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Howard Springs

NT 835 • Greater Darwin

3,153
Population (2021)
$133,120
Median Household Income
76.84 km²
Area
$400/wk
Median Rent
Rural-ResidentialAcreage LivingDarwin SurroundsTropical LifestyleFamily-Friendly
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About Howard Springs

Howard Springs is a rural-residential locality 29km southeast of Darwin CBD in the Litchfield Municipality. With around 3,150 residents spread across nearly 77 square kilometres, the area is characterised by acreage properties offering a semi-rural lifestyle within commuting distance of Darwin. The suburb has strong Australian and English heritage, with nearly 78% of residents born in Australia.

Life in Howard Springs appeals to those seeking space, privacy, and a Territory lifestyle away from urban density. Properties typically feature large blocks suitable for horses, hobby farms, or simply enjoying the outdoors. The nearby Howard Springs Nature Park offers swimming and bushwalking. Residents access shopping and services in Palmerston or Darwin, while Coolalinga provides local conveniences. The area suits families and professionals who don't mind the commute for the trade-off of rural living.

Howard Springs falls under postcode 835 and is governed by the Litchfield Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Lingiari, while state elections fall under the Nelson electorate.

📰 Featured In

💰 Top 50 Suburbs in Northern Territory by Median Household Income📈 Suburbs With the Fastest-Growing Incomes in Northern Territory

📍 Location

State
Northern Territory
Postcode
835
Urban Area
Howard Springs - Gunn Point
LGA / Council
Litchfield
Federal Electorate
Lingiari
State Electorate
Nelson
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Darwin (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-12.47°, 131.06°
Statistical Area
Greater Darwin
Area
76.84 km²
Population Density
41 /km²
Elevation
29m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 835

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 835, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$62,723
Median 2023–24
$76,191
▲ 21.5% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$89,525

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 835; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

Census personal income 2016 vs 2021

Personal Income 2016
$70,824
Personal Income 2021
$58,136
▼ 17.9% decrease

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$58,136 / yr
$1118/wk
Household
$133,120 / yr
$2560/wk
Family
$144,248 / yr
$2774/wk
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$400
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,388
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
43 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • School Bus — Palmerston Interchange 25 min

Commute to Darwin CBD

Distance
29 km
By Bus
Limited public bus options
By Car (Peak)
35-45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
25-30 min

🛣️ Car essential. Most residents drive to Palmerston (15 min) or Darwin for work.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Rural area with no footpaths. Vehicle required for all activities.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,132
Census 2021
3,153
▼ 38.6% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,455
Born Overseas 446

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 114
  • 2. New Zealand 60
  • 3. Philippines 26
  • 4. India 21
  • 5. Ireland 17
  • 6. Indonesia 14
  • 7. Malaysia 14
  • 8. Germany 11
  • 9. Papua New Guinea 11
  • 10. Vietnam 9

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,377
English 1,227
Irish 310
Scottish 293
Australian Aboriginal 230
German 131
Dutch 51
Italian 47
Chinese 46
Filipino 43

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace

1,941
Both parents born in Australia
537
Both parents born overseas
414
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.6%
Christianity
39.1%
Buddhism
1.5%
Hinduism
0.6%
Islam
0.3%
Sikhism
0.1%
Judaism
0.1%

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📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
188 (6.0%)
5-14 years
367 (11.6%)
15-19 years
192 (6.1%)
20-24 years
151 (4.8%)
25-34 years
346 (11.0%)
35-44 years
411 (13.0%)
45-54 years
515 (16.3%)
55-64 years
498 (15.8%)
65-74 years
325 (10.3%)
75-84 years
140 (4.4%)
85+ years
16 (0.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Howard Springs known for? +

Howard Springs is best known for the Howard Springs Nature Park, featuring a beautiful freshwater swimming hole popular with Darwin residents. The locality is also known for its large acreage properties and relaxed tropical lifestyle close to Darwin.

How far is Howard Springs from Darwin CBD? +

Howard Springs is approximately 25-30 kilometres south-east of Darwin CBD, with a drive time of around 30-35 minutes via the Stuart or Arnhem Highways.

Does Howard Springs have public transport? +

Howard Springs has very limited public transport. Residents primarily rely on private vehicles, with the Stuart Highway providing the main connection to Darwin's services and employment.

What is the population of Howard Springs? +

According to the 2021 Census, Howard Springs has a population of approximately 3,153 residents within the Litchfield Council local government area.

Is Howard Springs a good place to live? +

Howard Springs is one of the most popular acreage communities near Darwin, offering large blocks, tropical nature, the famous swimming hole, and a relaxed community lifestyle. It suits families and those who value space, nature, and a quieter lifestyle while remaining within commuting distance of Darwin.

What is the postcode for Howard Springs? +

The postcode for Howard Springs is 835.

What is the average income in Howard Springs? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Howard Springs is about $1,118 per week (around $58,100 per year). The median household income is $2,560 per week and the median family income is $2,774 per week.

What is the age profile of Howard Springs? +

The median age in Howard Springs is 43. The largest age group is 45–54 (515 residents, around 16%). Around 24% of residents are under 20 and about 15% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Howard Springs? +

In Howard Springs, the median weekly rent is $400, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,388 (2021 Census).