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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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Leanyer has an estimated 5,119 residents, up from 4,597 at the 2021 Census — a change of 522 people, or 11.4%. Growth has averaged 1.1% a year over five years, faster than 76% of areas nationally. Overseas migration accounts for 55.0% of that increase. That puts 2,048 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 census updates from the ABS for the region and new address checks by AreaSearch, the suburb of Leanyer has a population estimated at 5,119 as of May 2026. This is a rise of 522 people (11.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 4,597 people. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 5,119, determined by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 ERP data release and subsequent address checks. The suburb of Leanyer has a density of 2,047 persons per square kilometer, which ranks above the typical figure for locations across the country.
The 11.4% expansion rate since the 2021 census outpaced the national figure of 9.3%, placing it among the faster-growing spots in the territory. This expansion was mostly driven by arrivals from overseas, who made up about 55.00000000000001% of the overall population increases recently. For each SA2 boundary, AreaSearch utilizes projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 with a base year of 2022. In cases where SA2 areas are missing this data, and for long-term trends after 2032, growth rates by age bracket are sourced from the ABS 2023 capital city projections based on 2022 data. Future projections indicate that the suburb of Leanyer will experience population expansion exceeding the median of areas analyzed, with a projected increase of 799 persons by 2041 based on compiled SA2 statistics, representing a 15.6% rise over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Building approval figures compiled by AreaSearch from statistical divisions show that Leanyer has recorded minimal residential approvals recently, with a total of four dwellings approved over the 5 fiscal years from FY-21 to FY-25, and none in FY-26. Because an average of 66.5 people per year arrived in the area for every constructed dwelling during the 5 fiscal years from FY-21 to FY-25, demand is significantly outpacing new supply, which typically intensifies buyer competition and exerts upward pressure on prices, while newly built homes have an average value of $200,000, which sits below the regional norm and indicates a more affordable entry point for purchasers.
Additionally, commercial projects valued at $54,000 were approved this fiscal year, showing quiet non-residential development. Compared to the broader Darwin metropolitan area, building approvals in Leanyer are exceptionally quiet, running 91.0% below the regional per capita norm. This lack of new builds typically bolsters the value of existing properties. The level also falls below the national average, reflecting how established the suburb is and suggesting potential planning constraints. Furthermore, all recent construction projects have consisted of standalone houses, preserving the suburban character and focus on spacious family residences. Interestingly, builders are focusing more on detached dwellings than the current mix shows (71.0% at the Census), pointing to sustained demand for standalone homes despite broader moves toward higher density. There are approximately 10105 residents for each dwelling approval, highlighting an established market context.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Leanyer
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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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 Leanyer, worth an estimated $5 million. A further 4 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $130 million. 1 are already under construction and 1 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans environmental & disaster management, communities and education & training. 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
Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and urban planning changes have a significant influence on regional outcomes. AreaSearch has identified a total of four projects that are expected to impact the local area. Prominent developments include the Northern Suburbs Youth Hub, the Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade, Leanyer Primary School, and the Casuarina Square Redevelopment, with details provided for the most relevant initiatives.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Northern Suburbs Youth Hub
A purpose-built facility for young people aged 10 to 17 at Leanyer Recreation Park in Darwin's northern suburbs, providing a safe, structured space for after-hours and school holiday programs, mentoring, skill development, and support services. The site was confirmed in early 2026 following community consultation, replacing an earlier proposed location at the former Casuarina Fire Station. The hub will cater for up to 60 young people at a time, with capacity for up to 100 during special events, and will include a flexible air-conditioned activity space, a learning kitchen, breakout and meeting rooms, outdoor activity areas, and a safe drop-off zone.The design and construct tender was awarded in July 2026 to Aspire Design and Construct Pty Ltd. The project is jointly funded by the Northern Territory and Federal Governments.
Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade
Construction of a new three-storey mental health inpatient facility providing 18 acute inpatient beds and a 6-bed Stabilisation Assessment and Referral Area (SARA). The unit connects to the Emergency Department via an elevated enclosed walkway across Nightingale Road. Internal fitout is currently underway as of May 2026. The project also encompasses upgrades to the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) to meet modern reprocessing standards and clinical safety requirements.
Leanyer Primary School
The Northern Territory Government is constructing a new classroom building at Leanyer Primary School.
Edgeview Court Water Main Replacement
Construction of approximately 430 metres of replacement DN150 DICL water main in Edgeview Court, Leanyer, including decommissioning and removal of the existing asbestos water main. The works, tendered as T24-1256 by Power and Water Corporation, involved survey and realignment to minimise clashes with services and trees, traffic management, temporary servicing to existing customers, and testing and commissioning of the new main to ensure a reliable water supply to residents.
Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre
A new $26.8 million aquatic and leisure centre in Casuarina, featuring an 8-lane 50m pool, a resort-style lagoon pool, a learn-to-swim pool, wet and dry play areas, a cafe, BBQ facilities, a gymnasium, and a basketball 3-on-3 court. The project was funded by the City of Darwin and the Australian Government.
Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
Upgrade of the existing wastewater treatment plant and associated pumping stations and rising mains, aimed at increasing robustness, optimizing treatment, improving environmental outcomes, and catering for future population growth until 2030. It was the largest sewer project ever undertaken by NT Power and Water Corporation.
2,887 residents of Leanyer are employed, from a labour force of 2,935. Unemployment sits at 1.6%, with participation at 71.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 4,034, about 79% 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
The local workforce is characterized by high education levels and strong representation in key service industries, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% and an estimated annual job growth rate of 0.7% compiled by AreaSearch. In March 2026, 2,887 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.8% lower than the 3.5% average for Greater Darwin, while workforce participation aligned closely with the metropolitan rate of 72.7%. Census records indicate that a small proportion of 3.8% of workers performed their duties from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdowns.
The local workforce is heavily concentrated in the sectors of public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Conversely, accommodation & food plays a smaller role, accounting for 6.4% of jobs compared to the regional share of 8.0%. Because the suburb is primarily residential, local employment opportunities appear limited based on the comparison between census workers and resident numbers. Based on SALM and ABS statistics compiled by AreaSearch, the area experienced a 0.7% rise in employment alongside a 0.8% expansion in the labor force over the 12-month period, keeping the jobless rate stable. This differed from Greater Darwin, which saw employment rise by 0.4%, the labor force expand by 0.8%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 provide further context on local employment prospects. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future patterns. Though nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Mapping these national projections onto the local occupational profile suggests employment in Leanyer will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, representing a basic weighting model that does not account for specific local population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Leanyer is $2,223 a week (about $116,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,101 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $70,155 a year against an average of $78,210. 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 ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, Leanyer is a very high-income suburb relative to the rest of the nation. The median taxpayer income is $70,155 and the average is $78,210, compared to Greater Darwin averages of $66,956 and $77,199 respectively. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 9.41% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would stand at approximately $76,757 for the median and $85,570 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census confirms that household, family, and individual incomes are all positioned highly, placing in the 79th to 85th percentiles nationally.
Income distribution shows 37.5% of residents (1,919 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the regional pattern of 36.7% in this bracket. A significant proportion of top earners, with 32.0% receiving more than $3,000 weekly, highlights substantial financial capacity. Housing costs consume 14.5% of income, while strong earnings put residents in the 80th percentile for disposable income, and the SEIFA score ranks the area in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Leanyer had 1,574 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 71% detached houses and 28% apartments. 41% are owned with a mortgage, 33% rented and 26% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $400 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month. Rent absorbs 18.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.8%. 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 mix of homes in Leanyer consisted of 71.1% detached houses and 29.0% alternative housing formats such as semi-detached options and apartments, compared to 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings across the Darwin metro region. Home ownership rates in the suburb were considerably higher than the metropolitan average at 25.7%, with remaining properties split between mortgaged homes (41.0%) and rented options (33.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment was lower than the metropolitan median at $2,000, while the weekly rent median was $400, compared to regional figures of $2,100 and $385 respectively.
By national standards, Leanyer's mortgage commitments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are higher than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Leanyer counted 1,574 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,753 today, averaging 2.7 people each. 37% are couples with children, against 27% couples without children. 21% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 74.5% of all households in the area, consisting of couples with children at 37.1%, couples without children at 26.5%, and single parents at 9.9%. The remaining 25.5% are non-family households, which include single-person households at 21.0% and shared houses at 4.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is slightly larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
32.1% of adults in Leanyer hold a university qualification, including 21.5% with a bachelor degree and 7.0% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 23.4% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 512 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,009 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
The proportion of residents holding university degrees in Leanyer sits at 32.1% of those aged 15+, which is higher than the Northern Territory average of 27.3%, showing solid educational attainment. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 21.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 7.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.6%. Vocational and technical training is also highly prevalent, with 34.1% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 23.4%. Enrollment rates are high, with 31.5% of the local population actively participating in education. This includes 12.0% of residents attending primary schools, 7.4% in secondary schools, and 6.3% in higher education or vocational courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Leanyer reaches 17 stops on 50 routes, timetabled for about 2,700 services a week. The typical home sits about 260 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport infrastructure includes 17 active stops throughout Leanyer, offering various bus services. These stops are connected to 50 separate routes, which provide a combined 2,686 passenger journeys each week. Transport access is rated favorably, with residents living an average of 259 meters from their nearest stop. As the area is predominantly residential, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice for 91% of trips. Households own an average of 1.6 vehicles. A low proportion of 3.8% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic restrictions.
Across all active routes, service frequencies average 383 trips daily, which represents approximately 158 departures per week at each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
74.4% of residents in Leanyer report no long-term health condition. 4.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 57.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health outcomes in Leanyer are above average based on AreaSearch analysis of death rates and chronic illness rates, which show a low incidence of common health issues in both youth and older age groups, and private medical insurance coverage is very high, encompassing roughly 58% of the population (~2,951 people). Asthma and arthritis represent the most common health conditions in the suburb, affecting 6.5% and 6.1% of the population respectively, while 74.4% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 77.1% in Greater Darwin. The working-age population is healthy, with a low incidence of chronic illness.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 15.8% of the community (808 people), which exceeds the 11.0% share in Greater Darwin. Senior residents experience positive health profiles, with national rankings aligning with the broader population trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
33.8% of Leanyer residents were born overseas and 32.7% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 77% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (20.6%) and English (17.9%). 5.9% 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
Leanyer shows high levels of multiculturalism, with 33.8% of the population born outside Australia and 32.7% using a language other than English in their households. Christianity is the main religious affiliation, representing 46.6% of the population. A notable difference is seen in Buddhism, which accounts for 4.1% of the population compared to the Greater Darwin average of 3.3%. Based on parental birthplaces, the main ancestries represented in Leanyer are Australian at 20.6%, English at 17.9%, and Other at 14.0%. There are also distinct differences in comparison to regional averages: Filipino residents account for 4.7% of the population (compared to 3.8% regionally), Greek ancestry represents 5.0% (compared to 2.3%), and Australian Aboriginal residents make up 5.9% (compared to 7.0%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Leanyer is 37. 25.5% 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 median age in the suburb of Leanyer is 37 years, which is older than the Greater Darwin average of 34 and close to the national figure of 38 years. Compared to Greater Darwin, the suburb of Leanyer has a larger proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 (9.6%) but a smaller share of young adults aged 25 to 34 (14.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the latest estimates, the 35 to 44 age bracket increased from 14.9% to 16.8% of the population, while the 55 to 64 bracket fell from 12.8% to 10.9%.
Looking forward to 2041, demographic forecasts project that the 45 to 54 cohort will grow by 37%, adding 217 residents to reach a total of 811. Meanwhile, the number of residents aged 55 to 64 is expected to drop by 12.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Leanyer
9 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 9 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) | May 2026 3 months ago all 13 measures |
| 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. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2026 last month 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 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 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. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,597 at the 2021 Census → 5,119 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 (SAL70161). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.