Ludmilla

Ludmilla is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Ludmilla's population is estimated at around 1,710 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 43 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,667 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,704 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and one validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 432 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 59.0% of overall gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and post-2032 estimations, 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). Future trends project an above median population growth for national statistical areas, with Ludmilla expected to increase by 328 persons to reach 2041, reflecting a gain of 20.9% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Ludmilla is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Ludmilla has recorded zero new dwelling approvals in the past five years. This lack of development activity indicates an established suburb with few new construction opportunities. This can help maintain existing property values, but buyers should note a potentially stable market with fewer transactions.

Compared to Greater Darwin, Ludmilla's building activity is notably lower, which typically intensifies demand and prices for existing properties. This scarcity also falls below the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning restrictions.

Ludmilla has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to impact the area: Darwin Mid Suburbs Area Plan, Richardson Park Community Space, Calma Gardens, and Darwin Inner Suburbs Area Plan. The following details those considered most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Ludmilla has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Ludmilla's workforce is well-educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 6.7%. Employment stability has been relative over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregated statistical area data.

In September 2025903 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.6% higher than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 70.7% compared to Greater Darwin's 76.0%. Based on Census responses, only 5.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area shows strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. In contrast, public administration & safety employs only 15.0% of local workers, below Greater Darwin's 19.5%. The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.6%, while employment declined by 0.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Darwin experienced employment growth of 1.9% and labour force growth of 1.9%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Ludmilla. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Ludmilla's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Ludmilla suburb had a median taxpayer income of $51,039 and an average income of $63,008. Nationally, the average stood at $66,956, while Greater Darwin's was $77,199. By September 2025, estimates based on 8.44% Wage Price Index growth suggest median and average incomes in Ludmilla will be approximately $55,347 and $68,326 respectively. Census 2021 data shows income levels in Ludmilla cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 29.6% of residents (506 people). High earners make up a substantial proportion at 31.6%. Housing costs account for 14.5% of income, placing residents in the 72nd percentile for disposable income. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking is in the 6th decile.

Ludmilla is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Ludmilla, as per the latest Census evaluation, 76.0% of dwellings were houses while 23.9% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. In contrast, Darwin metro had a higher proportion of other dwellings at 36.5%. Home ownership in Ludmilla stood at 21.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.1% and rented ones at 43.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,058, lower than the Darwin metro average of $2,100. Weekly rent in Ludmilla was recorded at $300, compared to $385 in Darwin metro. Nationally, Ludmilla's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,058 against Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $300 versus the national figure of $375.

Ludmilla features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.0% of all households, including 29.9% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 16.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.0%, with lone person households at 19.7% and group households comprising 8.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 31.2%, significantly lower than the SA3 area average of 45.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational credentials are held by 29.7% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 21.4%. Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 5.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 11 active transport stops operating in Ludmilla. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 31 individual routes. They collectively provide 1,799 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 294 meters from the nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 3% cycling.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 5.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 257 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 163 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Ludmilla is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Ludmilla demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population, which consists of about 884 people. This compares to a rate of 57.8% across Greater Darwin. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 5.5% and 5.0% of residents respectively. Seventy-seven point five percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. The area has 12.5% of residents aged 65 and over, which totals to 213 people. This is higher than the 10.8% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Ludmilla was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ludmilla's population showed high cultural diversity, with 23.7% born overseas and 25.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 36.0%. Hinduism, at 2.4%, was overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin's 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (21.5%), Australian (19.4%), and Australian Aboriginal (16.0%), which exceeded the regional average of 7.0%. Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and Filipino (4.2%) populations were higher than regional averages, while Sri Lankan (0.4%) was slightly overrepresented.

Ludmilla's population is younger than the national pattern

Ludmilla's median age is 35 years, comparable to Greater Darwin's average of 34 and marginally lower than the national average of 38. Relative to Greater Darwin, Ludmilla has a higher concentration of residents aged 45-54 at 15.2%, but fewer residents aged 25-34 at 15.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35-44 age group grew from 13.8% to 15.3%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.1% to 5.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 19.0% to 15.9% and the 65-74 group dropped from 7.5% to 6.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Ludmilla's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 45-54 cohort projected to grow by 44%, adding 115 residents to reach 375. The 5-14 group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 3%, adding only 6 residents.