ABS 2021 Census · Updated 31 March 2026
Papunya is a regional centre in Northern Territory, Australia, with a population of approximately 438, making it a boutique locality. Located approximately 1200 km from the Darwin CBD, Papunya is a regional area in Northern Territory. The median household income is $79,040 AUD per year (ABS 2021 Census).
Household incomes in Papunya sit in a comfortable mid-range for the Northern Territory market. Distance from major centres is a consideration, though regional markets can offer higher rental yields.
Map shows Papunya, Northern Territory, Australia.
Official Australia Post postcode for Papunya. A postcode may cover multiple suburbs.
Australia Post Postcode Finder →Usual resident population at census night. Source: ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
ABS Census Data →Weekly median rent for occupied private dwellings. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Live rental data integration coming soon.
State Rental Authority →Annual median household income (before tax) for all households. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Straight-line distance from the suburb centroid (ABS 2021 SAL geography) to the nearest capital city CBD. Actual driving distance will be longer.
Estimated 1 school within or near this suburb based on ABS 2021 data.
Find schools near Papunya on My School →Estimated 1 park and green spaces near this suburb. Source: ABS 2021 data.
Monthly median mortgage repayment for households currently paying off a mortgage. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Proportion of separate houses vs units, townhouses, and other dwelling types. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Relevant for investors assessing rental demand mix.
ABS Census Data →As a regional centre, Papunya serves a wide catchment area. Regional property can offer higher rental yields than metro equivalents, though investors should assess local employment diversity and infrastructure plans. The median rent of $83/week (ABS 2021) indicates an affordable rental market. The median household income of $79,040/year reflects a solid demographic, supporting sustainable rental demand.
A buy-and-hold approach in Papunya could work well with careful property selection and a longer time horizon.
Achieving strong cash flow in Papunya is challenging at current rent-to-price ratios.
Limited buyer depth in Papunya makes flip strategies higher-risk — consider rental conversion instead.
Run the numbers on a Papunya property
Scenario comparison, cash flow analysis, tax modelling, and PDF export — all in one place.
Create free account →Papunya faces a cautious growth outlook for 2026 — investors should focus on yield rather than short-term gains. The rental pipeline in Papunya is thinner — flexible lease terms could help secure tenants faster. Papunya is not a headline market, but contrarian investors may see long-term potential.
Papunya is a regional area in Northern Territory with a population of 438. The median rent is $83/week and the median household income is $79,040/year (ABS 2021 Census). As with any property investment, conduct thorough due diligence on current listings, vacancy rates, and local infrastructure plans before committing.
Key demand drivers in Papunya include regional employment hubs, lifestyle, and affordability. 73% of dwellings are separate houses. The area has approximately 1 schools and 1 parks nearby.
According to the ABS 2021 Census, Papunya has a population of approximately 438. For historical population trends and intercensal estimates, visit the ABS Census Data Explorer at abs.gov.au.
Papunya is approximately 1200 km straight-line distance from the Darwin CBD (calculated from ABS 2021 suburb centroid coordinates). As a regional or remote location, travel to the capital is significant — local amenities and employment are important investment considerations.