Muirhead

Muirhead lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Muirhead is around 4,127, reflecting an increase of 438 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 3,689 in Muirhead. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,104 following examination of ABS data released Jun 2024 and validation of 9 new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,413 persons per square kilometer, placing Muirhead in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Muirhead's growth rate of 11.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (7.4%) and the SA4 region. Natural growth contributed approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch projections for Muirhead's population are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, 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). By 2041, Muirhead's population is projected to increase by 997 persons, reflecting a total increase of 28% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Muirhead when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Muirhead shows approximately 14 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 73 homes were approved, with a further 4 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 8.2 people move to the area per year for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This indicates substantial demand outstripping supply, likely leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers target the premium market segment, with new dwellings valued at an average of $635,000. In FY-26, there have been $693,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Darwin, where Muirhead records 98.0% more construction activity per person. New developments consist mostly of standalone homes (88.0%) and a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (12.0%), maintaining the area's suburban character focused on family homes.

Currently, there are approximately 291 people per approval in Muirhead, reflecting a transitioning market. By 2041, AreaSearch projects an addition of 1,154 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely affecting this region: Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade, Lee Point Master-planned Urban Development, Casuarina Square Redevelopment, Leanyer Primary School among key projects, with the following list detailing 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.

Employment conditions in Muirhead rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Muirhead's workforce is highly educated with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 0.6% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.3%.

Residents' unemployment rate was 2.5% lower than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%, and workforce participation was higher at 86.8% compared to Greater Darwin's 76.0%. Only 3.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level, while construction has limited presence at 5.8% compared to the regional 9.2%.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.3%, labour force by 2.4%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Darwin recorded similar growth rates with marginal unemployment increase. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Muirhead's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The suburb of Muirhead has an exceptionally high income level nationally, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ending 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Muirhead is $82,927, while the average income stands at $96,577. These figures compare with those of Greater Darwin, which have a median income of $66,956 and an average income of $77,199. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Muirhead's median income are approximately $89,926 and the average is $104,728 as of September 2025. According to Census data from 2021, incomes in Muirhead rank highly nationally, with household, family, and personal incomes all falling between the 96th and 97th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 40.9% of the population (1,687 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, which is consistent with broader trends across the region, where 36.7% fall into the same category. A substantial proportion of high earners in Muirhead (50.5% above $3,000 per week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income, and residents rank within the 96th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile nationally.

Muirhead is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The latest Census evaluated Muirhead's dwelling structure as 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings. In contrast, Darwin metro had 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Muirhead was 5.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.4% and rented ones at 45.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Muirhead was $2,600, higher than Darwin metro's $2,100. Median weekly rent in Muirhead was $313, lower than Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Muirhead's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $313.

Muirhead features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 90.6% of all households, including 61.6% couples with children, 21.8% couples without children, and 6.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 9.4%, with lone person households at 6.9% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 3.4 people, larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

Muirhead demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Muirhead is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 44.2% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 27.3% in the Northern Territory (NT) and 30.4% across Australia. The most common university qualifications are bachelor degrees (28.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 28.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (17.9%). Educational participation is high in Muirhead, with 39.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.9% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 8.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Muirhead has one active public transport stop, offering mixed bus services. This stop is served by four routes, collectively providing 58 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 574 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, predominantly using cars (93%). Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.9, exceeding the regional average. Only 3.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages eight trips daily across all routes, resulting in approximately 58 weekly trips per individual stop.

Muirhead's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Muirhead's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Approximately 65% of Muirhead's total population (2,674 people) have private health cover, compared to 57.8% in Greater Darwin and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 4.8% and 4.3% of residents respectively. 84.8% of Muirhead residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 77.1% in Greater Darwin. Only 2.7% of Muirhead's population is aged 65 and over (111 people), lower than the 10.8% in Greater Darwin. Seniors' health outcomes align with national rankings and are generally strong.

Muirhead is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Muirhead's population shows high cultural diversity, with 44.1% born overseas and 46.7% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Muirhead, comprising 47.7%. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 8.1% compared to 4.2% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is highest at 18.4%, above the regional average of 13.1%. Australian ancestry is lower than average at 17.4%, and English ancestry is also below average at 15.6%. Some ethnic groups are notably divergent: Filipino (6.0% vs 3.8%), Indian (9.7% vs 2.2%), and Greek (4.7% vs 2.3%) are overrepresented in Muirhead compared to regional averages.

Muirhead hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Muirhead is 29 years, which is lower than Greater Darwin's average of 34 and Australia's median of 38. The percentage of individuals aged 5-14 in Muirhead is notably higher at 18.2%, compared to the Greater Darwin average and the national average of 12.1%. Meanwhile, those aged 55-64 are under-represented at 4.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the percentage of individuals aged 45-54 has increased from 12.0% to 13.5%, while the percentage of those aged 0-4 has declined from 10.0% to 8.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Muirhead's age structure, with the strongest projected growth occurring in the 45-54 cohort, which is expected to increase by 54%, adding 301 residents to reach a total of 859.