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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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Ludmilla has an estimated 1,745 residents, up from 1,667 at the 2021 Census — a change of 78 people, or 4.7%. That puts 442 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
As of Aug 2026, the population in the suburb of Ludmilla is estimated at approximately 1,745, according to AreaSearch analysis of broader regional ABS population updates alongside new addresses verified since the Census. When measured against the 1,667 residents recorded at the 2021 Census, this indicates an expansion of 78 people (4.7%). This population estimate of 1,745 was established by AreaSearch following an evaluation of 1 validated new addresses post-Census and the latest ABS ERP release from June 2025. With a population density of 441 persons per square kilometer, the locality offers ample space per resident as well as capacity for future residential growth.
Recent population gains were predominantly underpinned by overseas migration, which made up around 59.0% of total demographic additions. Population projections for the suburb of Ludmilla draw on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 using 2022 as a base year across SA2 areas. For locations lacking this coverage, as well as for all territory-wide forecasting past 2032, AreaSearch applies cohort-specific growth rates published in the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (benchmarked to 2022). Looking ahead, demographic modeling points to an above median population growth compared to national benchmarks, with aggregated SA2 projections anticipating the locality will expand by 293 persons to 2041, representing a 16.8% overall increase across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Planning and development records show no new residential dwellings approved across Ludmilla over the preceding five-year span. Despite being an established community, residential construction activity has been virtually nonexistent. Such restricted residential development generally helps maintain values across existing housing stock, while potentially indicating constraints in planning frameworks or subdued market turnover. Residential building activity in Ludmilla is substantially lower when evaluated against Greater Darwin. A subdued rate of new development usually underpins pricing and interest for existing housing. Furthermore, construction levels sit below the national benchmark, highlighting the suburb's established character alongside potential urban planning limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Ludmilla
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects inside Ludmilla, worth an estimated $7 million. A further 32 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $4.38 billion. 13 are already under construction and 13 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities and sports & recreation. 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 investment and strategic town planning initiatives play a fundamental role in shaping neighborhood outcomes. AreaSearch has identified 4 projects anticipated to influence the immediate surroundings. Key developments include Darwin Mid Suburbs Area Plan, Richardson Park Community Space, Calma Gardens, and Darwin Inner Suburbs Area Plan.
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
Intersection Upgrade - Dick Ward Drive and Fitzer Drive
Road safety upgrade funded through the Australian Government Black Spot Program and delivered by City of Darwin. Works include reconstruction of the pedestrian refuge island, new traffic islands, separation of left and right turn lanes on Fitzer Drive, new road pavement, and relocation of a light pole to improve the right turn from Dick Ward Drive. Construction commenced on 11 May 2026 and is scheduled for completion by the end of July 2026, weather permitting.
Darwin Mid Suburbs Area Plan
A long-term strategic land use framework guiding growth and development across Darwin's mid suburbs of Nightcliff, Rapid Creek, Millner, Coconut Grove and part of Ludmilla. Prepared by the Northern Territory Planning Commission and finalised in July 2016, the plan has since been incorporated into the NT Planning Scheme 2020, with minor amendments made in 2020, 2023 and 2025. It balances tropical suburban character with higher-density development in focused activity centres, and sets a framework to accommodate a share of the 2,490 new infill dwellings forecast for the Mid and Northern Suburbs in the far term, alongside improved transport, open space and essential services.
Richardson Park Community Space
NT Government revitalised Richardson Park into a community sports and recreation precinct with two multi-purpose playing fields, shared path with lighting, picnic shelters and barbecue areas, new access road to Ludmilla Primary School and amenities including change rooms, toilets, storage, outdoor gym and playground. The project preserves the site's rugby league heritage and is now open for community use.
Calma Gardens
Established residential enclave in Ludmilla, Darwin, centered around May Street and known locally as the Calma Gardens estate. The place name was registered on 18 September 1985. The estate comprises low-rise villas and units with leafy streets, shared pool(s), BBQ areas and nearby playgrounds; ongoing real estate listings indicate it is an established completed neighborhood.
Northcrest - Berrimah Residential Estate
Residential stage within Northcrest, a Territory Government masterplanned estate in Berrimah, delivering 143 dwellings as part of the Northern Territory's largest residential subdivision. The broader Northcrest project provides house and land lots, affordable housing options, a childcare centre, parklands and other community facilities, and is developed by DCOH (formerly known as Halikos).
Social Housing Accelerator Payment (SHAP) - Greater Darwin / Nightcliff
The Australian Government committed $50 million to deliver up to 100 new social and accessible homes across the Northern Territory under the Social Housing Accelerator Payment (SHAP). The NT Government is delivering the program, with homes built to adaptable standards to suit seniors and people with mobility issues. In the Top End, the first 8 homes across Rapid Creek, Tiwi and Wanguri were completed in July 2025 by C&R Constructions. A further 6 Top End homes are due to commence October 2025 with completion by mid-2026.Concurrent construction is underway in Katherine East (9 homes), Tennant Creek (3 homes) and Alice Springs (6 homes), all targeting mid-2026 completion.
Nightcliff Village Masterplan
City of Darwin is delivering the Nightcliff Village Masterplan through staged public realm upgrades to revitalise the village centre. Stage 1 streetscape beautification was completed in November 2024, including upgraded pedestrian access, new trees, lighting, stormwater improvements, public art and laneway enhancements. Additional stages will progressively deliver further landscaping, seating, shade, artwork and public space improvements.
The Avenue Larrakeyah
Luxury residential apartment development comprising 54 premium one, two and three bedroom apartments with rooftop resident amenities in Larrakeyah, close to the Darwin CBD. Publicly available information indicates the project remains under construction, with apartment sales continuing.
879 residents of Ludmilla are employed, from a labour force of 942. Unemployment sits at 6.7%, with participation at 66.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Labor market analysis from AreaSearch shows Ludmilla possesses an educated workforce with notable representation in essential industries, alongside an unemployment rate of 6.7%. As of March 2026879 local residents are actively employed. The local jobless rate sits 3.2% higher than Greater Darwin's figure of 3.5%, pointing to capacity for workforce improvement, while labor force participation also trails the broader region (66.4% versus 72.9% across Greater Darwin). In addition, Census records show only 5.5% of working residents operated from home, though this figure should be considered in light of Covid-19 lockdown measures.
The primary industry sectors employing local workers are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Professional & technical services is especially prominent, recording a concentration 1.6 times above the regional norm. Conversely, public administration & safety represents a smaller footprint locally, making up 15.0% of workers in Ludmilla compared to 19.5% across Greater Darwin. A local job density of 0.6 workers per resident at the Census points to employment generation above typical suburban levels. Examining aggregated ABS and SALM data over the prior 12-month period indicates a 0.6% contraction in the local workforce and a 1.1% decline in employed persons, lifting the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Darwin recorded a 0.4% gain in employment, 0.8% growth in the labor pool, and a 0.3 percentage points rise in joblessness. Looking ahead, Jobs and Skills Australia national industry outlooks from Mar-26 provide context on structural employment demand. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though trajectories vary by industry. When weighted against Ludmilla's industry structure, these forecasts suggest employment gains of 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (serving as a basic weighting model without factoring in localized population shifts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Ludmilla is $2,056 a week (about $107,000 a year), with median personal income at $924 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $51,039 a year against an average of $63,008. 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
Based on aggregated postcode ATO figures compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the suburb of Ludmilla recorded a median taxpayer earnings figure of $51,039 and an average of $63,008, trailing the national benchmark and falling below Greater Darwin's median of $66,956 and average of $77,199. Adjusted for a 9.41% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, March 2026 estimates stand at roughly $55,842 for the median and $68,937 for the average. Findings from the 2021 Census place local household, family, and individual incomes around the 69th percentile nationwide.
Among income cohorts, the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly band is the most common, capturing 29.6% of residents (516 people), compared to 36.7% across the wider region. High earners represent a solid cohort, with 31.6% generating over $3,000 per week. Housing costs absorb 14.5% of earnings, placing community disposable income in the 72nd percentile, while the SEIFA ranking sits within the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Ludmilla had 576 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 76% detached houses and 9% apartments. 35% are owned with a mortgage, 44% rented and 21% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,058 a month. Rent absorbs 14.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The local housing stock recorded in the latest Census consisted of 76.0% separate houses and 23.9% other dwellings (including semi-detached units, apartments, and alternative structures), compared with 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings across Darwin metro. Outright property ownership in Ludmilla stood at 21.1%, significantly outpacing Darwin metro, while mortgaged properties accounted for 35.1% and rented dwellings comprised 43.8%. Typical monthly mortgage repayments were $2,058, below the Darwin metro figure of $2,100, while median weekly rent was $300, lower than Darwin metro's $385. Relative to country-wide figures, mortgage costs in Ludmilla exceed the Australian benchmark of $1,863, whereas rental rates sit well under the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Ludmilla counted 576 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 30% are couples with children, against 24% couples without children. 20% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent 72.0% of local living arrangements, consisting of couples with children at 29.9%, couples without children at 23.7%, and single parent families at 16.4%. Non-family residences account for the remaining 28.0%, divided between lone person households at 19.7% and group households at 8.1%. With a median household size of 2.7 people, household occupancy is slightly higher than the Greater Darwin standard of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
31.2% of adults in Ludmilla hold a university qualification, including 20.9% with a bachelor degree and 6.8% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 75% of areas nationally. A further 21.4% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 133 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 895 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 levels show that 31.2% of residents hold tertiary degrees, which is considerably lower than the SA3 area benchmark of 45.3%, highlighting scope for educational advancement. Bachelor degrees constitute 20.9% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees at 6.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Meanwhile, vocational qualifications are well established, with 29.7% of residents aged 15+ holding technical credentials, broken down into certificates (21.4%) and advanced diplomas (8.3%). Enrolment rates in education are substantial across the community, with 30.8% of the population engaged in study. This includes 10.6% attending primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 5.9% enrolled in tertiary education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Ludmilla reaches 11 stops on 32 routes, timetabled for about 2,000 services a week. The typical home sits about 220 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.4 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 in Ludmilla consists of 11 transport stops served by bus networks. Across these locations, 32 distinct routes operate to deliver 1,954 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is rated well, with an average distance of 221 meters from dwellings to the nearest boarding point. As an established residential community, outbound travel is standard, with private car usage dominant at 85% and cycling making up 3%. Vehicle ownership sits at an average of 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. Work-from-home participation was recorded at 5.5% in the 2021 Census, subject to prevailing COVID-19 settings.
Transit route frequency generates an average of 279 trips per day across the network, translating to roughly 177 weekly departures per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
77.5% of residents in Ludmilla report no long-term health condition. 3.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 51.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality metrics and chronic disease rates, health outcomes in Ludmilla are above average, with low condition prevalence observed across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance is held by roughly 52% of residents (~902 people), sitting below the 57.8% coverage rate found throughout Greater Darwin. Mental health conditions and arthritis represent the most frequently reported ailments, affecting 5.5 and 5.0% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 77.5% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions, compared to 77.1% in Greater Darwin. Residents aged 65 and over make up 12.5% of the community (218 people), exceeding Greater Darwin's 10.7%.
Older residents demonstrate especially favorable health metrics, tracking above national standards.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Ludmilla is largely Australian-born, at 76.3% of residents, with 25.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (21.5%) and Australian (19.4%). 16.0% 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 in Ludmilla is pronounced compared to most Australian suburbs, with 23.7% of residents born abroad and 25.4% using a non-English language in their homes. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 36.0% of residents. Hinduism accounts for 2.4% of the population, presenting a distinct profile against the 4.2% recorded across Greater Darwin. In terms of parental heritage, the most common ancestral backgrounds are English (21.5%), Australian (19.4%), and Australian Aboriginal (16.0%), the latter notably surpassing the wider regional level of 7.0%. Other distinct ancestries include Filipino at 4.2% (against 3.8% regionally), Welsh at 0.9% (versus 0.4% regionally), and Sri Lankan at 0.4% (compared with 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Ludmilla is 35, younger than 76% of areas nationally. 30.0% 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 age distribution of Ludmilla aligns closely with Greater Darwin, with no single broad demographic cohort varying by more than 2.0 percentage points from the regional baseline. AreaSearch projects the median age at 35 as at August 2026, identical to the 2021 Census and 1 year older than Greater Darwin's median of 34 at that Census. Since the Census, the 25 - 44 age bracket has risen from 32.8% to an estimated 34.3%. Looking forward to 2041, the 45 - 64 cohort is anticipated to drive the largest absolute increase, adding 131 residents (32%) to reach 538, while the 65+ demographic is projected to be the fastest growing proportionally, rising 35% to 295 residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Ludmilla
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 4 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 — 1 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,667 at the 2021 Census → 1,745 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 (SAL70167). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.