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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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Parap has an estimated 3,175 residents, up from 2,819 at the 2021 Census — a change of 356 people, or 12.6%. Growth has averaged 1.1% a year over five years, faster than 79% of areas nationally. Overseas migration accounts for 81.0% of that increase. That puts 2,886 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
As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Parap is estimated to have a population of approximately 3,175, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of broader ABS population updates alongside 1 validated new addresses confirmed since the Census. In comparison to the 2,819 individuals documented in the 2021 Census, this marks an expansion of 356 people, or 12.6%. This updated count stems from AreaSearch's review of the ABS ERP release from June 2025 in combination with subsequent address additions. Population density stands at 2,886 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Parap in the top quarter of Australian areas evaluated by AreaSearch.
Outperforming the nationwide gain of 9.5%, the suburb of Parap's 12.6% increase established it as a regional growth frontrunner, with net overseas migration accounting for roughly 81.0% of the overall population expansion in recent times. Projections for the suburb of Parap utilize ABS/Geoscience Australia modeling published in 2024 (using 2022 as a baseline), supplemented by ABS 2023 Greater Capital Region cohort-based rates (based on 2022 data) for non-covered areas and outer years past 2032. Looking ahead across the 16 years to 2041, demographic forecasts project the suburb of Parap to expand by 248 persons, representing a 7.8% total rise and tracking slightly beneath the national statistical area median.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Over the preceding five-year span, building authorities approved only 1 dwelling in Parap. Such constrained construction activity underlines the mature nature of the locality, where vacant parcels are scarce, tending to underpin established property values and channel buyer activity toward pre-existing residences. Residential development in Parap remains subdued relative to the broader region, with per-capita building approvals tracking 62.0% below the Greater Darwin benchmark. While construction has gained some momentum lately, overall rates sit well below regional and national standards due to site constraints and neighbourhood maturity. Recent building activity has been exclusively focused on apartments and townhouses, offering manageable entry points for downscaling owners, first-home purchasers, and investors.
This focus diverges markedly from the current built form (31.0% houses), reflecting a shift toward higher-density living amid restricted land availability, with an approval ratio of around 2047 people per dwelling approval highlighting an established market environment.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Parap
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 36 current infrastructure and development projects close to Parap, worth an estimated $4.38 billion. 13 are already under construction and 13 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities and sports & recreation. 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
Strategic infrastructure and local development projects play a critical role in shaping community outcomes. In Parap, AreaSearch has highlighted 2 initiatives expected to influence the area, with prominent undertakings encompassing Darwin Inner Suburbs Area Plan, Richardson Park Community Space, Elysium Green, and Darwin City Stadium.
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
The Avenue Larrakeyah
Luxury residential apartment development comprising 54 premium one, two and three bedroom apartments with rooftop resident amenities in Larrakeyah, close to the Darwin CBD. Publicly available information indicates the project remains under construction, with apartment sales continuing.
Intersection Upgrade - Dick Ward Drive and Fitzer Drive
Road safety upgrade funded through the Australian Government Black Spot Program and delivered by City of Darwin. Works include reconstruction of the pedestrian refuge island, new traffic islands, separation of left and right turn lanes on Fitzer Drive, new road pavement, and relocation of a light pole to improve the right turn from Dick Ward Drive. Construction commenced on 11 May 2026 and is scheduled for completion by the end of July 2026, weather permitting.
Darwin Galleria (Former Coles Site Redevelopment)
A major revitalisation of the former Coles site into a premium mixed-use precinct in the Darwin CBD. The project includes a multi-level retail podium with a flagship supermarket, specialty retail tenancies, and alfresco dining spaces. The redevelopment aims to integrate seamlessly with the Smith Street Mall improvements while providing modern office space and potential hospitality facilities in the upper levels to drive city center foot traffic.
Mantra on the Esplanade Hotel Refurbishment & Apartment Addition
A major refurbishment and adaptive reuse project at the 88 The Esplanade site, involving the conversion of hotel rooms into private residential apartments and the refurbishment of remaining guest suites. The project includes upgrades to the penthouse suites and common areas, with active renovation works scheduled between November 2025 and April 2026.
Larrakia Cultural Centre
Major Indigenous cultural centre on the Darwin Waterfront celebrating Larrakia Country, language, culture and knowledge. The project includes exhibition galleries, performance and education spaces, retail, cultural experiences and landscaped public areas. Construction commenced in May 2024 following a ground turning ceremony, with Sunbuild appointed as the main contractor.
Northcrest - Berrimah Residential Estate
Residential stage within Northcrest, a Territory Government masterplanned estate in Berrimah, delivering 143 dwellings as part of the Northern Territory's largest residential subdivision. The broader Northcrest project provides house and land lots, affordable housing options, a childcare centre, parklands and other community facilities, and is developed by DCOH (formerly known as Halikos).
Civic and State Square Precinct Revitalisation
Revitalisation of the Civic and State Square Precinct in Darwin CBD to deliver shady parklands, public art, and connections across Parliament House, Supreme Court, and Government House. Completed milestones include the 450-bay underground car park, native gardens, Chan Lawns, and the Liberty Square redevelopment. Construction of the cornerstone 3-storey State Square Building (formerly intended as the NT Art Gallery) is tracking towards structural completion in mid-2026, with the Northern Territory Government executing an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process to determine its final activation and use.
Stuart Highway Road Safety Improvements - Stuart Park
Road safety upgrades along Stuart Highway in Stuart Park to separate turning traffic from through traffic and provide full protection for pedestrians and cyclists at signals. Concept designs indicate dedicated left turn lanes at Armidale Street, Eden Street, Charles Street and Westralia Street, with improved line marking and signage. The project is in the early design planning stage, with construction subject to funding following detailed design.
1,912 residents of Parap are employed, from a labour force of 1,963. Unemployment sits at 2.6%, with participation at 73.8%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Statistical data synthesised by AreaSearch indicates that Parap maintains a well-credentialed resident workforce with strong participation in critical service sectors, low unemployment of 2.6%, and sustained job market consistency over the preceding twelve months. By March 2026, employed locals numbered 1,912, the jobless rate stood 0.9% beneath Greater Darwin's 3.5%, and the engagement level matched the broader capital benchmark of 72.9%. Working from home was recorded among only 5.4% of residents at the Census, though pandemic-era restrictions during that period should be noted. A significant proportion of working locals are employed across public administration & safety, education & training, and health care & social assistance.
Concentration is especially elevated in professional & technical services, where local participation reaches 1.6 times the regional norm. Conversely, construction represents only 6.7% of local employment against 9.2% regionally. Given the ratio of Census working population to local residents, substantial numbers of workers commute beyond the neighbourhood boundaries for work. Through the twelve months leading to March 2026, AreaSearch analysis of combined SALM and ABS statistics shows local employment grew by 0.3% while the labour force broadened by 0.8%, which elevated the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Across Greater Darwin over the identical timeframe, employment advanced 0.4%, the labour pool expanded 0.8%, and joblessness increased 0.3 percentage points. According to national industry projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26—which anticipate countrywide employment to climb 6.6% across five years and 13.7% over ten years—applying these sectoral trends to Parap's workforce profile indicates potential local job expansion of 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on simple industry weighting rather than local population forecasting.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Parap is $2,231 a week (about $116,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,281 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $70,759 a year against an average of $87,352. 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
Based on ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the suburb of Parap ranks among the top-earning areas nationwide. Taxpayers recorded a median income of $70,759 alongside an average of $87,352, outperforming Greater Darwin metrics of $66,956 and $77,199. Applying the 9.41% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 points to indexed estimates of approximately $77,417 (median) and $95,572 (average) by March 2026. Across personal, family, and household levels, Census earnings sit between the 79th and 94th percentiles nationally. The largest earnings band is $1,500 - 2,999, capturing 37.0% of local earners (1,174 people), closely aligning with the regional share of 36.7%.
Furthermore, 33.6% of households take in over $3,000 weekly, driving local purchasing power. Although housing commitments account for 17.2% of income, disposable earnings remain in the 77th percentile, and the SEIFA income metric sits in the 8th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Parap had 1,122 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 31% detached houses and 59% apartments. 24% are owned with a mortgage, 63% rented and 13% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $415 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,232 a month, a total housing cost higher than 89% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 18.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census findings show that separate houses formed 30.6% of residential stock in Parap, with the remaining 69.4% consisting of semi-detached dwellings, apartments, and alternative accommodation types, contrasting with Darwin metro proportions of 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Full home ownership stood at 13.2%, trailing the metropolitan baseline, while mortgaged residences accounted for 23.7% and rented properties represented 63.1%. Monthly mortgage commitments averaged a median of $2,232 and weekly rents were $415, higher than Darwin metro benchmarks of $2,100 and $385. Compared to Australia-wide figures, local mortgage obligations substantially exceed the national average of $1,863, with rental costs also tracking well above the countrywide standard of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Parap counted 1,122 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,264 today, averaging 2.3 people each. 26% are couples with children, against 23% couples without children. 31% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the majority of local living arrangements at 60.3%, comprising couples with children (26.2%), couples without children (22.8%), and single parent families (9.9%). The remaining 39.7% of residences are non-family households, including single-person homes at 31.2% and group households at 8.5%. With a median of 2.3 people per household, occupancy is slightly lower than the Greater Darwin standard of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
43.8% of adults in Parap hold a university qualification, including 27.9% with a bachelor degree and 11.6% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 86% of areas nationally. A further 20.3% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 397 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,066 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Territory and national educational averages are substantially outpaced in Parap, where 43.8% of individuals aged 15+ hold tertiary degrees, compared with 27.3% in NT and 30.4% nationwide. Holding bachelor degrees are 27.9% of residents, while 11.6% have achieved postgraduate qualifications and 4.3% hold graduate diplomas. Technical and vocational qualifications are also widely held, with 31.5% of persons aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials, including 11.2% holding advanced diplomas and 20.3% holding certificates. Formal study engagement is substantial throughout the community, with 31.1% of the population actively enrolled in education. Broken down across tiers, 9.5% attend primary schools, 7.2% are in secondary institutions, and 7.1% are undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Parap reaches 13 stops on 33 routes, timetabled for about 2,300 services a week. The typical home sits about 160 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The public transit network in Parap incorporates 13 active transport stops served by buses. Across these locations, 33 individual routes deliver 2,337 weekly passenger trips, providing strong network connectivity with an average walking distance of 157 meters to the closest stop. Given its predominantly residential profile, the vast majority of workers commute outward, with private vehicles accounting for 85% of trips and cycling representing 3%. Households maintain an average of 1.2 vehicles, which sits below regional figures, while 5.4% of residents worked from home at the 2021 Census amidst prevailing pandemic circumstances.
Across the entire network, services operate at a combined rate of 333 trips per day, which provides approximately 179 weekly trips at each individual transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
76.9% of residents in Parap report no long-term health condition. 2.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 61.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on health and mortality assessments by AreaSearch, Parap demonstrates favorable health metrics, with minimal occurrences of chronic illnesses across both younger and older demographics. Private health insurance participation is exceptionally strong at approximately 61% (1,943 people), exceeding both the Greater Darwin level of 57.8% and the nationwide benchmark of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health issues represent the most prevalent health conditions locally, reported by 5.6% and 6.5% of the community respectively, while 76.9% of residents indicated no long-term medical conditions, comparable to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. Health indicators among residents under 65 are particularly favorable.
Furthermore, seniors aged 65 and over make up 12.5% of the local population (396 people), exceeding the 10.7% regional proportion, with older cohorts achieving health benchmarks that rate well above national standards.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
34.2% of Parap residents were born overseas and 25.7% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (23.3%) and Australian (19.0%). 3.4% 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
Parap displays notable cultural variety, with 34.2% of locals born overseas and 25.7% using a non-English language at home. Christianity stands as the primary religious affiliation, encompassing 38.9% of residents. In addition, the Other category shows pronounced representation locally at 2.0%, compared with 1.3% throughout Greater Darwin. Regarding ancestral backgrounds based on parental birthplace, the primary ancestries in Parap are English (23.3%), Australian (19.0%), and Other (13.3%). Divergences appear across other backgrounds as well, with German representation at 4.6% (vs 3.2% regionally), Filipino at 2.7% (vs 3.8% across the broader region), and Sri Lankan at 0.6% (vs 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Parap is 36. 31.4% 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
The demographic profile of the suburb of Parap skews younger than Greater Darwin overall. Updated estimates for August 2026 indicate that 38.7% of residents are aged 25 - 44, compared to 34.9% across the capital region, whereas individuals aged 0 - 24 represent 26.2% against 32.1% regionally. As at August 2026, the estimated median age remains at 36, matching the 2021 Census figure and sitting 2 years above the Greater Darwin median of 34 recorded at that Census. The sharpest shift since the Census occurred in the 45 - 64 cohort, declining from 24.8% to an estimated 22.3%.
By 2041, residents aged 45 - 64 are anticipated to account for the largest volume of growth by gaining 114 residents (16%) to total 822, while the 65+ age bracket is projected to show the highest percentage increase, expanding 26% to reach 502 residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Parap
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 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) | Aug 2026 last month 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 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 Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 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 6 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) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago 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 — 1 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,819 at the 2021 Census → 3,175 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 Aug 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 (SAL70219). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.