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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 75% 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 AreaSearch evaluations integrating broader regional ABS population revisions and post-Census validated new addresses, the suburb of Leanyer is estimated to house approximately 5,119 residents as of Aug 2026. This represents an addition of 522 people (11.4%) relative to the 2021 Census total of 4,597 people. AreaSearch established this resident count of 5,119 after reviewing recent ABS ERP statistics (June 2025) alongside newly confirmed residential addresses since the Census date. Consequently, the suburb of Leanyer displays a population density of 2,047 persons per square kilometer, tracking above national benchmarks examined by AreaSearch.
Outpacing the countrywide figure of 9.5%, the suburb of Leanyer recorded 11.4% expansion since the 2021 census to emerge as a prominent local growth area. Inbound overseas migration formed the primary demographic driver, delivering roughly 55.00000000000001% of recent net population additions. Projections developed jointly by the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 localities (issued in 2024 utilizing 2022 baseline figures) are incorporated into AreaSearch modeling. For remaining SA2 territories or modeling beyond 2032, AreaSearch implements cohort-specific population trajectory rates from ABS Greater Capital Region forecasts (published in 2023 from 2022 benchmarks). Demographic forecasts across the suburb of Leanyer point to expansion exceeding median levels in AreaSearch assessments, with consolidated SA2 data indicating an increase of 796 persons to 2041, representing a cumulative gain of 15.6% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch shows minimal residential development in the suburb, with only an estimated 4 homes approved across the previous 5 financial years. Throughout FY-25 to date, no building approvals have been logged. In the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 88.7 people arrived annually per new residence constructed, creating an acute supply deficit that intensifies purchaser competition and puts upward pressure on prices. Non-residential development comprised $54,000 in commercial approvals during the current financial year, highlighting the primarily residential character of local planning.
Residential building output in the area trails Greater Darwin substantially, registering 94.0% below the regional per capita benchmark. This subdued level of construction activity supports real estate values and demand across established stock, while also falling under nationwide averages due to urban maturity and potential local zoning parameters. All recent residential permits have been for standalone houses, preserving suburban amenity and catering to buyers seeking larger allotments. Detached houses comprise an even larger proportion of new approvals than the 71.0% observed at Census, underscoring enduring family home preferences over higher-density alternatives. With roughly 10105 people per dwelling approval, the local property market is notably established.
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 economic momentum is heavily shaped by civil works, major construction projects, and planning frameworks. AreaSearch has pinpointed 4 notable projects underway or proposed that will influence the locality, including the Casuarina Square Redevelopment, Northern Suburbs Youth Hub, Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade, and Leanyer Primary School.
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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 acute inpatient beds and a Stabilisation Assessment and Referral Area (SARA). The facility connects to the Emergency Department via an elevated enclosed walkway, with internal fitouts currently progressing toward completion. 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 72.1%. 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
A skilled local workforce in the suburb is characterized by strong representation in essential services, a jobless rate of 1.6%, and 0.7% annual employment expansion according to aggregated AreaSearch figures. As of March 2026, 2,887 residents are employed, with unemployment tracking 1.8% below the Greater Darwin rate of 3.5% and overall participation mirroring the wider regional level of 72.9%. Working from home was recorded among 3.8% of employed locals in Census returns, a metric influenced by prevailing Covid-19 health directives. Public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training represent the primary industry employers for resident workers.
Conversely, accommodation & food services captures just 6.4% of local workers compared to 8.0% across Greater Darwin. Comparing Census workplace counts against resident numbers shows that this predominantly residential precinct offers comparatively few internal job positions. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year to March 2026, employment levels increased by 0.7% and labour force increased by 0.8%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. This compares to Greater Darwin, where employment grew by 0.4%, labour force expanded by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Mar-26 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Leanyer. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Leanyer's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised 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
Aggregated ATO figures compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 position taxpayer earnings in the suburb among the upper tiers nationwide. Taxpayers report a median income of $70,155 and an average income of $78,210, contrasting with Greater Darwin benchmarks of $66,956 and $77,199. Adjusting for 9.41% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of $76,757 (median) and $85,570 (average) as of March 2026. Across personal, family, and household levels, Census earnings place the suburb between the 79th and 85th percentiles countrywide. A weekly bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 forms the largest earning segment at 37.5% of residents (1,919 people), closely tracking the 36.7% share found regionally.
Substantial purchasing power is evident with 32.0% earning more than $3,000 per week, reinforcing demand for higher-end retail. Residential shelter costs absorb 14.5% of income, placing local disposable funds within the 80th percentile, while the SEIFA index assigns the suburb to 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
Census structural figures show that the suburb's housing stock consists of 71.1% separate houses and 29.0% alternative formats including semi-detached dwellings and apartments, compared with 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings in Darwin metro. Outright ownership reached 25.7%, substantially exceeding the metropolitan level, while mortgaged properties accounted for 41.0% and rental accommodation comprised 33.3%. Median monthly mortgage commitments stood at $2,000 and median weekly rent was $400, sitting below Darwin metro's $2,100 mortgage benchmark while exceeding the regional $385 rent figure. Nationally, local home loan repayments surpass the Australian median of $1,863 and rents exceed the national benchmark 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
Family units constitute 74.5% of all local dwellings, divided into couples with children (37.1%), childless couples (26.5%), and single-parent households (9.9%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 25.5%, split between single-person homes at 21.0% and shared households at 4.4%. The average household size stands at 2.7 people, marginally higher than the Greater Darwin measure 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
Tertiary attainment in the area sits at 32.1% among individuals aged 15+, exceeding the Northern Territory benchmark of 27.3%. Bachelor degrees form the largest segment at 21.5%, accompanied by postgraduate awards at 7.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.6%. Vocational qualifications are held by 34.1% of residents aged 15+, encompassing 23.4% with certificate-level awards and 10.7% with advanced diplomas. Formal study engagement is substantial, with 31.5% of the local population actively participating in education. Primary schooling accounts for 12.0% of residents, secondary education comprises 7.4%, and tertiary studies represent 6.3%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Leanyer reaches 16 stops on 27 routes, timetabled for about 1,900 services a week. The typical home sits about 250 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 connectivity comprises 16 bus stops spread throughout the area, accommodated by 27 distinct bus routes delivering 1,862 weekly passenger trips. Public transit access is favorable, with residents averaging 248 meters from the nearest stop. Given the suburb's residential focus, outward commuting prevails, with private vehicles accounting for 91% of travel journeys and vehicle ownership standing at 1.6 per household. In addition, 3.8% of employed locals worked remotely according to the 2021 Census, a figure reflecting pandemic conditions. Transit service schedules deliver an average of 266 trips daily across the route network, translating to roughly 116 weekly services per individual boarding 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
Favourable health measures characterize the locality based on AreaSearch analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, with both youth and mature age groups demonstrating low disease occurrence. Furthermore, private health insurance uptake is elevated, encompassing roughly 58% of all residents (~2,951 people). Asthma and arthritis represent the primary chronic conditions, recorded among 6.5 and 6.1% of the community respectively, with 74.4% reporting no medical conditions compared to 77.1% regionally. Working-age cohorts display strong vitality and minimal chronic illness. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 15.2% of the population (778 people), tracking above the 10.7% regional proportion in Greater Darwin, while older residents maintain health metrics comparable to national standards.
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
Cultural diversity is pronounced across the community, with 33.8% of individuals born overseas and 32.7% using a non-English language at home. Christianity constitutes the primary faith, representing 46.6% of residents. In comparison to Greater Darwin's 3.3%, Buddhism demonstrates a higher presence at 4.1% of the population. Paternal and maternal origins show Australian ancestry leading at 20.6%, followed by English heritage at 17.9% and Other ancestries at 14.0%. Notable variations also emerge across specific cultural backgrounds: Greek ancestry comprises 5.0% (vs 2.3% regionally), Filipino background accounts for 4.7% (vs 3.8%), and Australian Aboriginal representation stands at 5.9% (vs 7.0%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Leanyer is 37. 25.1% 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 demographic profile leans toward mature age groups, with seniors and retirees (65+) representing 15.2% of the population as at August 2026 compared to 10.7% in Greater Darwin, while young-to-middle adults (25 - 44) comprise 31.3% against a wider regional share of 34.9%. AreaSearch places the median age at 37 as at August 2026, matching the 2021 Census outcome and exceeding the Greater Darwin median of 34 recorded at that Census by 3 years. The most pronounced shift since the Census occurred in the 45 - 64 age bracket, contracting from 25.4% to an estimated 22.9%.
Projections to 2041 anticipate that the 65+ age segment will capture the majority of net growth, expanding by 280 residents (36%) to total 1,058.
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 Sep 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) | Aug 2026 last month 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 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 Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2026 2 months ago 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 6 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) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago 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 Aug 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 Aug 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.