Katherine South (NT)

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According to investigations of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the resident count for the suburb of Katherine South is estimated to be approximately 1,902 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 395 people (26.2%) since the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,507 people. This shift is determined from the resident population of 1,902, calculated by Districts through analysing the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population size translates to a density ratio of 370 persons per square kilometer, offering substantial space per resident and potential capacity for additional development. The 26.2% growth in the suburb of Katherine South 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 propelled by natural growth, which accounted for approximately of the overall population gains in recent times.

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Katherine South is characterized by a well-educated labor force with strong representation in essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of only 2.0%, and 4.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year, according to Districts compilation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,327 residents are employed, which means the unemployment rate is 3.9% below Regional NT's rate of 5.9%, and workforce participation is exceptionally high (89.5% compared to Regional NT's 69.9%). Census responses indicate that a low 2.4% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be kept in mind.

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According to Districts' aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the median income among taxpayers in the suburb of Katherine South was $52,388, with the average level recorded at $57,465. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $53,572 and $63,776 across Regional NT respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,318 (median) and $62,872 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data indicates personal income ranks at the 69th percentile ($912 weekly), while household income sits at the 43rd percentile. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common, accounting for 35.1% of residents (667 people), reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the rd percentile.

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The mix of dwelling structures in Katherine South, as measured at the latest Census, consisted of 51.2% houses and 48.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative accommodation types), compared to Regional NT's profile of 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate in Katherine South was comparable to the Regional NT average at 13.8%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (17.5%) or rented (68.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly lower than the Regional NT average at $1,325, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $320, compared to Regional NT's $1,733 and $150. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Katherine South are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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Family households make up the majority of households at 61.1%, comprising 21.7% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.9%, with lone person households representing 32.1% and group households making up 7.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Regional NT average of 3.1.

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Educational attainment in Katherine South is higher than the broader region, with 30.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 17.4% in the SA3 area and 20.1% in the SA4 region. This education advantage positions the area well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational and technical skills are also prominent, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (27.2%).

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Katherine South faces notable health challenges, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~943 people). This compares to 51.6% across Regional NT, while the national average is 55.7%.

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Katherine South is more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 20.9% of its population born overseas and 25.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Katherine South is Christianity, which accounts for 41.9% of people in Katherine South. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.4% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NT.

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At 33 years, Katherine South's median age is slightly higher than the Regional NT average of 31 yet substantially lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Regional NT, Katherine South has a higher concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 (7.5%) but fewer 15 - 24 year-olds (12.4%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age bracket has grown from 14.4% to 15.8% of the population, while the 15 to 24 group rose from 11.3% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 11.6% to 10.6%. Population projections for point to demographic shifts for Katherine South. Leading the changes, the to group will increase by ( people), growing to from . On the other hand, the to cohort is projected to decrease by people.

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Katherine South currently has an estimated 133 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 85 children aged 0-2 and 57 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 27% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 3% by 2041 (to approximately 137 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 209. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 15.2 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.