Larapinta (NT)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Larapinta reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the population of Larapinta (NT) is estimated at around 2,872. This reflects an increase of 504 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,368. The current resident population estimate of 2,870 comes from AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 198 persons per square kilometer. Larapinta's growth rate of 21.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of 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. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking ahead, aggregated SA2-level projections indicate an above median population growth for regional areas nationally. The suburb is expected to increase by 400 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 14.1% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Larapinta according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Larapinta experiences very limited development activity, averaging less than one approval per year over the five-year period from 2015 to 2019. This resulted in only one dwelling being constructed during this timeframe. The low levels of development reflect the rural nature of the area, where housing needs are typically specific and local rather than driven by broad market demand.

It is important to note that the small sample size can significantly influence annual growth and relativity statistics. Larapinta's development levels are substantially lower compared to the Rest of NT. This activity level also falls below national patterns.

Larapinta has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely affecting the region: Regional Skate and Play Precinct, Alice Springs Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment, Alice Springs Flood Mitigation Project, and Alice Springs Future Grid - Roadmap to 2030 are key projects. The following details those most relevant.

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

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

Larapinta has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well-represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In June 2025, 1,948 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.7% lower than the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%. Workforce participation in Larapinta is high at 69.2%, compared to the Rest of NT's 50.7%. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Larapinta has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.6% of local workers, below the Rest of NT's 5.0%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.6%, alongside a 0.6% employment decline, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. This contrasts with the Rest of NT, where employment contracted by 1.7%, the labour force fell by 1.8%, and unemployment fell marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Larapinta. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Larapinta's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Larapinta has a median taxpayer income of $57,868 and an average income of $65,070 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is comparable to national averages, unlike Rest of NT's median income of $51,655 and average income of $61,577. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Larapinta would be approximately $64,818 (median) and $72,885 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Larapinta rank highly nationally, between the 70th and 85th percentiles. The majority of residents, 36.0% or 1,033 individuals, earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, similar to the regional trend where 33.6% fall into this bracket. High housing costs consume 16.1% of income in Larapinta, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 70th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Larapinta is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Larapinta, as per the latest Census evaluation, 70.9% of dwellings were houses while 29.1% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro NT's figures of 67.8% houses and 32.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Larapinta stood at 11.0%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 45.1% and rented ones accounting for 43.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro NT's average of $1,800 but higher than the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Larapinta was recorded at $350, compared to Non-Metro NT's $280 and the national figure of $375.

Larapinta features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 68.6% of all households, including 30.8% couples with children, 20.8% couples without children, and 15.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.4%, with lone person households at 26.9% and group households comprising 4.7%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NT average of 2.8.

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

Larapinta trail has 23.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 26.9%. Current educational participation is high at 33.4%, including 14.5% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 4.3% in tertiary education.

Larapinta Primary School and Living Waters Lutheran School serve 385 students collectively, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 956) and balanced educational opportunities. Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Larapinta has seven active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together offer 49 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically living within 213 meters of the nearest stop.

On average, there are 7 trips per day across both routes, resulting in approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Larapinta's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance across Larapinta, with both young and elderly cohorts showing low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53%, covering around 1,508 people, which is higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.0% and 6.6% of residents respectively. A total of 74.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.9% across Rest of NT. Larapinta has 8.2% of its population aged 65 and over, comprising 235 people, which is lower than the 9.3% in Rest of NT. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, closely aligned with the general population's health profile.

Larapinta was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Larapinta's population showed high cultural diversity, with 23.1% born overseas and 26.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Larapinta, accounting for 47.8%. Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 2.2%, slightly higher than the Rest of NT's 2.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian Aboriginal was the largest group at 22.5%, lower than the regional average of 28.9%. Australians made up 20.4% and English 18.4%. Some ethnic groups were overrepresented: Maori (1.5% vs regional 1.1%), Filipino (2.3% vs 1.7%), and Samoan (0.5% vs 0.4%).

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

At 33 years, Larapinta's median age modestly exceeds the Rest of NT average of 31 but is substantially under Australia's 38 years. Relative to the Rest of NT, Larapinta has a higher concentration of 45-54 residents (13.5%) but fewer 15-24 year-olds (10.9%). Following the Census on 2021 August 10, the 35 to 44 age group grew from 15.5% to 16.3% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 16.6% to 15.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Larapinta. Leading this shift, the 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 26%, reaching 488 from 387 people. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 cohort is projected to decline by 8 people.