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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
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 comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Katherine East has an estimated 3,758 residents, up from 3,061 at the 2021 Census — a change of 697 people, or 22.8%. Growth has averaged 2.0% a year over five years, faster than 92% of areas nationally. Natural increase accounts for 61.0% of that increase. That puts 478 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on demographic evaluations of ABS releases for the surrounding region and subsequent address validations conducted by AreaSearch, the suburb of Katherine East has an estimated population of 3,758 in May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 697 people (22.8%) relative to the 3,061 individuals counted in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is derived from the figure of 3,758 estimated by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 ERP data combined with 36 validated new addresses established post-census. The current resident count translates to 477 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low-density environment with substantial physical capacity for future growth.
The 22.8% growth rate recorded for the suburb of Katherine East since the 2021 census paced ahead of the national benchmark (9.3%) as well as the broader territory, placing it among the leading growth areas regionally. Natural expansion was the primary driver of this demographic change, accounting for approximately 61.0% of the total population growth over recent periods. The projections utilized by AreaSearch align with the 2024 ABS and Geoscience Australia forecasts built on a 2022 baseline. In instances where specific SA2 jurisdictions lack coverage, or to project patterns past 2032, growth dynamics across age cohorts are modeled using the capital city projections published by the ABS in 2023 from 2022 data. Forward-looking demographic assessments suggest that the suburb of Katherine East will experience population growth slightly below the median for non-metropolitan zones across the nation, with regional SA2 projections pointing to an increase of 395 persons by 2041, representing a 10.5% expansion over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
48 new dwellings have been approved in Katherine East over the past five years, an average of 9 a year. That is 2.8 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 14, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals allocated to the local level reveals that Katherine East averages approximately 9 residential approvals annually, yielding 48 total new dwellings over the previous 5 financial years. In the current financial year of FY-26, there have been 13 approvals documented. Because the area has averaged 7.4 new residents per completed dwelling over the past 5 financial years (spanning FY-21 to FY-25), demand outpaces the volume of new completions, which typically triggers upward pressure on prices and heightens buyer competition, while new homes average $356,000 in construction costs.
Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $50.1 million during this financial year, pointing to strong local business investment. Residential building volumes in Katherine East are moderately higher than the regional average, running 36.0% above the Rest of NT per capita rate over the 5 year period, offering home buyers choices while supporting current values, even though construction momentum has slowed recently. This building rate is below the national average, which highlights the established nature of the locality and points to potential planning limitations. Recent residential construction is composed of 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% medium-density options like townhouses or apartments, preserving the historical low-density profile with a focus on family-oriented layouts. The ratio of 524 people per approved dwelling highlights the quiet pace of local development. Looking forward, the population of Katherine East is projected to rise by 395 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. The speed of home building remains generally aligned with this expansion, though buyers may face escalating competition as the local population grows.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Katherine East
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Katherine East, worth an estimated $79 million. A further 1 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $79 million. 2 are already under construction and 2 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, communities, precincts & urban renewal and ports, marinas, fisheries & aquaculture. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and major works influence regional development patterns. AreaSearch has identified 4 projects positioned to affect the area, consisting of the Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub, Supporting Growth in Katherine East (Katherine East Residential Estate), the Katherine Aquatic Centre Upgrade, and Tindal Village.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub
A large-scale intermodal logistics and agribusiness hub adjacent to the Darwin-Tarcoola rail corridor and Stuart Highway in Katherine East. The hub is designed to service the storage, processing and freight needs of agriculture, horticulture, resources and defence industries across the Big Rivers region and northern Australia. The NT Government and Australian Government have committed $63.2 million combined, with the 2024 NT Budget allocating a further $30 million for continuing headworks and subdivision works. Critical water supply infrastructure is under construction through a joint NT Connections package with the National Water Grid Authority, with completion expected mid-2026.Full hub construction is targeted for completion Q4 2026.
Supporting Growth in Katherine East (Katherine East Residential Estate)
NT Government and Australian Government enabling infrastructure project delivering serviced flood-free land in Katherine East. Stage 1 works including Corymbia Drive, earthworks, roads, stormwater, sewer and electrical infrastructure have been completed. Budget 2024 provided a further AUD16 million for a sewer pump station, sewer network and additional subdivision works to support the future release of more than 350 residential lots together with neighbourhood retail, commercial and community uses.
Tindal Village
A workstay village with 200 en-suited rooms and amenities, located near Tindal RAAF Base to accommodate workforces for various projects in the area.
2,425 residents of Katherine East are employed, from a labour force of 2,521. Unemployment sits at 3.8%, with participation at 90.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 2,528, about 67% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Katherine East is characterized by a skilled resident workforce with solid representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of 3.8%, and a 3.6% growth in jobs over the past year based on statistical area aggregations. As of March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,425, the unemployment rate sat 2.1% lower than the 5.9% recorded across Regional NT, and the workforce participation rate was high at 90.3% compared to the regional figure of 69.9%. Census records show that only 3.5% of working residents operated from home, though this figure reflects historical lockdown conditions.
The primary employment sectors for residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The local workforce has a notable concentration in public administration & safety, employing residents at 1.4 times the regional average rate. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing is less prominent, employing 1.6% of the workforce compared to the Regional NT average of 5.0%. Comparisons between local employment opportunities and the size of the resident labor force indicate that local jobs within the immediate area are relatively limited. Based on SALM and ABS statistics aggregated across broader areas, the 12 months leading to March 2026 saw local employment rise by 3.6% while the overall labor force grew by 3.5%, keeping the jobless rate stable. By comparison, Regional NT recorded a 2.8% rise in employment, a 2.7% expansion in the labor force, and a marginal decline in unemployment. National forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide a broader view of occupational trends. These projections, spanning five and ten years, indicate a national employment expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying by sector. Applying these national sector trends to the local workforce mix suggests that employment for residents would rise by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Katherine East is $2,075 a week (about $108,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,079 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $61,981 a year against an average of $67,988. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer statistics for the postcode, compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, show a median taxpayer income of $61,981 and an average income of $67,988. These figures align closely with national benchmarks, contrasting with a median of $53,572 and an average of $63,776 across Regional NT. Applying Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023 generates estimated values of approximately $67,813 for the median and $74,386 for the average as of March 2026. According to Census findings, household, family, and individual incomes are positioned high nationally, falling between the 70th and 84th percentiles.
The largest income bracket consists of the 36.9% of households (representing 1,386 residents) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which is similar to the wider regional rate of 33.6%. Housing costs consume 14.8% of income, while strong resident earnings place the locality in the 73rd percentile for disposable income, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 4th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Katherine East had 946 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 84% detached houses and 0% apartments. 25% are owned with a mortgage, 63% rented and 12% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $350 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,517 a month. Rent absorbs 16.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 16.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The local housing stock at the latest Census consisted of 83.7% detached houses and 16.3% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwelling types, compared to 75.6% houses and 24.5% other options across Regional NT. The home ownership rate stood at 12.2%, trailing the Regional NT level, with the remainder of properties split between those with a mortgage (25.1%) and rental properties (62.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,517 was lower than the regional average, while the median weekly rent was $350, compared to regional benchmarks of $1,733 and $150. Nationally, mortgage costs in the area are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Katherine East counted 946 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,161 today, averaging 2.8 people each. 33% are couples with children, against 23% couples without children. 22% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 71.9% of local households, consisting of couples with children at 32.7%, couples without children at 22.8%, and single parents at 14.5%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 28.1%, with single-person households at 22.2% and group houses representing 6.0%. The median household size of 2.8 people is below the Regional NT average of 3.1.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
25.8% of adults in Katherine East hold a university qualification, including 16.3% with a bachelor degree and 7.4% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 29.3% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 1,286 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 859 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in the area is strong compared to the wider region, with 25.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, exceeding the SA3 average of 17.4% and the SA4 average of 20.1%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 7.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Vocational education is also highly represented, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding technical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 29.3%. Enrolment rates are high, with 38.0% of the population participating in formal study.
This student population includes 17.5% in primary schools, 9.9% in secondary schools, and 3.8% in higher education or technical training.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Katherine East means driving: households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
77.9% of residents in Katherine East report no long-term health condition. 2.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
The locality presents notable health indicators based on mortality and chronic illness rates, with common conditions distributed across younger and older demographics. Private health insurance coverage is slightly above the SA2 average at approximately 54% of the population, representing about 2,016 people, compared to 51.6% across Regional NT. Asthma and diabetes are the most common chronic conditions, affecting 7.2% and 5.1% of residents. Meanwhile, 77.9% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 78.4% across Regional NT. The working-age population exhibits good health outcomes with low chronic illness rates.
Residents aged 65 and over represent 7.2% of the population, equivalent to 270 people, which is below the Regional NT proportion of 8.5%. Senior health outcomes are favorable, ranking higher nationally than the general local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Katherine East is largely Australian-born, at 78.7% of residents, with 23.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (22.7%) and Australian Aboriginal (22.5%). 22.5% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity is high compared to most regional markets, with 21.3% of residents born outside Australia and 23.7% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, adhered to by 40.7% of the population. Hinduism shows a distinct concentration at 4.5% of the population, compared to 1.3% across Regional NT. The top parental ancestries are Australian at 22.7% of the population (higher than the regional average of 14.9%), Australian Aboriginal at 22.5% (lower than the regional average of 43.6%), and English at 16.5%. Other groups showing distinct patterns include Filipinos at 4.8% of the population (compared to 1.4% regionally), Samoans at 0.3% (compared to 0.2%), and Sri Lankans at 0.3% (compared to 0.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Katherine East is 30, younger than 96% of areas nationally. 32.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of the suburb of Katherine East is 30 years, close to the regional average of 31 years and younger than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NT, there is a higher proportion of children aged 0 - 4 (8.9%) but fewer residents aged 55 - 64 (7.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort increased from 15.2% to 17.3% of the population, while the 55 to 64 group decreased from 8.6% to 7.2% and the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 18.0% to 16.6%.
Long-term projections to 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow by 27% (105 people), rising from 387 to 493, while the 35 to 44 age group is projected to contract by 7 residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Katherine East
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2026 last month all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 36 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,061 at the 2021 Census → 3,758 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL70145). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.