Muirhead (NT)

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According to assessments of ABS demographic updates for the wider region and new address entries validated by Districts since the Census, Muirhead's residency count is estimated to be approximately 4,261 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 572 individuals (15.5%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 3,689 people. The variation is calculated from the resident population of 4,261, estimated by Districts following analysis of the most recent ERP statistics published by the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 2,491 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the top quartile of domestic locations evaluated by Districts. Muirhead's 15.5% expansion since the 2021 census outpaced the national benchmark (9.3%) as well as the SA3 territory, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population increases in the area were chiefly fueled by natural growth, which accounted for roughly of total population additions in recent times, though all indicators including overseas migration and interstate migration registered positive trends.

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Muirhead showcases a highly educated labor force, with strong representation in essential services fields, and an unemployment rate of only 0.5%, based on Districts compilation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,433 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.0% below Greater Darwin's benchmark of 3.5%, and labor participation is relatively standard (77.1% compared to Greater Darwin's 72.7%). According to Census details, a minor 3.4% of residents performed their jobs from home, although Covid-19 quarantine impacts should be taken into account.

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The suburb of Muirhead's income tier is exceptionally high across the nation according to the most recent ATO data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023. The suburb of Muirhead's median income among taxpayers is $82,927 and the average income is $96,577, which compares to numbers for Greater Darwin's of $66,956 and $77,199 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index expansion of 9.41% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $90,730 (median) and $105,665 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income details indicate household, family and individual earnings all rank highly in Muirhead, placing in the 96th to 97th percentiles nationally. Distribution figures show 40.9% of the population (1,742 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - income bracket, matching regional patterns showing in the same group. The high concentration of top earners ( above /week) demonstrates substantial financial capacity throughout this suburb. Housing represents of income while high earnings place residents in the th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income position places it in the th decile.

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Residential composition in Muirhead, as assessed during the most recent Census, consisted of 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to Darwin metro's 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. At the same time, the rate of home ownership in Muirhead trailed the Darwin metro benchmark, sitting at 5.3%, with the remaining properties occupied under a mortgage (49.4%) or rented (45.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly above the Darwin metro average at $2,600, while the median weekly rent rate was documented at $313, compared to Darwin metro's $2,100 and $385. Nationally, Muirhead's mortgage costs are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rents are substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

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Family units are the dominant household type at 90.6% of the total, consisting of 61.6% couples with children, 21.8% couples without children, and 6.1% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 9.4%, with single occupant households at 6.9% and group living situations comprising 2.8% of the total. The median household size of 3.4 individuals is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

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Educational qualification in Muirhead substantially exceeds regional benchmarks, with 44.2% of residents aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees compared to 27.3% in NT and 30.4% in Australia. This high level of academic achievement positions the locality well for knowledge-intensive sectors. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (12.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational and technical training also have a strong presence, with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (17.9%).

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Public transit analysis indicates a single active transit stop operating in Muirhead, featuring a combination of buses. This stop is served by 4 different routes, which together offer 58 weekly passenger journeys. Transit accessibility is classified as moderate, with residents generally positioned 574 meters away from the nearest transit stop. Being a mainly residential suburb, the majority of residents commute outward, and the car remains the primary transit method at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per household, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 3.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 settings).

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Health metric data reveals excellent outcomes throughout Muirhead, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality patterns and chronic ailment rates, showing very low rates of common medical conditions across all age brackets, and the percentage of private health insurance was found to be exceptionally high at roughly 65% of the entire population (2,761 people). This compares to 57.8% across Greater Darwin. The national average is 55.7%.

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Muirhead ranks highly in terms of cultural diversity, with 44.1% of its population born abroad and 46.7% speaking a language other than English in the home. The primary religion in Muirhead was identified as Christianity, representing 47.7% of residents in Muirhead. Nevertheless, the most notable overrepresentation was in Hinduism, which represents 8.1% of the community, compared to 4.2% across Greater Darwin.

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The 29-year median age in Muirhead is notably lower than Greater Darwin's average of 34 and significantly younger than the Australian median of 38. Relative to the Greater Darwin standard, the 5 - 14 group is highly over-represented (17.7% locally), while 65 - 74 year-olds are under-represented (1.8%). This 5 - 14 concentration is well above the national 12.0%. Post-2021 Census data indicates the 15 to 24 age bracket has increased from 12.1% to 13.7% of the population. Conversely, the 0 to 4 group has decreased from 10.0% to 8.0%. Looking forward to demographic forecasts indicate notable changes in Muirhead's age profile. The to group shows the highest projected expansion at , adding residents to reach .

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Muirhead currently has an estimated 340 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 201 children aged 0-2 and 135 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 8% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 14% by 2041 (to approximately 389 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 611. Birth rates in the area have averaged 16.2 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally).