Rapid Creek

Rapid Creek is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the population of Rapid Creek is estimated at around 3410 people. This figure reflects an increase of 149 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3261 people in the suburb. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 3408 persons. This results in a population density ratio of 1776 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68% of overall population gains during recent periods for Rapid Creek.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, to estimate future trends. 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). Future population trends indicate an above median growth for statistical areas across the nation. By 2041, Rapid Creek is projected to expand by 486 persons, reflecting a total increase of 14.2% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Rapid Creek is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Rapid Creek shows around 2 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 11 homes were approved, with 1 more approved so far in FY-26. This limited new supply has likely kept pace with demand due to population decline, offering good choice for buyers.

The average value of new homes being built is $500,000. There have been $49,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Darwin, Rapid Creek records markedly lower building activity, 66.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, which is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (41.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The location has approximately 1353 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Looking ahead, Rapid Creek is expected to grow by 484 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Rapid Creek has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 2ndth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to impact the region: Social Housing Accelerator Payment (SHAP) in Greater Darwin/Nightcliff, CDU's Centre for Better Health Futures, John Stokes Square Redevelopment, and CDU's Trades Training Centre. Details about these projects can be found below, focusing on those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The exceptional employment performance in Rapid Creek places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Rapid Creek has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.8% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.8%. This is lower than Greater Darwin's employment growth rate of 2.9%, but Rapid Creek's unemployment rate of 1.2% is significantly lower than Greater Darwin's 3.0%. Workforce participation in Rapid Creek stands at 75.7%, exceeding Greater Darwin's rate of 69.7%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training.

Health care & social assistance is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 15.0% compared to the regional average of 19.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in Sep-22, employment increased by 2.8% alongside labour force increasing by 2.9%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. By comparison, Greater Darwin recorded employment growth of 2.9%, with labour force growth of 2.9% and a marginal decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rapid Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Rapid Creek's median taxpayer income was $73,694 and average was $85,824 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. This is high nationally, contrasting with Greater Darwin's median of $65,522 and average of $75,260. By September 2025, estimates based on a 12.01% Wage Price Index growth since FY2022 would be approximately $82,545 (median) and $96,131 (average). Census 2021 data ranks Rapid Creek's household, family, and personal incomes between the 78th and 92nd percentiles nationally. In Rapid Creek, 35.8% of individuals earn $1,500-$2,999 weekly, aligning with regional levels at 36.7%. Higher earners are substantial, with 32.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income, and residents rank in the 80th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Rapid Creek features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Rapid Creek's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 41.4% houses and 58.7% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Darwin metro's 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rapid Creek stood at 19.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.6% and rented ones at 56.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,956, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,028. The median weekly rent in Rapid Creek was $350, matching the Darwin metro figure. Nationally, Rapid Creek's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were below the national figure of $375.

Rapid Creek features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 61.3% of all households, including 26.7% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households comprising 8.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.7.

The educational profile of Rapid Creek exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Rapid Creek's residents aged 15+ have higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. 54.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 27.3% in the Northern Territory (NT) and 30.4% in Australia. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.7%) and graduate diplomas (5.8%). Vocational pathways account for 23.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 14.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in tertiary education, 9.0% in primary education, and 6.5% pursuing secondary education. Rapid Creek's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,360 students as of the latest data. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1065). The educational mix includes 1 primary, 2 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. Rapid Creek functions as an education hub with 39.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 16.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Rapid Creek has 15 active public transport stops. All these stops are served by buses. There are 28 different bus routes operating in the area.

Together, they provide a total of 1,935 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of public transport is rated as good, with residents living an average of 235 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, there are 276 bus trips per day across all routes. This equates to approximately 129 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Rapid Creek shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover is high at approximately 61% (2,067 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Darwin and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 6.7% and 5.4% respectively.

A total of 78.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 77.0% in Greater Darwin. The area has 10.6% residents aged 65 and over (361 people), lower than the 12.3% in Greater Darwin. Senior health outcomes align with those of the general population.

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

Rapid Creek has a high level of cultural diversity, with 34.4% of its population born overseas and 29.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Rapid Creek, accounting for 29.3% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented in Rapid Creek compared to Greater Darwin, comprising 9.1% versus 5.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (21.4%), Australian (19.9%), and Other (15.9%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: French (1.0% vs regional 0.5%), Indian (4.5% vs regional 3.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (4.6% vs regional 7.4%).

Rapid Creek's population is younger than the national pattern

Rapid Creek'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, Rapid Creek has a higher concentration of 25-34 year-olds at 24.0%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 9.8%. This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.5%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 23.1% to 24.0%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 9.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Rapid Creek's age profile will evolve significantly. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 26%, adding 107 residents to reach 527. The 0-4 age group shows more modest growth of 5%, with an increase of only 11 residents.