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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 South has an estimated 1,902 residents, up from 1,507 at the 2021 Census — a change of 395 people, or 26.2%. Growth has averaged 2.7% a year over five years, faster than 94% of areas nationally. Natural increase accounts for 61.0% of that increase. That puts 371 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
According to investigations of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the resident count for the suburb of Katherine South is estimated to be approximately 1,902 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 395 people (26.2%) since the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,507 people. This shift is determined from the resident population of 1,902, calculated by AreaSearch through analysing the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date.
Such a population size translates to a density ratio of 370 persons per square kilometer, offering substantial space per resident and potential capacity for additional development. The 26.2% growth in the suburb of Katherine South since the 2021 census outpaced the national average (9.3%), as well as the state, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Population expansion in the locality was chiefly propelled by natural growth, which accounted for approximately 61.0% of the overall population gains in recent times. AreaSearch utilizes ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline year. For SA2 regions lacking this dataset, and to project development across all areas beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort to each locality, sourced from the latest Greater Capital Region projections of the ABS (published in 2023, based on 2022 data). When looking at future population trends, an increase in residents slightly below the median of national non-metropolitan areas is anticipated, with the suburb of Katherine South projected to grow by 219 persons to 2041 based on compiled SA2-level projections, representing a total rise of 11.5% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
22 new dwellings have been approved in Katherine South over the past five years, an average of 4 a year. That is 2.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 8, 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
Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval statistics allocated from statistical area data, Katherine South has averaged approximately 4 dwellings receiving development approval annually, amounting to an estimated 22 homes over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26, 8 approvals have been logged. With an average of 10.7 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the supply of housing is lagging behind demand, which typically intensifies buyer competition and exerts upward pressure on prices, while new dwellings are built at an average value of $356,000.
Furthermore, $48.1 million in commercial development approvals have been documented this financial year, showing robust commercial development momentum. In comparison to Rest of NT, Katherine South records moderately elevated construction activity (25.0% above the regional average per person over the 5 year period), which maintains options for buyers while supporting current property values. However, this level of activity is lower than the national figure, suggesting market maturity and pointing to potential development constraints. New construction consists of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, with the expanding proportion of townhouses and apartments offering choices across diverse price segments, from family homes to more affordable compact living. New builds lean more toward detached housing than historical patterns show (51.0% at Census), demonstrating steady demand for family residences despite growing density pressures. The estimated ratio of 463 people in the area per dwelling approval highlights its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections indicate Katherine South will add 219 residents by 2041 (derived from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current construction levels persist, the supply of housing could lag behind population growth, likely heightening competition among buyers and supporting price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Katherine South
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 one current infrastructure or development project inside Katherine South. A further 2 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
Few things influence an area's performance as much as adjustments to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact the area. Key projects include the Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub, the Katherine Aquatic Centre Upgrade, Tindal Village, and the Katherine Solar Farm (ENI), with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.
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.
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.
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.
1,327 residents of Katherine South are employed, from a labour force of 1,354. Unemployment sits at 2.0%, with participation at 89.5%. 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 1,236, about 65% 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 South is characterized by a well-educated labor force with strong representation in essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of only 2.0%, and 4.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year, according to AreaSearch compilation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,327 residents are employed, which means the unemployment rate is 3.9% below Regional NT's rate of 5.9%, and workforce participation is exceptionally high (89.5% compared to Regional NT's 69.9%). Census responses indicate that a low 2.4% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be kept in mind.
The primary employment industries for local residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is less represented at 0.5% compared to the regional average of 5.0%. The locality appears to provide limited employment opportunities within its borders, as shown by the comparison of the Census working population to the resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year ending March 2026, employment levels rose by 4.4% and the labor force expanded by 4.2%, which kept the unemployment rate relatively steady. This is in contrast to Regional NT, where employment rose by 2.8%, the labor force expanded by 2.7%, and unemployment decreased slightly. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer additional context on prospective future demand within Katherine South. These projections, spanning five and ten-year intervals, have been aligned with the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of growth vary significantly across different industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to the local employment mix suggests Katherine South's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years (note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localized population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Katherine South is $1,632 a week (about $85,000 a year), with median personal income at $912 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $52,388 a year against an average of $57,465. 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
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the median income among taxpayers in the suburb of Katherine South was $52,388, with the average level recorded at $57,465. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $53,572 and $63,776 across Regional NT respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,318 (median) and $62,872 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data indicates personal income ranks at the 69th percentile ($912 weekly), while household income sits at the 43rd percentile.
The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common, accounting for 35.1% of residents (667 people), reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 33.6% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 43rd percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Katherine South had 524 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 51% detached houses and 6% apartments. 18% are owned with a mortgage, 69% rented and 14% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $320 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,325 a month. Rent absorbs 19.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The mix of dwelling structures in Katherine South, as measured at the latest Census, consisted of 51.2% houses and 48.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative accommodation types), compared to Regional NT's profile of 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate in Katherine South was comparable to the Regional NT average at 13.8%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (17.5%) or rented (68.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly lower than the Regional NT average at $1,325, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $320, compared to Regional NT's $1,733 and $150.
Nationally, mortgage repayments in Katherine South are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Katherine South counted 524 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 661 today, averaging 2.5 people each. 22% are couples with children, fewer than in 82% of areas nationally, against 24% couples without children. 32% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households make up the majority of households at 61.1%, comprising 21.7% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.9%, with lone person households representing 32.1% and group households making up 7.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Regional NT average of 3.1.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
30.1% of adults in Katherine South hold a university qualification, including 19.8% with a bachelor degree and 6.8% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 27.2% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 273 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 842 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 Katherine South is higher than the broader region, with 30.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 17.4% in the SA3 area and 20.1% in the SA4 region. This education advantage positions the area well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational and technical skills are also prominent, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (27.2%). Participation in education is high, with 39.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal studies.
This includes 16.2% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 4.7% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Katherine South means driving: households keep an average of 1.2 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
76.0% of residents in Katherine South report no long-term health condition. 4.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Katherine South faces notable health challenges, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~943 people). This compares to 51.6% across Regional NT, while the national average is 55.7%. The most frequent medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and asthma, affecting 6.5 and 5.6% of residents, respectively, while 76.0% reported no medical ailments compared to 78.4% across Regional NT.
The under-65 population displays better than average health outcomes. The area has 11.1% of residents aged 65 and over (211 people), which is higher than the 8.5% in Regional NT. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings higher than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Katherine South is largely Australian-born, at 79.1% of residents, with 25.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian Aboriginal (23.9%) and Australian (23.3%). 23.9% 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
Katherine South is more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 20.9% of its population born overseas and 25.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Katherine South is Christianity, which accounts for 41.9% of people in Katherine South. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.4% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NT. Regarding ancestry (the country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Katherine South are Australian Aboriginal, comprising 23.9% of the population, which is lower than the regional average of 43.6%, Australian, comprising 23.3% of the population, which is higher than the regional average of 14.9%, and English, comprising 17.3% of the population.
There are also notable differences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Filipino is overrepresented at 2.3% of Katherine South (versus 1.4% regionally), Sri Lankan at 0.5% (versus 0.1%), and Maori at 0.7% (versus 0.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Katherine South is 33, younger than 86% of areas nationally. 31.4% 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
At 33 years, Katherine South's median age is slightly higher than the Regional NT average of 31 yet substantially lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Regional NT, Katherine South has a higher concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 (7.5%) but fewer 15 - 24 year-olds (12.4%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age bracket has grown from 14.4% to 15.8% of the population, while the 15 to 24 group rose from 11.3% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 11.6% to 10.6%. Population projections for 2041 point to demographic shifts for Katherine South.
Leading the changes, the 45 to 54 group will increase by 27% (55 people), growing to 257 from 201. On the other hand, the 35 to 44 cohort is projected to decrease by 4 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Katherine South
8 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 8 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. | ||
| 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 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2025 about a year ago all 1 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 2025. | ||
| 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 — 21 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,507 at the 2021 Census → 1,902 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 (SAL70146). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.