Northern Territory - Population 2023
"The Top End"
The population of the Northern Territory is 247,327
people as of march 2019. The number is expected to reach over 247,200 by 2019, with the percentage increase in previous years being 0.1%. The lowest percentage change in the whole of Australia! The capital of the NT (Northern Territory) is Darwin, which is also the most populated city in the Northern Territory and the Most Northern! The main Darwin area has a population of 148,564 which grows increasingly every year.
247,327
The official estimation of the population as of the 31st of March 2019 is 247,327
people. This is up by 0.1% from the 31st of March 2017. The estimate for overseas migration is 236,800 compared to 259,600 people the previous year in the whole of Australia. (Government Statistics)
Most populated areas of the Northern Territory
Rank | Urban Area | Population |
1 | 146,612 | |
2 | Alice Springs | 26,674 |
3 | Katherine | 6,303 |
4 | Howard Springs | 5,132 |
5 | Nhulunbuy | 3,240 |
6 | Tennant Creek | 2,991 |
7 | Maningrida | 2,308 |
8 | Port Keats (Wadeye) | 2,280 |
9 | Galiwinku | 2,088 |
10 | Wurrumiyanga (Nguiu) | 1,563 |
11 | Milingimbi | 1,225 |
12 | Yulara | 1,099 |
13 | Jabiru | 1,081 |
14 | Alyangula | 873 |
States and territories population
States and Territories | Population March 2019 | Percentage change over 2017-18 |
New South Wales | 7,988,241 | 1.5% |
Victoria | 6,460,675 | 2.2% |
Queensland | 5,011,216 | 1.7% |
South Australia | 1,736,422 | 0.7% |
Western Australia | 2,595,192 | 0.8% |
Tasmania | 528,201 | 1.1% |
Australian Capital Territory | 420,960 | 2.2% |
Northern Territory | 247,327 | -0.1% |
*Total Australian Population | 24,899,100 | 1.6% |
*Figure includes other teritorries including Jervis Bay Territory, Norfolk Island, Cocos (Keeling) Island and Christmas Island.
Darwin - NT

The population of Darwin in 2019, is a diverse city with a population of over 146,612 people in the greater Darwin area. Palmerston near Darwin also has a high population for the Northern Territory. Darwin city is the NT government capital and the most northerly city in the Northern Territory.
Demographic - Male & Female
The NT population is split by 48.2% female and 48.2% male. The only state / territory where there is a higher percentage of males than females. This data was obtain through the most recent Australian government census.
48.2%
110,266 Females
51.8%
110,266 Males
Median Age
In the Northern Territory the populations median age is 32 years old. The biggest age group is 25-29 years old at 9.5% of the NT population (21,707 People). This is a low average age group compared to the rest of Australia. This data was obtain through the most recent Australian government census.
32 Years old
Median weekly household income
The NT population has an average weekly household income of $1,983. However, the average personal income is $871 a week. This data was obtain through the most recent Australian government census.
$1,983 a week
Median weekly rent
The Northern Territories population pays on average $380 a week in rent. The average amount of people per household is 2.9 in the NT. This data was obtain through the most recent Australian government census.
$315 a week
Religious affiliation
The top response for religious affiliation was “No religion” at 29.4%, followed by Catholic at 20% of the Northern Territories population. Since the last census in 2011 the number of people responding as having no religion has gone up by 6%. This data was obtained from the most recent Australian government census.
Occupation
The population of the NT have a variety of occupations, but over a quarter of the population are “professionals” at 20.1%. The next highest occupation is “Technicians and Trades Workers” at 15.8% which is higher than the Australian average of 13%. This data was obtained from the most recent Australian government census.
Facts about the NT
- The Northern Territory is home to the oldest river system in the world. Finke River possibly dates back 340 Million years!
- Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin on Christmas morning in 1974 and destroyed most of the city.
- Today there is over two hundred thousand wild camels in the NT outback.
- The Northern Territory is home to the world famous Uluru (Ayers Rock).
References
- 2016 census of population and housing – Most recent
- NT census – Most recent
- NT Government: www.NT.gov.au/
- City of Darwin: www.Darwin.nt.gov.au
- australia.com: www.australia.com