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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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Malak has an estimated 3,290 residents, up from 3,013 at the 2021 Census — a change of 277 people, or 9.2%. Growth has averaged 0.7% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 56.0% of that increase. That puts 1,880 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 of the suburb of Malak is estimated at approximately 3,290 residents, based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS broader area updates and 1 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. This represents an addition of 277 people (9.2%) relative to the 2021 Census count of 3,013 people. AreaSearch derived this 3,290 figure following review of the June 2025 ERP release from the ABS alongside newly verified address data. Demographic density stands at 1,880 persons per square kilometer, positioning it above the national average assessed across AreaSearch locations.
Sitting within 0.3 percentage points of the 9.5% nationwide benchmark, the 9.2% rate of expansion underscores sound growth fundamentals for the suburb of Malak, where overseas migration formed the primary catalyst by delivering roughly 56.00000000000001% of recent population gains. Demographic modeling by AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 figures published in 2024 with a 2022 base year, applying age-cohort growth rates from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region release (utilizing 2022 data) for locations outside that dataset and for post-2032 modeling. Looking at forward population trajectories across Australian statistical districts, the suburb of Malak is projected to achieve above-median expansion. Aggregated SA2-level forecasts project that the suburb of Malak will expand by 470 persons by 2041, indicating an overall growth of 14.3% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS residential approval figures allocated from statistical areas, Malak records an average of around 3 new home approvals annually. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), an average of 5.6 people per year have arrived for each dwelling built, creating substantial demand pressures that exceed supply and increase buyer competition, while new residences are constructed at an average expected construction cost of $442,000. Per-capita residential construction in Malak tracks at roughly half the level observed across Greater Darwin, placing the suburb in the 43rd percentile nationally.
While this constrained supply limits options for buyers and strengthens demand for established dwellings, recent periods have shown an increase in development. Remaining below national averages, this pattern highlights the mature status of the suburb and suggests possible planning limitations. Approved projects consist of 75.0% standalone houses and 25.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the traditional low-density suburban landscape favored by families seeking space. Furthermore, a ratio of around 344 people per approval underscores a mature local market.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Malak
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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 6 current infrastructure and development projects close to Malak, worth an estimated $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 performance is strongly influenced by major civic planning, capital developments, and public works initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 2 key infrastructure projects expected to influence the local area. Notable initiatives across the district include the Berrimah North Area Plan, the Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, the Northern Suburbs Youth Hub, and the Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade, with the most relevant developments detailed below.
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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.
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.
Leanyer Primary School
The Northern Territory Government is constructing a new classroom building at Leanyer Primary School.
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.
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.
1,524 residents of Malak are employed, from a labour force of 1,696. Unemployment sits at 10.1%, with participation at 65.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,684, about 82% 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
Malak maintains a skilled local workforce with solid representation in essential services, recording an unemployment rate of 10.1% alongside 0.8% annual employment growth based on AreaSearch statistical area aggregations. As of March 2026, employed residents total 1,524, though the jobless rate sits 6.7% higher than Greater Darwin's 3.5%, indicating opportunities for improvement. Labor participation reaches 65.3%, lagging behind the Greater Darwin benchmark of 72.9%. In addition, Census data indicates that 3.4% of workers operated from home, a figure influenced by Covid-19 restrictions. The primary employment sectors for resident workers are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.
The local area displays a distinct concentration in education & training, capturing an employment share 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety represents 15.4% of resident workers, below the regional benchmark of 19.5%. Comparison of Census working population counts against resident workforce numbers indicates that this predominantly residential precinct provides relatively limited employment opportunities within its borders. Analysis of SALM and ABS statistical data by AreaSearch shows that during the twelve months to March 2026, local employment rose by 0.8% while the labor force increased by 0.7%, keeping the jobless rate essentially unchanged. In Greater Darwin over the same timeframe, employment expanded by 0.4%, the labor pool grew by 0.8%, and unemployment climbed 0.3 percentage points. Forward employment expectations can be evaluated using Jobs and Skills Australia projections released in Mar-26. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% across five years and 13.7% over ten years, with distinct variations across industries. Applying these sectoral trajectories to Malak's workforce profile indicates that local employment should rise by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (calculated as a simple weighted extrapolation for illustrative purposes without factoring in localized population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Malak is $1,676 a week (about $87,000 a year), with median personal income at $831 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $52,951 a year against an average of $59,030. 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 AreaSearch aggregation of ATO postcode data for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Malak registered a median income of $52,951 and an average income of $59,030. These levels fall below national benchmarks and compare to median and average figures of $66,956 and $77,199 across Greater Darwin. Incorporating a 9.41% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates as of March 2026 stand at approximately $57,934 (median) and $64,585 (average). Census 2021 figures place household, family, and individual incomes in Malak near the 50th percentile across Australia.
In terms of earnings distribution, 30.5% of the population (1,003 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, aligning with the 36.7% share recorded across the wider area. Housing cost pressures remain significant, with 82.6% of income remaining uncommitted to housing, placing the area in the 45th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Malak had 1,024 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 75% detached houses and 0% apartments. 37% are owned with a mortgage, 42% rented and 21% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $301 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,950 a month. Rent absorbs 18.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 26.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census data reveals that housing stock in Malak consists of 75.2% standalone houses and 24.8% other dwellings, including apartments and semi-detached properties, compared to Darwin metro proportions of 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Outright home ownership in Malak reaches 21.1%, significantly higher than Darwin metro levels, while mortgaged properties account for 36.6% and rental homes make up 42.3%. The median monthly mortgage payment in Malak stands at $1,950, lower than the Darwin metro figure of $2,100, while median weekly rent is $301 compared to $385 across Darwin metro. Relative to nationwide benchmarks, Malak's mortgage costs exceed the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rental rates remain substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Malak counted 1,024 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,118 today, averaging 2.8 people each. 29% are couples with children, against 20% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent the dominant living arrangement at 71.2% of all residences, comprising 29.3% couples with children, 20.3% childless couples, and 19.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.8%, consisting of lone person households at 24.1% and group households at 5.0%. The median household size of 2.8 people exceeds the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
23.4% of adults in Malak hold a university qualification, including 15.3% with a bachelor degree and 4.7% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 26.1% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 596 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 825 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 figures show that 23.4% of residents hold university qualifications, tracking well below the SA3 benchmark of 36.1%, which indicates clear scope for educational initiatives. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 15.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.7% and graduate diplomas at 3.4%. Technical and vocational credentials feature prominently, with 35.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including 26.1% with certificates and 9.4% holding advanced diplomas. Formal educational engagement is substantial across the suburb, with 36.4% of residents currently enrolled in study. This includes 14.1% in primary school, 10.7% in secondary school, and 4.6% undertaking tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Malak reaches 20 stops on 34 routes, timetabled for about 2,000 services a week. The typical home sits about 160 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 across Malak is supported by 20 operational bus stops serviced by 34 separate routes, delivering a combined total of 2,010 passenger trips every week. Transit accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents situated an average of 156 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is primarily residential, outward commuting is standard, and private vehicles remain the dominant mode of travel at 92%, with vehicle ownership averaging 1.4 per home. Additionally, 3.4% of residents reported working from home at the 2021 Census, a rate that may reflect COVID-19 circumstances.
Across the transit network, service frequency averages 287 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 100 weekly departures for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
72.7% of residents in Malak report no long-term health condition. 5.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 50.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments by AreaSearch based on mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence highlight notable healthcare demands in Malak, with common ailments present across younger and older demographics. Private health insurance coverage is relatively subdued at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,651 people), which sits below the Greater Darwin rate of 57.8% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the suburb are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 6.6 and 6.3% of residents respectively. Overall, 72.7% of residents reported no chronic medical conditions, compared to 77.1% in Greater Darwin, while health metrics among the working-age population remain typical.
Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 14.2% of the local population (467 people), exceeding the 10.7% proportion in Greater Darwin, and this older demographic demonstrates above-average health results that rank favorably nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
28.4% of Malak residents were born overseas and 27.9% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (20.7%) and English (16.6%). 14.5% 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 Malak exceeds that of most comparable local markets, with 28.4% of residents born abroad and 27.9% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, encompassing 51.7% of residents in Malak. Notably, Buddhism forms a prominent religious minority, representing 3.2% of the population compared to 3.3% across Greater Darwin. Regarding ancestral background in Malak, the three largest groups are Australian at 20.7%, English at 16.6% (which is lower than the regional proportion of 21.7%), and Other at 15.4%. Distinct variations also appear across other cultural communities compared to regional figures: Australian Aboriginal ancestry accounts for 14.5% (versus 7.0% regionally), Filipino heritage stands at 5.3% (versus 3.8%), and Maori ancestry represents 0.9% (versus 0.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Malak is 35, younger than 76% of areas nationally. 24.8% 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 in Malak corresponds closely with Greater Darwin, with no single broad age bracket differing by more than 7.1 percentage points from the regional baseline. As at August 2026, AreaSearch calculates the median age at 35, unchanged from the 2021 Census and 1 year above the Greater Darwin median of 34 recorded at that Census. Since the Census, the share of retirees and elderly residents (65+) has expanded from 11.8% to an estimated 14.2%. By 2041, the 65+ demographic is projected to absorb most population gains, adding 202 residents (43%) to reach a total of 669.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Malak
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, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 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 May 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 (3,013 at the 2021 Census → 3,290 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 (SAL70169). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.