Gunbalanya (NT)

Detail

According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, combined with updated addresses verified by Districts following the Census, the suburb of Gunbalanya has an estimated population of approximately 1,750 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 573 residents (48.7%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,177 individuals. This transition is calculated from the resident population of 1,750, determined by Districts through analyzing the most recent June 2025 ERP release from the ABS alongside 2 verified new addresses registered post-Census. Such a population count translates to a density ratio of 3.4 persons per square kilometer, signifying substantial personal space. The growth rate of 48.7% recorded in the suburb of Gunbalanya since the 2021 census outpaced the national average (9.3%) as well as the state, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Population expansion in the locality was chiefly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 51.0% of the total population rise in recent times, though natural growth and overseas migration also registered positive gains.

Detail

Gunbalanya has a balanced workforce distributed between white and blue collar jobs, with a solid representation of essential service industries, an unemployment rate of 5.1%, and an estimated job growth rate of 10.5% over the past year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area files. As of March 2026745 local residents are employed, with the unemployment rate sitting 0.8% below the Regional NT benchmark of 5.9%, while workforce participation is notably lower (57.3% compared to Regional NT's 69.9%). Census records show that a minimal 1.8% of residents worked from home, although the impacts of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

Detail

Gunbalanya has income levels below the national benchmark, based on the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The median income for taxpayers in Gunbalanya is $45,161, with an average income of $60,283, compared to Regional NT figures of $53,572 and $63,776 respectively. Applying the Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023, estimated figures would be roughly $49,411 for the median and $65,956 for the average as of March 2026. According to the Census, household income is situated at the 18th percentile ($1,277 weekly), while personal income rests at the 0th percentile. Distribution statistics show 35.1% of the population (614 individuals) earn in the $800 - 1,499 range, which contrasts with the metropolitan region where the - bracket is largest at . Housing costs are manageable, leaving of income retained, though disposable income is low at the st percentile.

Detail

The mix of housing types in Gunbalanya, as measured in the latest Census, consisted of 91.1% houses and 8.9% other dwellings (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings in Regional NT. Home ownership in Gunbalanya was low compared to Regional NT at 1.6%, with all other occupied properties being mortgaged (none were recorded) or rented (98.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was far below the Regional NT average, registering at no cost, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $70, compared to Regional NT's $1,733 and $150. Nationwide, mortgage payments in Gunbalanya are significantly below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Detail

Family households make up the vast majority at 83.8% of all households, consisting of 44.5% couples with children, 18.1% couples without children, and 20.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 16.2%, with single-person households representing 13.7% and group households comprising none of the total. The median household size of 4.6 individuals is larger than the Regional NT average of 3.1.

Detail

The locality displays low levels of formal educational attainment, with university graduation rates (8.5%) sitting well below the Australian average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear need and opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 5.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational training accounts for 23.5% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and over, comprising advanced diplomas (3.8%) and certificates (19.7%).

Detail

Gunbalanya experiences notable health difficulties, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality data and chronic illness rates, with typical medical conditions prevalent among both younger and older cohorts, and private health insurance rates sitting low at roughly 51% of the population (~886 people) compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Detail

Gunbalanya displays above-average cultural diversity, with 2.8% of the population born outside Australia and 87.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 33.4% of residents. The most pronounced regional difference is in the category of Other, which accounts for 1.5% of residents compared to 5.2% across Regional NT.

Detail

The median age in Gunbalanya is 27 years, which is lower than Regional NT's median of 31 and Australia's median of 38 years. Demographic data shows a high concentration of 35 - 44 year-olds (19.5%), while the 65 - 74 group is relatively small (2.8%) compared to Regional NT. The proportion of 35 - 44 year-olds is well above the national figure of 14.3%. Post-2021 Census data indicates the 35 to 44 age bracket expanded from 17.2% to 19.5% of the population, and the 55 to 64 group grew from 7.2% to 8.4%. In contrast, the to group decreased from to and the to group fell from to . By Gunbalanya is projected to undergo significant shifts in its age structure, led by a increase in the to cohort (adding people) to reach from while the number of residents aged to is projected to decrease by .

Detail

Gunbalanya currently has an estimated 92 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 58 children aged 0-2 and 40 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 15% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 98 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 232. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 13.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.