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

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Katherine South statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 1,834. This figure reflects an increase of 327 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,507. The estimated resident population of 1,792 in Jun 2024, combined with four validated new addresses since the Census date, infers this growth. This results in a density ratio of 357 persons per square kilometer. Since the 2021 Census, Katherine South's growth rate of 21.7% has exceeded both national (9.7%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader regionally. Natural growth contributed approximately 61.0% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and applying growth rates by age cohort from the ABS's Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023 based on 2022 data) for areas not covered. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 197 persons, reflecting a total increase of 3.1% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Katherine South has experienced around 4 dwellings receiving development approval each year since FY-21. This totals an estimated 24 homes over the past 5 financial years, with 7 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 1 new resident arrives per new home annually over this period. This indicates supply meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $356,000. In FY-26, $48.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of NT, Katherine South records somewhat elevated construction activity, with 40.0% above the regional average per person over the 5-year period ending FY-25. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

New development in Katherine South consists of 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. However, new construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (51.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The location has approximately 308 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Future projections show Katherine South adding 57 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Katherine South has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to impact this region. Key projects are Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub, Katherine Aquatic Centre Upgrade, Tindal Village, and Katherine Solar Farm (ENI). The following details those most relevant.

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's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 1.9%.

This rate is 4.0% lower than the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%. Workforce participation stood at 55.8%, exceeding the Rest of NT's figure of 50.7%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented with only 0.5% of Katherine South's workforce compared to 5.0% in Rest of NT. Analysis from AreaSearch indicates limited local employment opportunities, as the Census working population vs resident population count suggests. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.1%, while employment declined by 1.0%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NT saw an employment decline of 1.3% and a labour force decline of 1.2%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Katherine South's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Income data from AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO figures for financial year 2023 shows Katherine South has lower incomes than the national average. The median income is $52,388 and the average is $57,465. This contrasts with Rest of NT's median income of $53,572 and average of $63,776. Using Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $56,810 (median) and $62,315 (average). Census data ranks personal income at the 69th percentile ($912 weekly) and household income at the 43rd percentile. Income distribution shows 35.1% of Katherine South's population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to the region's 33.6%. 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

The dwelling structure in Katherine South, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 51.2% houses and 48.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NT had 77.7% houses and 22.3% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Katherine South was at 13.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (17.5%) or rented (68.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,325, lower than Non-Metro NT's average of $1,615. The median weekly rent figure in Katherine South was recorded at $320, compared to Non-Metro NT's $178. Nationally, Katherine South's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $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 account for the remaining 38.9%, with lone person households at 32.1% and group households comprising 7.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NT average of 3.2.

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

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

Katherine South's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Katherine South. Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, nearing the nation's average for older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 50% of the total population (~909 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 6.5% and 5.6% of residents respectively. A total of 76.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 78.3% across Rest of NT. Katherine South has 10.7% of residents aged 65 and over (196 people), higher than the 8.2% in Rest of NT. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population despite being above average.

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's population showed high diversity with 20.9% born overseas and 25.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 41.9%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to 0.1% in Rest of NT.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian Aboriginal (23.9%), Australian (23.3%), and English (17.3%). Notably, Filipino (2.3%) Sri Lankan (0.5%), and Maori (0.7%) ethnicities had higher representation than regional averages.

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

Katherine South's median age is 33 years, slightly higher than the Rest of NT average of 31 but lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NT, Katherine South has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (7.2%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (12.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 14.4% to 15.9%, while the 45-54 age group declined from 11.6% to 10.4%. By 2041, population forecasts predict significant demographic changes in Katherine South. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 22%, reaching 233 people from a starting point of 190. Conversely, the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in population.