Malak

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Malak is around 3,233 people. This reflects an increase of 220 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,013 people. The current resident population estimate is based on AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and one additional validated new address since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,847 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Malak's 7.3% growth since census is comparable to the SA3 area's 7.4%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, 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 population dynamics project an above median growth for statistical areas across the nation. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 527 persons, reflecting a total increase of 15.6% over the 17 years.

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

Malak has seen around 2 dwelling approvals per year since statistical area data became available.

The population decline in recent years suggests new supply is meeting demand, providing good buyer choice. Compared to Greater Darwin and nationally, Malak's building activity is lower, indicating market maturity and potential development constraints. This constrained new construction typically supports existing property demand and pricing.

Malak has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. Two projects are identified by AreaSearch as likely affecting the area. Notable projects include Berrimah North Area Plan, Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, Northern Suburbs Youth Hub, and Leanyer Primary School. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Malak faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Malak has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 9.7% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.2%.

This figure is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,532 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 6.6%, which is higher than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%. Workforce participation in Malak was recorded at 65.7%, significantly lower than Greater Darwin's 76.0%. According to Census responses, only 3.4% of residents worked from home.

Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows a strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. In contrast, public administration & safety employs only 15.4% of local workers, lower than Greater Darwin's 19.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, while labour force increased by 1.8%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Malak's local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Malak's employment mix.

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

The suburb of Malak had a median taxpayer income of $52,951 and an average income of $59,030 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Darwin having a median income of $66,956 and an average income of $77,199 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth figures, current estimates project the median income to be approximately $57,420 and the average income to be around $64,012 by September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Malak cluster around the national median. Income distribution shows that 30.5% of Malak's population (986 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 36.7% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Malak, with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 45th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Malak, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.2% houses and 24.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Darwin metro had 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Malak was at 21.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (36.6%) or rented (42.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent figure in Malak was $301, compared to Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Malak's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $301 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 71.2% of all households, including 29.3% couples with children, 20.3% couples without children, and 19.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up 28.8%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 23.4%, significantly lower than the SA3 area average of 36.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (26.1%). Educational participation is high, with 36.4% currently enrolled in formal education: 14.1% in primary, 10.7% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.1% in primary education, 10.7% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Malak has 17 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a total of 44 different routes that collectively facilitate 1,958 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 160 meters away from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census data (which may reflect COVID-19 conditions), only 3.4% of residents work from home. The service frequency averages at 279 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 115 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Malak is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Malak faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,622 people), compared to 57.8% in Greater Darwin and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (6.6%) and asthma (6.3%). 72.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.1% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 13.9% of residents aged 65 and over (449 people), higher than Greater Darwin's 10.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Malak's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 28.4% born overseas and 27.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Malak, making up 51.7% of its population. Buddhism, however, was overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin, comprising 3.2% versus 3.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (20.7%), English (16.6%), and Other (15.4%). Notably, Filipino representation in Malak was higher at 5.3% compared to the regional average of 3.8%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal representation was significantly higher at 14.5%, compared to 7.0%, and Maori representation was also notably higher at 0.9% versus 0.6%.

Malak's population is younger than the national pattern

At 35 years, Malak's median age is comparable to Greater Darwin's average of 34 and marginally lower than the national average of 38. Relative to Greater Darwin, Malak has a higher concentration of 65-74 year-olds at 8.6% but fewer 25-34 year-olds at 12.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35-44 age group grew from 14.3% to 16.0%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 2.7% to 4.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 16.3% to 13.8% and the 25-34 group dropped from 13.6% to 12.5%. Demographic modeling suggests Malak's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45-54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 28%, adding 117 residents to reach 538. The 0-4 group displays more modest growth at 3%, adding only 7 residents.