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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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Maningrida has an estimated 2,518 residents. That puts 228 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
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the population of the suburb of Maningrida is estimated at around 2,518 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of no people (0.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,518 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,518, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 227 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development.
Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is applying growth rates by age cohort to each area, as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the suburb of Maningrida expected to grow by 201 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 8.0% in total over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Maningrida shows minimal construction activity with less than one new dwellings approved annually (minimal dwellings over the five-year period). Such low development levels are characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is naturally limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Note; given the small number of approvals, individual development projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics. Maningrida shows significantly less construction activity than Rest of NT. The development pattern is also well below national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Maningrida
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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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 Maningrida, worth an estimated $104 million. 3 are already under construction and 3 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, transport & logistics and ports, marinas, fisheries & aquaculture. 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
Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total no projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Australia-Asia PowerLink (AAPowerLink), Northern Territory Freight Rail And Logistics Capacity Improvements, Network Optimisation Program - Rail, and Coastal Hazards Adaptation Strategy, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.
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
Gunyangara (Gove Port) Tourism Precinct
A $9.3 million upgrade of marine and land tourism infrastructure at Inverell Bay, Gunyangara, near Nhulunbuy, to support tourism and marine industry growth in East Arnhem as the region diversifies away from mining. Works delivered over three packages included a new 100 metre extended rock groyne, careening facilities for vessel maintenance, a 60 metre detachable floating pontoon, a washdown bay, sealed car park and lighting upgrades, a new entry structure, toilet facilities, and shade and seating at Gove Boat Club.Early works were completed in 2022, with the main $6.9 million construction package running from September 2024 to August 2025. The project achieved 28 percent Aboriginal employment and was officially opened in December 2025. Gove Boat Club now operates the facilities in collaboration with the Ngarrariyal Aboriginal Corporation and Gumatj Corporation.
Bunggulwuy Close Housing Development
A landmark $7 million community-led housing initiative to deliver 11 new two-bedroom units (four duplexes and a triplex) in Nhulunbuy. The homes are designed to meet long-term accommodation needs for essential service providers like St John NT and Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, and the project includes a strong commitment to Aboriginal employment and training opportunities, supporting the post-mining economic transition of the region.
Nhulunbuy Master Plan
A strategic roadmap guiding the redevelopment and renewal of Nhulunbuy as it transitions from a mining town to a sustainable regional hub. The plan translates the Yolngu Traditional Owners' Vision into a framework for future land tenure, essential services, and infrastructure, ensuring long-term liveability post-2029 mine closure.
Supporting Growth in Katherine East (Katherine East Residential Estate)
NT Government and Australian Government enabling infrastructure project delivering serviced flood-free land in Katherine East. Stage 1 works including Corymbia Drive, earthworks, roads, stormwater, sewer and electrical infrastructure have been completed. Budget 2024 provided a further AUD16 million for a sewer pump station, sewer network and additional subdivision works to support the future release of more than 350 residential lots together with neighbourhood retail, commercial and community uses.
Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub
A large-scale intermodal logistics and agribusiness hub adjacent to the Darwin-Tarcoola rail corridor and Stuart Highway in Katherine East. The hub is designed to service the storage, processing and freight needs of agriculture, horticulture, resources and defence industries across the Big Rivers region and northern Australia. The NT Government and Australian Government have committed $63.2 million combined, with the 2024 NT Budget allocating a further $30 million for continuing headworks and subdivision works. Critical water supply infrastructure is under construction through a joint NT Connections package with the National Water Grid Authority, with completion expected mid-2026.Full hub construction is targeted for completion Q4 2026.
Tindal Village
A workstay village with 200 en-suited rooms and amenities, located near Tindal RAAF Base to accommodate workforces for various projects in the area.
457 residents of Maningrida are employed, from a labour force of 601. Unemployment sits at 24.0%, with participation at 30.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 8.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,219, about 88% 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
Maningrida has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 24.0%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026457 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 18.1% above Regional NT's rate of 5.9%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (30.4% compared to Regional NT's 69.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 1.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety.
The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. On the other hand, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 10.4% of Maningrida's workforce compared to 17.9% in Regional NT. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, the 12-month period saw labour force decreasing by 9.5% combined with employment decreasing by 12.8%, resulting in the unemployment rate rise by 2.9 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NT recorded employment growth of 2.8%, labour force growth of 2.7%, with unemployment falling marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Maningrida. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Maningrida's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 8.2% over five years and 16.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Maningrida is $1,449 a week (about $75,000 a year), with median personal income at $256 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $41,888 a year against an average of $55,915. 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
The suburb of Maningrida shows a median taxpayer income of $41,888 and an average of $55,915 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is below the national average, contrasting with Regional NT's median income of $53,572 and average income of $63,776. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $45,830 (median) and $61,177 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, individual incomes lag at the 0th percentile ($256 weekly), while household income performs better at the 32nd percentile.
Income brackets indicate 38.8% of the population (976 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen the broader area where 33.6% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 93.9% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 43rd percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Maningrida had 394 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 94% detached houses and 0% apartments. 0% are owned with a mortgage, 99% rented and 1% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $90 a week. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Dwelling structure within Maningrida, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NT's 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Maningrida was lagging that of Regional NT, at 0.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (none) or rented (99.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NT average at no cost, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $90, compared to Regional NT's $1,733 and $150.
Nationally, Maningrida's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Maningrida counted 394 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 5.2 people each. 50% are couples with children, more than in 95% of areas nationally, against 12% couples without children. 10% 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 dominate at 87.1% of all households, comprising 50.3% couples with children, 11.7% couples without children, and 18.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 12.9%, with lone person households at 10.2% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size of 5.2 people is larger than the Regional NT average of 3.1.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
6.8% of adults in Maningrida hold a university qualification, including 4.5% with a bachelor degree and 1.6% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 98% of areas nationally. A further 18.2% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 573 enrolment places. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (6.8%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 4.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (0.7%). Vocational pathways account for 20.4% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (2.2%) and certificates (18.2%). Educational participation is notably high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.9% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 0.7% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
75.7% of residents in Maningrida report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 85% of areas nationally. 3.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 16.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Maningrida, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,233 people). This compares to 51.6% across Regional NT. The national average is 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be heart disease and asthma, impacting 9.7 and 6.2% of residents, respectively, while 75.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 78.4% across Regional NT.
Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 3.4% of residents aged 65 and over (85 people), which is lower than the 8.5% in Regional NT. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Maningrida is largely Australian-born, at 97.6% of residents, with 93.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Australian Aboriginal is the largest reported ancestry, at 89.0% of residents. 89.0% 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
Maningrida was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 2.4% of its population born overseas and 93.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Maningrida was found to be Christianity, which makes up 71.9% of people in Maningrida. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 18.2% of the population, substantially higher than the Regional NT average of 5.2%. In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Maningrida are Australian Aboriginal, comprising 89.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 43.6%, English, comprising 3.0% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 14.3%, and Australian, comprising 2.7% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 14.9%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Maningrida is 27, younger than 99% of areas nationally. 39.2% 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
Maningrida's median age of 27 years stands significantly below Regional NT's 31 and also significantly lower than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 15 - 24 year-olds are particularly prominent (18.2%), while the 65 - 74 group is comparatively smaller (2.7%) than in Regional NT. This 15 - 24 concentration is well above the national 12.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.1% to 16.8% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 6.2% to 7.4%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 7.2% to 5.4% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 17.6% to 16.2%.
By 2041, Maningrida is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 37% (110 people), reaching 405 from 294. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 15 to 24 cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Maningrida
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 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) | May 2026 3 months ago 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 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 5 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) | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month 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. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,518 at the 2021 Census → 2,518 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 May 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 (SAL70172). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.