Virginia (NT)

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of November 2025, Virginia's estimated population is around 1991. This reflects an increase of 180 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1811. The change was inferred from resident population estimates by AreaSearch following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. Virginia's growth rate of 9.9% exceeded the SA4 region (9.6%) and metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 41.0% to overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch applies age cohort-based growth rates provided by ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation. By 2041, Virginia is expected to increase by 521 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 28.3% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Virginia recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Virginia has seen approximately 7 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 37 homes. In FY-26 so far, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.9 people move to the area per new home constructed in the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25). The average construction cost of these new homes is $460,000, indicating a focus on premium market properties.

This year, there have been $2.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Virginia's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Darwin, Virginia has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. All new constructions in the area have been detached dwellings, preserving its low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers.

There are approximately 267 people per dwelling approval in the location. By 2041, Virginia is projected to grow by 563 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Virginia has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. Zero projects were identified by AreaSearch as potentially influencing this area. Notable initiatives include Darwin Light Rail Stage 1, Darwin Renewable Energy Hub, Hudson Creek Power Station, and Marine Industry Park. Relevant projects are listed below.

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.

AreaSearch analysis places Virginia well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Virginia's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4%.

As of September 2025, 1,211 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.3% lower than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Leading industries were public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Construction showed strong specialization with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance had limited presence at 9.2% compared to the regional 14.2%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4%, labour force grew by 1.8%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Darwin saw employment grow by 1.9% with a marginal unemployment increase. State-level data from November 25 showed NT employment contracted by 1.13% (losing 4,100 jobs) with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, broadly matching the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Virginia's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Virginia had a median taxpayer income of $65,106 and an average of $75,662. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Darwin's median of $66,956 and average of $77,199. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 8.44%, the estimated median income would be approximately $70,601 and the average $82,048. Census data ranks Virginia's household, family, and personal incomes between the 89th and 93rd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile is dominated by a segment earning over $4,000 weekly (533 residents), unlike the regional norm of $1,500 - $2,999. High weekly earnings are achieved by 47.5% of households, indicating strong consumer spending. Housing accounts for 13.9% of income. Virginia's residents rank in the 93rd percentile for disposable income and its SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Virginia is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Virginia, as per the latest Census evaluation, 96.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In contrast, Darwin metro had 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Virginia stood at 31.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.4% and rented ones at 18.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Darwin metro's average of $2,250. The median weekly rent in Virginia was $460, compared to Darwin metro's $380. Nationally, Virginia's median mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 78.6% of all households, including 37.3% couples with children, 31.5% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.4%, with lone person households at 17.5% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.8.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.0%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 31.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 46.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 11.9% and certificates for 34.5%. Educational participation is high at 30.5%, including primary education (10.8%), secondary education (8.9%), and tertiary education (4.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Virginia has 18 active public transport stops operating within its borders. These stops service a mix of bus routes, totaling 35 individual routes. Each week, these routes collectively provide 2,585 passenger trips.

Residents' accessibility to public transport is limited, with an average distance of 861 meters to the nearest stop. The service frequency averages 369 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 143 weekly trips per individual stop.

Virginia's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance across Virginia.

Prevalence of common health conditions remains very low across all age groups. Approximately 57% of the total population (~1,128 people) has private health cover, which is a high rate. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.0 and 6.8% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 73.6%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.8% across Greater Darwin. Virginia has 16.1% of its population aged 65 and over (320 people), higher than the 13.9% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, aligning with the general population's health profile.

Virginia ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Virginia's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.0% of its population being citizens, 85.7% born in Australia, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Virginia, comprising 38.9% of its population. However, Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin, with 1.1% of Virginia's population identifying as Buddhist versus 2.2%.

The top three ancestry groups in Virginia are Australian (32.6%), English (28.0%), and Irish (7.0%). Notably, New Zealanders are overrepresented at 1.0% compared to the regional average of 0.7%, while Australian Aboriginals are underrepresented at 4.4% versus 5.8%. Germans also have a slightly higher representation in Virginia at 4.4% compared to the regional average of 4.0%.

Virginia hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Virginia's median age of 43 is considerably higher than Greater Darwin's figure of 34 and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Darwin average, Virginia has an over-representation of the 55-64 cohort at 16.7% locally, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 9.9%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present day, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 2.6% to 3.8% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.8% to 13.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 18.0% to 15.8%. Demographic modeling suggests that Virginia's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 141 people (45%) from 314 to 456. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 9% (9 people).