Howard Springs (NT)

Detail

According to ABS population updates combined with newly verified residential addresses since the Census, the suburb of Howard Springs has an estimated population of approximately 4,241 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,088 residents (34.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 3,153 individuals. This population adjustment is determined from the current resident figure of 4,241, calculated after reviewing the ABS's June 2025 ERP data release along with three verified new addresses since the Census. With this population level, the density stands at 55 persons per square kilometer, offering residents substantial living space. The 34.5% rate of expansion in the suburb of Howard Springs since the 2021 Census outpaced the national average of 9.3% and the state average, positioning it as a leading growth area. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth, accounting for approximately 59.0% of the total population gains in recent times.

Detail

The local workforce is characterized by strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of 2.2%, and employment growth estimated at 2.3% over the past year. In March 2026, there were 2,243 employed residents. The unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than the 3.5% rate seen in Greater Darwin, while workforce participation is notably lower at 65.8% compared to 72.7% in Greater Darwin. Census data indicates that a low 7.4% of working residents performed their duties from home, though this may reflect the influence of pandemic restrictions.

Detail

Taxpayer data from the financial year 2023 shows a median income of $65,047 and an average income of $71,302. This is above the national average, comparing to $66,956 and $77,199 across Greater Darwin. Adjusting for WPI growth of 9.41% since the financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 are approximately $71,168 for the median and $78,012 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes all ranked in the 86th to 91st percentiles nationally. The largest weekly income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, containing 31.1% of residents (1,318 people), compared to 36.7% across the region. Additionally, of households earn weekly incomes exceeding . After meeting housing costs, residents keep of their income, which places the area in the th decile of the SEIFA index.

Detail

At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix consisted of 95.2% standalone houses and 4.9% other dwelling types, such as apartments and townhouses, compared to 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings in metro Darwin. Home ownership stood at 34.6%, with mortgaged properties making up 49.2% and rental properties accounting for 16.2%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,388, while the median weekly rent was $400, compared to metro averages of $2,100 and $385. Locally, mortgage repayments exceed the national average of $1,863, and weekly rents are above the national average of $375.

Detail

Families make up 80.6% of local households, consisting of couples with children (38.9%), couples without children (32.4%), and single-parent households (8.4%). Non-family households comprise the remaining 19.4%, with lone-person households at 15.9% and shared group houses at 3.5%. The median household size is 2.9 individuals, exceeding the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

Detail

The proportion of residents holding university qualifications is 18.0%, which is lower than the SA4 regional average of 31.3%. Among those with degrees, Bachelor degrees are held by 12.4%, postgraduate qualifications by 3.1%, and graduate diplomas by 2.5%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 48.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (36.8%).

Detail

Local public transport consists of 17 active bus stops, serviced by 41 routes that run 2,494 weekly passenger trips. Overall transport access is limited, with residents living an average of 1772 meters from their nearest stop. Commuting out of the suburb is common, and cars are the primary mode of travel for 95% of residents. Households own an average of 2.2 vehicles, which is above the regional average, while 7.4% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census.

Detail

Local health outcomes are positive, with low rates of common illnesses across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is high at approximately 55% of the population (~2,330 people), compared to 57.8% in Greater Darwin.

Detail

Cultural diversity measures show that 88.7% of residents hold citizenship, 84.6% were born in Australia, and 94.3% speak only English at home. Christianity is the most common religion, practiced by 43.3% of the population. Judaism is represented by 0.1% of residents, matching the 0.1% share across Greater Darwin.

Detail

The median age of 42 years exceeds Greater Darwin's average of 34 and the national average of 38. The 55 - 64 age group is highly represented at 14.5%, while the 25 - 34 bracket is lower at 9.7%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket grew from 10.9% to 13.2%, and the 35 to 44 cohort rose from 13.1% to 14.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 16.4% to 15.0%, and the 25 to 34 bracket decreased from to . By the to group is projected to increase by ( people) to reach while the to group is expected to grow by (an increase of residents).

Detail

Howard Springs currently has an estimated 233 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 103 children aged 0-2 and 69 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 23% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 18% by 2041 (to approximately 274 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 326. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 8.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally.