Alawa

Alawa is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Alawa's population is around 2,208 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 130 people (6.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,078 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,206 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,780 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Alawa's 6.3% growth since the census positions it within 1.1 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 77.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is applying growth rates by age cohort to each area, as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 213 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 9.6% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Alawa is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Alawa has seen virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years, with 4 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 0 so far in FY-26. Given an average of only 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $305,000. There have also been $118,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against Greater Darwin, Alawa records markedly lower building activity (80.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Alawa has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 4 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade, Casuarina Square Redevelopment, CDU - Centre for Better Health Futures, and Social Housing Accelerator Payment (SHAP) - Greater Darwin / Nightcliff, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Alawa remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Alawa possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.6%, and 1.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,154 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% above Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (69.9% compared to Greater Darwin's 76.1%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Meanwhile, public administration & safety has a limited presence with 14.6% employment compared to 19.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.1% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. This compares to Greater Darwin, where employment grew by 1.3%, the labour force expanded by 1.2%, and unemployment fell marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Alawa. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Alawa's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Alawa SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $55,769 with the average level standing at $65,564. This is just below the national average and compares to levels of $66,956 and $77,199 across Greater Darwin respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,476 (median) and $71,098 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Alawa cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The data shows the largest segment comprises 34.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (768 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 36.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing accounts for 13.8% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 74th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Alawa is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Alawa, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.0% houses and 12.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Darwin metro's 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Alawa was well beyond that of Darwin metro, at 23.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.4%) or rented (36.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Darwin metro average at $1,777, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $340, compared to Darwin metro's $2,100 and $385. Nationally, Alawa's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Alawa features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 76.0% of all households, comprising 33.6% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.0%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households comprising 7.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Alawa aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (35.7% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the NT average of 27.3% and the Australian average (30.4%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 30.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (20.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 8.2% in tertiary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 14 active transport stops operating within Alawa, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 29 individual routes, collectively providing 2,162 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 150 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 4% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 4.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 308 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 154 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Alawa is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Alawa demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show a low prevalence of common health conditions, although the rate of private health cover slightly lags the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,145 people). This compares to 57.8% across Greater Darwin.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 5.7% and 5.6% of residents, respectively, while 76.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 12.3% of residents aged 65 and over (272 people), which is higher than the 10.8% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Alawa is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Alawa scores highly on cultural diversity, with 38.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 41.5% born overseas. The main religion in Alawa is Christianity, which makes up 38.2% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 5.3% of the population, compared to 3.3% across Greater Darwin.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Alawa are English, comprising 19.6% of the population, Other, comprising 17.3% of the population, and Australian, comprising 17.2% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 22.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 4.8% of Alawa (vs 3.8% regionally), Greek at 4.1% (vs 2.3%) and New Zealand at 1.2% (vs 0.6%).

Alawa's population is younger than the national pattern

At 35 years, Alawa's median age is comparable to the Greater Darwin average of 34 and marginally lower than the 38-year national average. Relative to Greater Darwin, Alawa has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (15.2%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (14.7%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 15.5% to 17.2% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort increased from 13.8% to 15.2%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 17.3% to 14.7% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 8.6% to 6.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Alawa's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 31%, adding 91 residents to reach 383. On the other hand, numbers in the 65 to 74 age range are expected to fall by 17.