Wulagi

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Wulagi's population is estimated at around 2,687 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 177 people (7.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,510 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,687, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,132 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wulagi's 7.1% growth since census positions it within 0.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is applying growth rates by age cohort to each area, as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 434 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 16.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Wulagi has seen no residential development approvals since 2017. This indicates that the area is largely built out with minimal vacant land available for new developments. Established areas like Wulagi typically experience steady demand for existing properties due to limited new-build alternatives.

Compared to Greater Darwin, Wulagi records significantly lower building activity, which usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This level of activity is also lower than national averages, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade, Northern Suburbs Youth Hub, Casuarina Square Redevelopment, and Leanyer Primary School. The following list details those most 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.

Employment performance in Wulagi exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Wulagi has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.5% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8%. As of September 2025, 1,439 residents were employed and the unemployment rate stood at 3.4%, slightly higher than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%.

Workforce participation was lower in Wulagi at 73.1% compared to Greater Darwin's 76.0%. According to Census responses, only 3.1% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. Notably, employment in education & training is high at 1.3 times the regional level, while accommodation & food services have limited presence with 5.4% employment compared to the regional average of 8.0%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of working population to resident population. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.8% alongside labour force growth of 1.8%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wulagi's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 on July 19, 2023. Wulagi's median income among taxpayers was $67,033 with an average of $74,729. Nationally, the median was $58,389 and the average was $71,101. In Greater Darwin, the median was $66,956 and the average was $77,199. By September 2025, estimates suggest Wulagi's median income will be approximately $72,691 and the average will be around $81,036, based on an 8.44% increase in wages since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021, household incomes in Wulagi rank between the 82nd and 85th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 38.8% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, reflecting a pattern seen across Greater Darwin where 36.7% fall into this range. A substantial proportion, 34.2%, earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the area. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income and residents rank within the 85th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Wulagi's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Darwin metro's figures of 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wulagi stood at 22.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.5% and rented ones at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,100. Median weekly rent in Wulagi was $425, compared to Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Wulagi's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $425 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 82.4% of all households, including 39.3% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 17.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for 17.6%, with lone person households at 13.4% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Wulagi fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Wulagi's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 26.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 36.1% in the SA3 area. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (26.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 37.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 14.8% in primary, 11.2% in secondary, and 4.9% in tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows ten active transport stops operating within Wulagi, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by thirty-six individual routes, collectively providing 1,906 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 3.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 272 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 190 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wulagi's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows positive outcomes for Wulagi residents.

Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks. Prevalence of common health conditions is low across younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 56% (~1,512 people) have private health cover, which is very high. The most common medical conditions are asthma (5.6%) and arthritis (5.4%). 77.9% of residents declare no medical ailments, compared to 77.1% in Greater Darwin. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. 11.8% (~317 people) are aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Darwin's 10.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Wulagi's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.0% born overseas and 21.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Wulagi as of 47.1%. Buddhism, at 4.0%, was overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin's 3.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (25.2%), English (18.4%), and Other (14.8%). Notably, Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented in Wulagi at 10.1% compared to the regional average of 7.0%, Filipinos were slightly underrepresented at 3.4% versus 3.8%, and Maori were also underrepresented at 0.9% against a regional average of 0.6%.

Wulagi's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wulagi's median age is 36, slightly higher than Greater Darwin's 34 but lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Darwin, Wulagi has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (17.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.0%). This 5-14 concentration is significantly above the national average of 12.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 11.3% to 13.3%, while those aged 75 to 84 have increased from 3.0% to 4.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 15.6% to 14.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Wulagi. The 45 to 54 cohort is projected to grow by 23%, adding 87 residents to reach a total of 474. Meanwhile, the 85+ cohort is expected to remain unchanged (0% growth, with no additional people).