🔍

Karama

NT 812 • Greater Darwin

4,803
Population (2021)
$92,716
Median Household Income
2.07 km²
Area
$293/wk
Median Rent
AffordableFamily-FriendlyNorthern SuburbsMulticulturalEstablished Area

About Karama

Karama is an established residential suburb in Darwin's northern suburbs, located 14 kilometres from the CBD. With a population of around 4,800, this 1980s-era suburb sits between McMillans Road and Vanderlin Drive. The community is notably diverse and includes a significant proportion of public housing residents—about 17% compared to the national average of 4%.

The suburb centres around Karama Shopping Plaza, which houses everyday retail, services, and the Karama Library. Schools including Karama Primary, Manunda Terrace Primary, and nearby O'Loughlin College serve the community. Karama offers genuine affordability in Darwin's expensive housing market, attracting working families and first-home buyers. The tropical climate and access to nearby Casuarina Shopping Centre and beaches make it a practical choice for those seeking value over prestige.

Karama falls under postcode 812 and is governed by Darwin Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Karama electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Northern Territory Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Northern Territory
Postcode
812
Urban Area
Karama
LGA / Council
Darwin
Federal Electorate
Solomon
State Electorate
Karama
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Darwin (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-12.40°, 130.92°
Statistical Area
Greater Darwin
Area
2.07 km²
Elevation
37m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$293
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,950
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
35 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
15.1%

227 state housing + 8 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Route 5 — Darwin CBD via Mitchell St 25-30 mins
  • Route 5 — Casuarina Interchange 10 mins

Commute to Darwin CBD

Distance
14 km
By Bus
25-30 mins (Route 5, services every 3 hours weekdays)
By Car (Peak)
15 mins
By Car (Off-Peak)
11 mins

🛣️ No train service in Darwin - buses operate limited hours

Walkability Car-dependent

Shopping plaza walkable locally, car needed for most trips

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
4,944
Census 2021
4,803
▼ 2.9% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$42,848
Personal Income 2021
$43,576
▲ 1.7% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

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

Personal
$43,576 / yr
$838/wk
Household
$92,716 / yr
$1783/wk
Family
$105,092 / yr
$2021/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,944
Born Overseas 1,479

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. Philippines 320
  • 2. Indonesia 98
  • 3. Greece 89
  • 4. India 84
  • 5. England 74
  • 6. Thailand 66
  • 7. New Zealand 62
  • 8. Vietnam 54
  • 9. China 28
  • 10. Bangladesh 27

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,136
English 977
Australian Aboriginal 835
Filipino 408
Scottish 296
Chinese 269
Irish 249
Greek 243
German 121
Vietnamese 85

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,975
Both parents born in Australia
1,865
Both parents born overseas
537
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
47.5%
No Religion
33.3%
Buddhism
4.2%
Islam
2.7%
Hinduism
1.4%
Sikhism
0.1%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
338 (7.0%)
5-14 years
750 (15.6%)
15-19 years
357 (7.4%)
20-24 years
317 (6.6%)
25-34 years
634 (13.2%)
35-44 years
677 (14.1%)
45-54 years
625 (13.0%)
55-64 years
598 (12.5%)
65-74 years
352 (7.3%)
75-84 years
115 (2.4%)
85+ years
32 (0.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Karama known for? +

Karama is known as one of Darwin's more established and affordable northern suburbs, with a multicultural community, Karama Shopping Centre, schools, and parks. The suburb has a well-connected community feel and is popular with families and Darwin workers.

How far is Karama from Darwin CBD? +

Karama is approximately 10-12 kilometres north of Darwin CBD, with a drive time of around 15-20 minutes via the main Darwin arterial roads.

Does Karama have public transport? +

Karama is served by Darwin bus routes with connections to the CBD and other northern suburbs. The bus network provides reasonable connectivity for commuters who rely on public transport.

What is the population of Karama? +

According to the 2021 Census, Karama has a population of approximately 4,803 residents within the City of Darwin local government area.

Is Karama a good place to live? +

Karama is a practical and affordable Darwin suburb offering a multicultural community, local shopping, schools, and good bus connections to the CBD. It suits families, budget-conscious residents, and those seeking an established suburb with community facilities.

What is the postcode for Karama? +

The postcode for Karama is 812.

What is the average income in Karama? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Karama is about $838 per week (around $43,600 per year). The median household income is $1,783 per week and the median family income is $2,021 per week.

What is the age profile of Karama? +

The median age in Karama is 35. The largest age group is 5–14 (750 residents, around 16%). Around 30% of residents are under 20 and about 10% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Karama? +

In Karama, the median weekly rent is $293, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,950 (2021 Census).