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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of Nov 2025, Muirhead's estimated population is around 4127. This reflects an increase of 438 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3689. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 4104 residents using latest ERP data (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2413 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 its SA3 area (7.4%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 55% of overall population gains recently, with all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, growth rates by age cohort from the ABS's Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied to estimate post-2032 growth. Considering projected demographic shifts, Muirhead is expected to increase by 990 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 27.8% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Muirhead has seen approximately 14 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 73 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 8.2 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This supply lagging demand indicates heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers target the premium market segment as new dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $635,000. In FY-26, there have been $693,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Measured against Greater Darwin, Muirhead records 98.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice.

New development consists of 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 291 people per approval, Muirhead reflects a transitioning market. Future projections estimate Muirhead adding 1,147 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely impacting the region: Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade, Lee Point Master-planned Urban Development, Casuarina Square Redevelopment, Leanyer Primary School are 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 has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 0.6%, with estimated employment growth of 2.3% over the past year.

As of September 2025, there are 2,617 employed residents, a 2.5% lower unemployment rate than Greater Darwin's 3.1%. Workforce participation in Muirhead is high at 80.1%, compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. Notably, health care & social assistance has an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level, while construction has limited presence at 5.8% compared to 9.2% regionally.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 2.3%, labor force by 2.4%, raising unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Darwin had employment growth of 1.9%. State-level data from November 25 shows NT employment contracted by 1.13% with a state unemployment rate of 4.4%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Muirhead's employment mix indicates local employment should increase 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 had exceptionally high income levels nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $82,927 and average income stood at $96,577, compared to Greater Darwin's figures of $66,956 and $77,199 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $89,926 (median) and $104,728 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Muirhead, between the 96th and 97th percentiles nationally. Distribution data indicates 40.9% of population (1,687 individuals) fall within $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across region showing 36.7% in same category. Substantial proportion of high earners (50.5% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout suburb. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income while strong earnings rank residents within 96th percentile for disposable income and area's SEIFA income ranking places it in 9th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Muirhead, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Darwin metro had 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Muirhead was at 5.3%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (49.4%) or rented (45.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Muirhead was $2,600, higher than Darwin metro's average of $2,028. The median weekly rent figure in Muirhead was recorded at $313, lower than Darwin metro's $350. Nationally, Muirhead's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 2.7.

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

In Muirhead, 44.2% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, exceeding the Northern Territory's (NT) 27.3% and Australia's 30.4%. This high educational attainment is driven by bachelor degrees (28.0%), postgraduate qualifications (12.8%), and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 28.9% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (17.9%). Educational participation is notably high, with 39.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 14.9% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 8.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, 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

Transport analysis shows one active public transport stop in Muirhead. This stop serves a mix of bus routes, with four individual routes operating from it. These routes collectively offer 58 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 574 meters away from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages eight trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately fifty-eight 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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Muirhead, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 65% of the total population (2,674 people) has private health cover, compared to 57.4% in Greater Darwin and a 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.

A total of 84.8% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 77.0% in Greater Darwin. Muirhead has 2.3% (94 people) of its population aged 65 and over, lower than the 12.3% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 44.1% of its population born overseas and 46.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Muirhead, making up 47.7% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, comprising 8.1% compared to the regional average of 5.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (18.4%), Australian (17.4%), and English (15.6%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences in representation: Filipino at 6.0% (regional average 4.7%), Indian at 9.7% (3.2%), and Greek at 4.7% (3.7%).

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 considerably younger than Australia's median age of 38. The 5-14 age group makes up 18.3% of Muirhead's population, higher than the Greater Darwin average but well above the national average of 12.2%. Conversely, those aged 55-64 constitute only 5.0% of Muirhead's population. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 45-54 age group has increased from 12.0% to 13.2%, while the 0-4 cohort has decreased from 10.0% to 8.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Muirhead's age structure, with the 45-54 cohort projected to grow by 57%, adding 310 residents to reach a total of 855.