Nhulunbuy (NT)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census Nhulunbuy's population is estimated at around 4,634 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,284 people (38.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,350 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,634, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 70 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Nhulunbuy's 38.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.3%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive factors.

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The local workforce is highly skilled, with a strong showing in public and essential service industries, an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a 5.3% yearly growth in total jobs according to aggregated statistics compiled by Districts. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 3,508, while the local unemployment rate sat 2.6% below the 5.9% recorded in Regional NT. Furthermore, participation in the labor market is exceptionally high at 102.9%, compared to Regional NT's 69.9%. Census responses show that a minor 2.6% of residents worked from their homes, though this is likely influenced by past pandemic restrictions.

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Based on tax data for financial year 2023 aggregated by Districts, residents in the suburb of Nhulunbuy have incomes that rank in the top percentile nationally. Taxpayers in the suburb of Nhulunbuy record a median income of $85,143 and an average income of $108,194, compared to Regional NT figures of $53,572 and $63,776. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023, the current estimates stand at approximately $93,155 for the median and $118,375 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census confirms that household, family, and individual incomes are high, placing in the 94th to 97th percentiles nationwide. The largest income bracket contains 39.8% of the population earning between $1,500 - 2,999 per week (representing residents), which aligns with the regional trend of in this bracket. Additionally, of workers earn more than weekly, pointing to strong local affluent pockets. Once housing expenses are paid, households retain of their earnings, indicating high disposable income, and the area sits in the th decile on the SEIFA index.

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The housing profile in the suburb of Nhulunbuy at the most recent Census consisted of 85.7% detached houses and 14.2% alternative housing types, such as townhouses, apartments, or other structures, compared to Regional NT's split of 75.6% houses and 24.5% alternative dwellings. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Nhulunbuy were low compared to the regional benchmark, sitting at 5.2%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (3.2%) or occupied by renters (91.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the regional average at $1,741, while the median weekly rent was $120, compared to Regional NT averages of $1,733 and $150. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and local rental rates are substantially below the national median of $375.

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Families make up 74.9% of all local households, consisting of couples with children at 46.1%, couples without children at 21.4%, and single parents at 6.9%. Non-family households represent 25.1% of the total, with single occupants making up 22.0% and shared households accounting for 3.2%. The median household occupancy is 2.8 persons, which is lower than the Regional NT average of 3.1.

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Residents in the suburb of Nhulunbuy achieve educational qualifications at rates well above regional averages, with 29.4% of citizens aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 14.9% in the SA3 area and 20.1% in the SA4 region. This education profile positions the community well for professional and technical opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 6.2% and graduate diplomas at 4.6%. Vocational training is also prominent, with 45.2% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificate-level qualifications (35.6%).

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Health assessments indicate favorable outcomes throughout the suburb of Nhulunbuy, with low rates of common illnesses and standard chronic diseases observed across both youth and older age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 69% of the population (representing 3,212 people) holding cover, compared to 51.6% in Regional NT and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Nhulunbuy has a relatively high degree of cultural diversity, with 18.7% of residents born outside Australia and 15.9% speaking a language other than English in their homes. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 43.0% of the community. The most distinct regional variation is in the category of Other religions, which represents 1.8% of the population compared to 5.2% across Regional NT.

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The median age in the suburb of Nhulunbuy is 33 years, which is slightly above the Regional NT median of 31 years but below the national average of 38 years. Compared to the regional population, the suburb of Nhulunbuy has a higher proportion of people aged 35 - 44 (19.2%) and a smaller share aged 25 - 34 (15.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 10.0% to 12.7%, while the 5 to 14 age bracket fell from 19.5% to 17.6%, and the 25 to 34 age bracket declined from 16.6% to 15.2%. By demographic shifts are expected to see the to group expand by (growing by people to reach from ), while the oldest bracket of + will record no growth, adding only residents.

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Nhulunbuy currently has an estimated 291 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 196 children aged 0-2 and 132 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 5% by 2041 (to approximately 307 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 641. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.