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

Malak's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 3,216 people. This reflects an increase of 203 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,013 people. AreaSearch estimates Malak's resident population to be 3,217 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional validated new address since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,837 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Malak's 6.7% growth since census is competitive with its SA3 area, which grew by 7.6%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb of Malak.

AreaSearch projects an above median population growth for national statistical areas, with Malak expected to grow by 519 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 16.2% 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

Development activity data is being compiled for this area.

When measured against Greater Darwin, Malak records markedly lower building activity. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints.

Malak has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. Two projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the region. Key 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.

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The labour market performance in Malak lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Malak has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 9.6% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.8%. Residents' employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Education & training has notably high concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. However, public administration & safety employs only 15.4% of local workers, below Greater Darwin's 19.5%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.8%, while the labour force grew by 2.9%, causing a slight rise in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Darwin where employment rose by 2.9% and unemployment fell marginally. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Malak's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

Malak's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $52,951. The average income stood at $59,030 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Darwin's median and average incomes were $65,522 and $75,260 respectively. By September 2025, estimates project Malak's median income to be approximately $59,310 and the average income around $66,120, based on a 12.01% growth in wages since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Malak cluster around the national median. The earnings profile shows that 30.5% of residents (980 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, mirroring the surrounding region where 36.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Malak, with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the national 45th percentile.

Malak is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

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 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Malak was 21.1%, similar to Darwin metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (36.6%) or rented (42.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Malak was $1,950, lower than the Darwin metro average of $2,028. The median weekly rent figure in Malak was $301, compared to Darwin metro's $350. Nationally, Malak's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.7.

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

The university qualification rate in the area is 23.4%, significantly lower than the SA3 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 held by 35.5% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 26.1%. Educational participation is high, with 36.4% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 14.1% in primary, 10.7% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education. Malak's three schools have a combined enrollment of 596 students. The area has varied educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 825. Educational provision is conventional, split between one primary and two secondary institutions.

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. These are served by a mix of buses operating on 41 different routes. Together, these provide 1,941 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 160 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 277 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 114 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Malak demonstrates lower-than-average prevalence of common health conditions across both young and elderly age groups. Approximately half of Malak's total population (~1614 people) has private health cover, compared to 56.7% in Greater Darwin and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (affecting 6.6% of residents) and asthma (6.3%), with 72.7% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 77.0% in Greater Darwin.

Malak has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 13.5% (434 people), compared to 12.3% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors are above average and align with the general population's health profile.

Malak was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range 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, comprising 51.7% of its population. Buddhism, however, was overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin, making up 3.2% versus 4.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (20.7%), English (16.6%), and Other (15.4%). Notable divergences included Filipino at 5.3%, Australian Aboriginal at 14.5%, and Maori at 0.9%, compared to regional percentages of 4.7%, 7.4%, and 0.5% respectively.

Malak's population is younger than the national pattern

Malak's median age is 35, 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 (8.5%) but fewer 25-34 year-olds (13.0%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group grew from 2.7% to 4.1%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.3% to 15.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 16.3% to 13.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Malak's age profile will evolve significantly. The 45 to 54 cohort is projected to grow by 28%, adding 116 residents to reach 538. The 0 to 4 group shows more modest growth of 3%, with an increase of only 7 residents.