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, the population of the suburb of Virginia (NT) is estimated at around 1,993 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 182 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,811. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 1,975 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in Jun 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 61 persons per square kilometer. Virginia's growth of 10.0% since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA4 region (9.6%) and Greater Darwin, marking it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 41.0% to overall population gains, with all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration being positive factors.

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, growth rates by age cohort are applied as provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends forecast a significant increase in top quartile statistical areas, with Virginia expected to increase by 518 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 28.1% 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 home approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 37 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 5 approvals recorded. On average, 2.9 people have moved to the area annually with each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost for these dwellings is $460,000, indicating a focus on premium market properties.

This financial year has seen $2.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Virginia's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Darwin, Virginia maintains similar development levels per person, preserving market balance with surrounding areas. All new construction consists of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density character and attracting space-seeking buyers.

There are approximately 267 people per dwelling approval in Virginia. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Virginia is projected to grow by 561 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Virginia has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to influence this area. Notable projects include Darwin Light Rail Stage 1, Darwin Renewable Energy Hub, Hudson Creek Power Station, and Marine Industry Park, with the following list detailing those most likely to be 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.

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 2.7% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4%. As of September 2025, 1,211 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.4% lower than Greater Darwin's 3.1%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Darwin's 76.0%. According to Census responses, 6.8% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading employment industries were public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Virginia had a strong specialization in construction 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 based on Census working population vs resident population data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4%, labour force grew by 1.9%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point unemployment rise. In contrast, Greater Darwin saw employment grow by 1.9% with a marginal unemployment increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Virginia's employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Virginia's employment mix.

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

The latest postcode level ATO data for Virginia, released for financial year 2023, shows a median income among taxpayers of $65,106 and an average of $75,662. Nationally, these figures are very high, with Greater Darwin's median being $66,956 and average at $77,199. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Virginia would be approximately $70,601 (median) and $82,048 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Virginia rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 93rd percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 26.8% of residents earn $4000+ weekly, with a total of 534 individuals in this category, differing from the regional norm where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is predominant at 36.7%. Economic strength is evident through 47.5% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 13.9% of income, while strong earnings place residents in the 93rd percentile for disposable income. The area's 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

Virginia's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.0% houses and 3.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Darwin metro had 63.5% houses and 36.5% 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 $2,100. Median weekly rent in Virginia was $460, compared to Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Virginia's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $460.

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, larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

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 the most common at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 46.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (34.5%). Educational participation is high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.8% in primary, 8.9% in secondary, and 4.7% in tertiary education.

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 offering bus services. These stops are served by 35 routes that together facilitate 2,585 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically located 861 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 96%. On average, there are 2.3 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 6.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 369 trips per day, equating to approximately 143 weekly trips per stop.

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

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Virginia.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,129 people). The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.0 and 6.8% of residents respectively. 73.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 16.5% of residents aged 65 and over (328 people), which is higher than the 10.8% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 and 85.7% born in Australia. Most residents spoke English only at home, at a rate of 93.2%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 38.9% of Virginia's population.

However, Buddhism had an overrepresentation compared to Greater Darwin, making up 1.1% versus 3.3%. In terms of ancestry, Australian descent was highest at 32.6%, substantially above the regional average of 22.6%. English descent followed at 28.0%, again higher than the regional average of 21.7%. Irish descent constituted 7.0% of Virginia's population. Notably, New Zealand (1.0%), Australian Aboriginal (4.4%), and German (4.4%) ethnic groups had higher representations compared to regional averages.

Virginia hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Virginia has a median age of 43, which is higher than Greater Darwin's figure of 34 and significantly higher than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Darwin average, Virginia's population aged 55-64 is notably over-represented at 16.3%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 9.3%. This concentration of the 55-64 cohort is well above the national average of 11.2%. Since 2021, Virginia's population has seen changes in certain age groups: the 35 to 44 age group grew from 11.8% to 13.5%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.5% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 18.0% to 15.7%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 10.8% to 9.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Virginia's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 45 to 54 age cohort projected to expand by 144 people (46%), growing from 312 to 457.