Rosebery (NT)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Rosebery reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Rosebery is around 4,356, reflecting an increase of 229 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 5.5% increase from the previous population count of 4,127. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses following the examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024. This results in a population density ratio of 2,304 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Rosebery has shown consistent growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outperforming the SA4 region. Natural growth contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Rosebery are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied. Considering these projections, Rosebery is expected to experience above median population growth nationally, with an increase of 722 persons projected by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 16.9% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Rosebery has experienced around 3 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Approximately 16 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY-26.

The population has fallen during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice. Developers are targeting the premium market segment, with new dwellings valued at an average of $443,000 for construction costs. Compared to Greater Darwin, Rosebery has significantly less development activity, 82.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, sustaining Rosebery's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (68.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. With around 873 people per approval, Rosebery shows a mature, established area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Rosebery to grow by 736 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Rosebery has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure performance is significantly influenced by changes in local projects and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 0 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Darwin Light Rail Stage 1, Hudson Creek Power Station, Marine Industry Park, and Darwin Corporate Park, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

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

Rosebery has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.4% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.8%.

This is lower than Greater Darwin's unemployment rate of 3.1%, but higher than its employment growth of 1.9%. As of September 2025, 2,666 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% and workforce participation at 82.4%. Only 3.2% of residents worked from home, potentially due to Covid-19 lockdown impacts.

The key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. However, health care & social assistance employs only 12.0% of local workers, compared to Greater Darwin's 14.2%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited due to the predominantly residential nature of the area. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8% and labour force grew by 1.7%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable at 1.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Rosebery's employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Rosebery's median income among taxpayers is $73,346. The average income in the suburb is $78,943. This is higher than the national average. Comparing with Greater Darwin, Rosebery's median income is $6,387 more ($73,346 vs $66,956), and its average income is $1,744 less ($78,943 vs $80,687). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Rosebery's median income would be approximately $79,536 and the average would be around $85,606 as of September 2025. According to census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Rosebery rank highly nationally, between the 87th and 91st percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 43.5% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,894 residents). This is consistent with broader trends across the broader area where 36.7% fall into the same income category. Economic strength in Rosebery is evident through 34.5% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, which supports elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 17.2% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 85th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Rosebery displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Rosebery's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Darwin metro's 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rosebery stood at 8.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.5% and rented dwellings at 54.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,128, exceeding Darwin metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent in Rosebery was $420, higher than Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Rosebery's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 77.9 percent of all households, including 42.3 percent couples with children, 21.9 percent couples without children, and 12.6 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.1 percent, with lone person households at 17.8 percent and group households comprising 4.3 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Rosebery aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Rosebery's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 22.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the SA4 region's 31.3%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas account for 12.7% and certificates for 32.2%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 37.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.1% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Rosebery has 16 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 44 different routes, offering a total of 2,242 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically located 163 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Rosebery's residential nature. Car remains the dominant transport mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average.

Only 3.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 320 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 140 weekly trips per stop.

Rosebery's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Rosebery's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~2,523 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 7.1 and 6.9% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 78.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 6.9% of residents aged 65 and over (300 people), which is lower than the 10.8% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Rosebery was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Rosebery's population showed cultural diversity with 22.8% born overseas and 17.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 40.3% of Rosebery's population. Hinduism was overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin, comprising 2.8% versus 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (26.9%), English (23.8%), and Other (11.1%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.2% versus the regional average of 0.6%, Filipinos at 3.1% compared to 3.8%, and Australian Aboriginals at 7.1% versus 7.0%.

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

Rosebery's median age in 2021 was 31, lower than Greater Darwin's 34 and Australia's 38. The age profile showed a prominent 5-14 year-old group at 16.2%, compared to a smaller 55-64 group at 8.2%. Post-census data revealed the 65-74 cohort grew from 3.6% to 5.0%, while the 55-64 group increased from 6.9% to 8.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 19.8% to 18.1%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 17.7% to 16.2%. By 2041, projections show the 45-54 age cohort will increase significantly by 167 people (32%) from 527 to 695, while the 0-4 cohort will grow minimally by just 6% (22 people).