Katherine South

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026 the estimated population of Katherine South is around 1,840. This reflects an increase of 333 people (22.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,507 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,792 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 358 persons per square kilometer. Katherine South's 22.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth across all areas post-2032, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort to each area, as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Examining future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas is expected for Katherine South, with an increase of 197 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 2.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Katherine South, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Katherine South shows approximately 4 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 24 homes. In FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded so far. Over these five years, an average of 1 new resident has arrived per new home, indicating supply meeting or exceeding demand and supporting potential population growth.

The average construction value for new dwellings is $356,000. This financial year has seen $48.1 million in commercial development approvals, showing strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of NT, Katherine South records higher construction activity, with 40.0% more approvals per person over the five-year period. However, this activity remains lower than national averages, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New developments consist of 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density character focused on family homes. The location has around 308 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Future projections estimate Katherine South will add 53 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to meet demand and potentially enable growth exceeding forecasts.

Katherine South has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely impacting the area: Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub, Katherine Aquatic Centre Upgrade, Tindal Village, and Katherine Solar Farm (ENI). Details of these key projects are listed below for relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Katherine South ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Katherine South has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.9%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, 1,215 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.0% lower than Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%.

Workforce participation stands at 87.3%, surpassing Rest of NT's 70.4%. Census responses reveal that only 2.4% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training sectors.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with just 0.5% of Katherine South's workforce compared to Rest of NT's 5.0%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 1.0% and employment declined by 0.9%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NT experienced an employment decline of 1.3% and a labour force decrease of 1.2%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Katherine South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that income in Katherine South is lower than average nationally. The median income is $52,388 and the average is $57,465. In contrast, Rest of NT has a median income of $53,572 and an average of $63,776. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $56,810 (median) and $62,315 (average). Census data shows personal income ranks at the 69th percentile ($912 weekly), while household income is at the 43rd percentile. Distribution data reveals that 35.1% of the population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the region where 33.6% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 43rd percentile.

Katherine South displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Katherine South, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 51.2% houses and 48.8% other dwellings. In Non-Metro NT, this was 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Katherine South was 13.8%, similar to Non-Metro NT's level. Mortgaged dwellings were at 17.5% and rented ones at 68.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,325, lower than Non-Metro NT's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Katherine South was $320, compared to Non-Metro NT's $150. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially higher at $375.

Katherine South features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 61.1% of all households, including 21.7% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.9%, with lone person households at 32.1% and group households making up 7.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NT average of 3.1.

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

Katherine South's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 30.1% have university qualifications, compared to 17.4% in the SA3 area and 20.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 39.0% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 27.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 39.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.2% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Katherine South faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~912 people), compared to 51.6% in Rest of NT and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 6.5% of residents, followed by asthma impacting 5.6%. A total of 76.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 78.4% in Rest of NT. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 10.8% of residents aged 65 and over (198 people), higher than the 8.3% in Rest of NT. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Katherine South was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Katherine South had a higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 20.9% of its population born overseas and 25.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Katherine South, accounting for 41.9% of the population. Judaism, however, was more prevalent in Katherine South at 0.4%, compared to 0.1% across the Rest of NT.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian Aboriginal at 23.9%, Australian at 23.3%, and English at 17.3%. Notably, Filipino (2.3%), Sri Lankan (0.5%), and Maori (0.7%) ethnicities had higher representations in Katherine South compared to regional averages.

Katherine South's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Katherine South's median age in 2021 was 33 years, slightly above the Rest of NT average of 31 but below Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NT, Katherine South had a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (7.3%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (12.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 35 to 44 increased from 14.4% to 16.2%, while the 25 to 34 cohort decreased from 19.9% to 18.6%. The 45 to 54 age group also saw a decline, from 11.6% to 10.4%. Population forecasts for Katherine South indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. Notably, the 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 20%, reaching 230 people from its current figure of 191. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to decrease in population.