Chart Color Schemes
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
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Katherine East has an estimated 3,771 residents, up from 3,061 at the 2021 Census — a change of 710 people, or 23.2%. Growth has averaged 2.1% a year over five years, faster than 92% of areas nationally. Natural increase accounts for 61.0% of that increase. That puts 479 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
As of Aug 2026, the resident population in the suburb of Katherine East is estimated at approximately 3,771 people, based on AreaSearch evaluation of broader ABS population releases and 37 validated new addresses identified since the Census date. This represents an expansion of 710 people (23.2%) compared to the 2021 Census baseline of 3,061 people. AreaSearch established this 3,771 figure following the release of June 2025 ABS ERP figures alongside the new address data. Consequently, the suburb of Katherine East records a population density of 479 persons per square kilometer, indicating generous space per resident with scope for future expansion.
The local pace of 23.2% since the 2021 census positioned the area as a regional growth leader, outpacing both the state and the 9.5% national benchmark. Natural increase served as the primary contributor, accounting for roughly 61.0% of recent population gains. Projections published by ABS/Geoscience Australia in 2024 (using 2022 as the base year) are utilised by AreaSearch across SA2 areas, while unmapped areas and post-2032 horizons incorporate age cohort growth trajectories from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region release (built on 2022 data). Looking forward, the suburb of Katherine East is projected to experience population expansion slightly beneath the regional national median, adding 373 persons by 2041 according to aggregated SA2 modeling, which translates to a cumulative 9.9% rise across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
39 new dwellings have been approved in Katherine East over the past five years, an average of 7 a year. That places the area in the 59th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 2 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 13, 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 by AreaSearch shows that Katherine East has maintained an approval velocity of roughly 7 new dwellings annually, totaling an estimated 39 residential dwellings over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with 13 approved to date in FY-25. Inflow has averaged 11.8 people per year for every home constructed across the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), creating an environment where demand substantially outstrips new residential supply, a dynamic that typically spurs price appreciation and heightens buyer competition. Meanwhile, expected construction costs for new dwellings average $465,000, aligning with broader regional patterns.
Additionally, local commercial activity has been robust, evidenced by $50.1 million in commercial approvals recorded during this financial year. Per capita residential building volumes in Katherine East track at approximately three-quarters of the level observed across Rest of NT, positioning the location in the 53rd percentile nationally despite a recent pick-up in construction. This lower level relative to national benchmarks indicates market maturity alongside possible development constraints. All recent residential approvals have consisted of detached houses, preserving the traditional low-density urban fabric and catering to family households seeking spacious accommodation. In fact, builders are delivering detached homes at a rate higher than the existing profile (84.0% at Census), underscoring sustained appetite for standalone family dwellings amidst wider densification trends. The area maintains about 272 people per dwelling approval, suggesting capacity for future development. Projections from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly release anticipate Katherine East expanding by 373 residents through to 2041. While residential construction is tracking at a viable rate relative to future population gains, prospective buyers may face escalating competition as demographic growth continues.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Katherine East
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
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
Capital investments, planning schemes, and infrastructure upgrades exert a major influence on local market performance. AreaSearch has highlighted 4 key initiatives anticipated to shape the area: 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
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.
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.
2,421 residents of Katherine East are employed, from a labour force of 2,518. Unemployment sits at 3.9%, with participation at 89.9%. 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 2,543, 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
Statistical area data aggregated by AreaSearch indicates that Katherine East possesses a qualified labour pool with strong representation in essential industries, an unemployment rate of only 3.9%, and annual employment growth estimated at 3.6%. As of March 2026, 2,421 residents are actively employed. The local unemployment rate sits 2.0% under the 5.9% recorded across Regional NT, whilst the labour force participation rate reaches an exceptional 89.9%, compared with 69.8% in Regional NT. At the Census, working from home was recorded at a modest 3.5%, though this metric should be viewed in light of Covid-19 lockdown conditions.
Public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training represent the primary employment sectors for local workers. Specialisation is particularly pronounced in public administration & safety, where the concentration of workers is 1.4 times the regional norm. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 1.6% of local employment, well below the 5.0% share seen across Regional NT. Comparisons between the Census working population and resident count suggest that the area provides relatively limited internal job opportunities. According to AreaSearch examination of ABS and SALM metrics, the 12 months leading to March 2026 saw local employment rise by 3.6% alongside a 3.5% expansion in the labour force, keeping unemployment largely stable. Over the identical period, Regional NT registered employment growth of 2.8% and labour force expansion of 2.7%, accompanied by a marginal reduction in unemployment. National employment modeling from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provides prospective context for workforce requirements in Katherine East across five and ten-year intervals. While nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trajectories vary across individual sectors. Applying these sectoral forecasts to the industry composition of Katherine East indicates potential local job expansion of 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years (noting this illustrative weighting extrapolation excludes local population projections).
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
ATO postcode statistics for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch indicate that personal earnings in the suburb of Katherine East match national benchmarks, with a median income of $61,981 and an average income of $67,988. These figures exceed Regional NT, where median and average incomes were $53,572 and $63,776 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023, updated estimates as of March 2026 place median income at approximately $67,813 and average income at $74,386. In the 2021 Census, Katherine East ranked within the 70th to 84th percentiles nationally across personal, family, and household incomes.
The largest earnings band comprises 36.9% of residents (1,391 people) receiving between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the wider regional proportion of 33.6%. Housing costs consume 14.8% of income, while solid earnings place residents in the 73rd percentile for disposable income and the 4th decile on the SEIFA income scale.
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
At the most recent Census, the housing stock in Katherine East was comprised of 83.7% separate houses and 16.3% other dwelling types including semi-detached residences, units, and alternative structures, compared to 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings in Regional NT. Outright home ownership in Katherine East stood at 12.2%, trailing the wider region, while mortgaged properties accounted for 25.1% and rental housing represented 62.7%. Typical monthly mortgage payments were $1,517, well below the Regional NT benchmark of $1,733, whereas median weekly rents were $350 compared to $150 regionally. Relative to the Australian averages of $1,863 for monthly mortgages and $375 for weekly rents, housing costs in Katherine East remain notably lower.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Katherine East counted 946 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,165 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
Family units constitute 71.9% of all local households, divided into couples with children (32.7%), couples without children (22.8%), and single parent arrangements (14.5%). Non-family households represent the remaining 28.1%, with single-person residences accounting for 22.2% and group living situations making up 6.0%. Average household occupancy stands at 2.8 people, lower than the Regional NT metric 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
Higher educational attainment in the local community is exceptionally strong compared to wider benchmarks, with tertiary degree holders making up 25.8% of residents aged 15+, outperforming the SA3 area figure of 17.4% and the SA4 region level of 20.1%. Bachelor degrees represent the largest share at 16.3%, accompanied by postgraduate credentials at 7.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. In addition, 40.3% of residents aged 15+ hold vocational qualifications, divided between advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (29.3%). Formal study engagement is substantial, with 38.0% of the population actively enrolled in an educational institution.
Within this student cohort, primary education accounts for 17.5%, secondary education represents 9.9%, and 3.8% are undertaking tertiary studies.
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
AreaSearch evaluations of chronic condition incidence and mortality statistics point to meaningful health considerations in Katherine East, with standard medical conditions present across younger and older demographics alike. Private health insurance uptake stands at approximately 54% of the population (~2,023 people), marginally above the average SA2 area rate and ahead of the 51.6% recorded across Regional NT. Asthma and diabetes constitute the most prevalent diagnosed conditions locally, affecting 7.2% and 5.1% of residents respectively, whereas 77.9% of people reported no chronic ailments, comparable to 78.4% across Regional NT. Working-age cohorts demonstrate strong health profiles with minimal chronic disease.
Residents aged 65 and over represent 6.8% of the community (256 people), below the Regional NT proportion of 8.5%, with local seniors achieving above-average health ratings that surpass general population benchmarks nationally.
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 in Katherine East is higher than in most comparable markets, with overseas-born individuals representing 21.3% of the community and 23.7% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant faith, practiced by 40.7% of residents. The most noticeable variation is observed in Hinduism, which represents 4.5% of the local population against 1.3% across Regional NT. Regarding ancestral background, the three most common ancestries in Katherine East are Australian at 22.7% (well above the regional level of 14.9%), Australian Aboriginal at 22.5% (notably below the regional rate of 43.6%), and English at 16.5%.
Further distinct demographic differences appear across other ancestries, including Filipino residents at 4.8% (compared to 1.4% regionally), Samoan at 0.3% (against 0.2%), and Sri Lankan 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. 33.5% 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 age distribution in Katherine East leans heavily toward youth, with AreaSearch estimates for August 2026 recording 39.4% of the population within the 0 - 24 demographic, compared to 35.2% across Regional NT. Mature adults and young retirees aged 45 - 64 comprise 16.9%, compared with 21.4% regionally. As at August 2026, the estimated median age remains at 30, matching the 2021 Census figure and sitting 1 year below the Regional NT median of 31 from that Census, while the national median was 38 at the same Census. The most noticeable demographic shift since the Census has occurred in the 45 - 64 cohort, declining from 19.3% to an estimated 16.9%.
By 2041, the largest numerical gain is expected among those aged 45 - 64, rising by 143 residents (22%) to 780, whereas the fastest pace of growth is projected for the 65+ age group, expanding by 40% to 358.
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 Sep 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) | Aug 2026 last month 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 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 Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2026 2 months ago 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 6 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) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago 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 — 37 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,061 at the 2021 Census → 3,771 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 Aug 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.