.8% across Greater Darwin), Australian Aboriginal at 13.7% (vs 7.0%) and Greek at 4.0% (vs 2.3%).
33.4% of the suburb of Karama population was born overseas, compared to 30.3% across Greater Darwin.
36.6% of the population in the suburb of Karama speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 26.1% in Greater Darwin.
13.7% of the suburb of Karama population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 7.0% in Greater Darwin.
81.3% of the suburb of Karama population holds citizenship, compared to 77.8% in Greater Darwin.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Karama is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 39.0% | 2021 Census | 76th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 19.1% | 2021 Census | 14th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 77.2% | 2021 Census | 34th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,950 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 59th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 41.8% | 2021 Census | 71st percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 17.8% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $293 | 2021 Census, weekly | 23rd percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 16.4% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 13th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 25.2% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 61st percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 1.0 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 94th percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Karama, 19.1% of homes are owned outright, 41.8% are owned with a mortgage, and 39.0% are rented.
According to the latest data, 77.2% of dwellings in the suburb of Karama are houses.
In the suburb of Karama, 5.0% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 17.8% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Karama stands at 19.1%, compared to 17.9% in Greater Darwin.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Karama is $1,950, compared to $2,100 in Greater Darwin.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Karama is $1,310, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Karama, households with mortgages typically spend 25.2% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 16.4% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Karama is 1.0, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Karama shows mortgage holders spending 25.2% of income on repayments (vs 21.9% in Greater Darwin), while renters spend 16.4% of income on rent (vs 17.4% in Greater Darwin).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Karama consists of 77.2% detached houses, 17.8% semi-detached dwellings, 5.0% apartments, and 0.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Karama consumes approximately 17.0% of median household income ($7,720 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
No recent development applications are recorded for this area.
Health performance in Karama is lower than the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 50.6% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 33rd percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 74.7% | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 5.9% | 2021 Census | 60th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 78.9% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 1.7% | 2021 Census | 65th percentile nationally |
Around 50.6% of people in the suburb of Karama are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 58.1% in Greater Darwin.
In the suburb of Karama, 5.9% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 3.7% of people in Greater Darwin require similar assistance.
7.0% of people in the suburb of Karama are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 6.1% of the population across Greater Darwin is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 5.2% of the suburb of Karama population, while in Greater Darwin, 3.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
3.3% of people in the suburb of Karama have heart disease. Across Greater Darwin,2.5% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Karama, 50.6% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Darwin sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 58.1%.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 77 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 77th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 25 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 25th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 2,062 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 51st percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 202 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 31 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.4 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 3.4% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 25 public transport stops within the suburb of Karama.
The suburb of Karama has 2,062 weekly trips across 31 routes, averaging 294 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 142 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest school is 361 m away and the nearest child care centre 366 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 25 stops nearby, 2,062 weekly trips, access rating 77 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 4 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 4th percentile nationally |
| Nearest school | 361 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest child care | 366 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 541 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 541 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest shopping centre | 541 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 545 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 899 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 4.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 4.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 5.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 6.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There is 1 long day care centre with 50 places in Karama, about 6.6 children aged 0-4 per place.
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05Reports and tools
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06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity in Karama is exceptionally low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally.
Karama has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14th percentile nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
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.
Karama's population is younger than the national pattern.
Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis.
AreaSearch assessment indicates Karama faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets.
Karama faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
Karama features high concentrations of single parent families and group households but relatively few couples without children, with a larger average household size than Greater Darwin.
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 is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Health performance in Karama is lower than the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be below the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Karama has an estimated 5,050 residents, up 5.1% since the 2021 Census, with 6 projects tracked in the area around Karama.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Karama.
Data currency
Refreshed . Population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Jul 2025. Housing and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL70143). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Jul 2025) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, households, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Karama from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Karama with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
