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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Tanami has an estimated 3,399 residents, up from 2,839 at the 2021 Census — a change of 560 people, or 19.7%. Growth has averaged 1.1% a year over five years, faster than 90% of areas nationally. Natural increase accounts for 75.8% of that increase. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Tanami has a population of approximately 3,399 as of May 2026, according to analysis by AreaSearch. Since the 2021 Census, which recorded 2,839 people, this represents an expansion of 560 individuals, or 19.7%. This shift is calculated from the ABS estimated resident population of 3,399 in June 2025 and 20 validated new addresses registered since the Census. This population level corresponds to a density of 0.00 persons per square kilometer, indicating substantial personal space. The expansion rate of 19.7% since the 2021 census outpaced the national average of 9.3% and the state benchmark, placing the area among regional growth leaders.
Natural increase was the main driver, accounting for 75.8% of the overall population rise in recent times. Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized for each SA2 area. Where data is absent, and for projections beyond 2032, cohort-specific growth rates are applied based on the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections using 2022 data. Future trends point to an expansion above the median for non-metropolitan Australia, with the local population projected to grow by 447 residents by 2041 relative to the latest annual ERP statistics, representing a 13.2% rise over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity is minimal in Tanami, averaging 3 dwelling approvals per year, totaling 19 dwellings over the five-year period. Such constrained development is typical of rural areas, where housing requirements remain limited and building is constrained by local demand and infrastructure capacity. With these low levels of approvals, annual growth rates and comparative percentages are subject to high volatility from individual projects. Building activity in Tanami is substantially lower than in Rest of NT and sits below national averages. Recent approvals consist of 75.0% separate houses and 25.0% semi-detached or attached housing, matching rural preferences for space.
This shows a transition from the existing housing stock, which is 93.0% separate houses, suggesting a reduction in available land for development alongside shifting lifestyle needs and a demand for varied, low-cost housing. The ratio of 2541 people per dwelling approval reflects a quiet, low-scale building market. Forecasts indicate that Tanami will add 447 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. If current building rates persist, residential supply may lag population growth, which could increase buyer competition and support higher price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Tanami
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Tanami, worth an estimated $1.19 billion. A further 62 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $42.3 billion. 19 are already under construction and 22 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, energy and residential development. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects and planning changes are major drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 key developments affecting the area. Principal projects include Better and Safer Future for Central Australia, Network Optimisation Program - Rail, Tanami Road Upgrade, and the Coastal Hazards Adaptation Strategy, with relevant details provided below.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Tanami Road Upgrade
The Tanami Road is a 1,035km link between Alice Springs (NT) and the Great Northern Highway near Halls Creek (WA), progressively being upgraded from unsealed to sealed dual-lane standard by the Australian, Northern Territory and Western Australian Governments under the Roads of Strategic Importance program. In WA, the first 40km south of Great Northern Highway has been sealed, and Stage 2 (32km south of Ruby Plains Homestead) is underway with completion expected by late 2026.In the NT, 150km has been sealed from Yuendumu to west of Chilla Well, with further packages underway including 21km of single-lane widening and a further 34km recently committed. The project improves flood resilience, freight productivity, and access for remote Aboriginal communities, tourism, pastoral and mining operators.
Better and Safer Future for Central Australia
A 250 million AUD Australian and NT Government plan (now 345.9 million AUD) to improve community safety and infrastructure. Key 2026 milestones include the opening of the Todd Street Health Hub in Alice Springs, the Mutitjulu health clinic, and modernised facilities in Santa Teresa. The program integrates 77 new dwellings, Remote Training Hubs, and On-Country learning initiatives. As of May 2026, multiple health and community infrastructure projects have transitioned from construction to operational status, while family safety and youth service expansions continue across the region.
Network Optimisation Program - Rail
National planning initiative to improve the capacity, reliability and productivity of Australia's urban and regional rail networks through network optimisation, digital signalling, timetable improvements, level crossing upgrades and other operational enhancements. The original Infrastructure Australia proposal is no longer an active Infrastructure Priority List project, with many objectives now being progressed through the National Rail Action Plan and related interoperability initiatives.
Hugh River Stock Route Road
Replace five gates with grids and reform the road for 2 way traffic. Project to benefit aboriginal communities, pastoralists, mining exploration, railway management, and expanding 4WD tourism.
Larapinta Stage 4 Residential Land Release
Larapinta Stage 4 is a completed residential land release on the western side of Alice Springs, delivered through an Indigenous Land Use Agreement between the Northern Territory Government and Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation. The subdivision covers about 20 hectares in Larapinta Valley and created around 85 serviced residential allotments, including the Ridges Estate along Albrecht Drive with a mix of private, affordable and public housing sites. Headworks, roads and utilities were rolled out from 2004 and subdivision construction was reported as complete by around 2009, with the area now established as a fully built out suburban neighbourhood.
Regional Skate and Play Precinct
Regional community recreation precinct at Newland Park featuring a competition-standard skate park, BMX pump track, 3x3 basketball court, playground, dog park, bouldering wall, BBQ facilities, shaded open spaces and upgraded parking. Construction commenced in January 2025 and the precinct opened in December 2025, providing a major recreation hub for Alice Springs.
Jim McConville Oval Lighting Towers
Installation of four permanent sports lighting towers at Jim McConville Oval in Gillen, Alice Springs, delivered by the NT Government Department of Logistics and Infrastructure with the Alice Springs Town Council. The project has formally progressed through Development Consent Authority approval, with preliminary works increasing on site and construction estimated to be finalised by April 2026. The lighting will allow year-round evening use for sporting codes such as cricket and AFL, supporting extended training, competition, and improved safety for players and spectators.The oval remains open to the public throughout construction.
Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct
Northern Territory Government project delivering a new multi-sport precinct at Gillen Oval with two irrigated multi-use playing fields, modern change rooms, toilets, canteen, shaded spectator areas, lighting, fencing, expanded parking, landscaping and improved pedestrian connections. A design and construct contract has been tendered, with the project progressing into delivery.
1,000 residents of Tanami are employed, from a labour force of 1,162. Unemployment sits at 13.9%, with participation at 44.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 3,742, about 110% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Tanami presents a balanced employment mix that includes both white collar and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors being well represented. The unemployment rate stands at 13.9%, and estimated employment growth over the past year is 3.1%. As of March 2026, 1,000 residents are in work, and the unemployment rate is 8.1% above Regional NT's rate of 5.9%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags significantly at 44.7% compared to Regional NT's 69.9%. According to Census responses, a low 1.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.
Most working residents are employed in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area exhibits a concentration in public administration & safety, with its employment share at 1.6 times the regional rate. Conversely, the accommodation & food sector is underrepresented, employing 1.2% of the local workforce compared to 6.9% across Regional NT. Although local jobs exist, comparison of the Census working population against the local population suggests many residents commute to other locations. Based on analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment rise by 3.1% and the labour force grow by 2.7%, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point decrease in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional NT experienced a 2.8% rise in employment, a 2.7% expansion in the labour force, and a minor reduction in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 offer additional context on future demand in Tanami. These projections, spanning five and ten years, have been applied to the local workforce structure. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by sector. Applying these trends to the local industry mix suggests local employment could grow by 5.8% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, assuming a simple weighted projection based on industry composition rather than local demographic forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Tanami is $1,277 a week (about $66,000 a year), with median personal income at $269 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $40,172 a year against an average of $49,476. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Income levels in the Tanami SA2 are below the national average according to ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year. The median taxpayer income is $40,172, and the average income is $49,476, compared to Regional NT figures of $53,572 and $63,776. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates stand at roughly $43,952 for the median and $54,132 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates household incomes are at the 18th percentile with a weekly median of $1,277, while individual incomes are at the 0th percentile.
The income profile shows 33.0% of the population, or 1,121 people, earn between $1,500 - 2,999, which is close to the wider region where 33.6% fall into this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 100.0% retained, but disposable income is low, ranking at the 37th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Tanami had 543 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 93% detached houses and 1% apartments. 0% are owned with a mortgage, 99% rented and 2% owned outright. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, residential structures in Tanami consisted of 92.7% separate houses and 7.3% other dwellings like apartments and townhouses, compared to 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings in Regional NT. Home ownership is low at 1.5%, with the remaining dwellings rented at 98.5% or mortgaged at 0.0%. The median monthly mortgage payment is $0, and the median weekly rent is $0, compared to Regional NT averages of $1,733 and $150. These figures are lower than the national averages of $1,863 for mortgages and $375 for weekly rent.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Tanami counted 543 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 650 today, averaging 4.2 people each. 39% are couples with children, more than in 76% of areas nationally, against 15% couples without children. 21% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 77.3%, consisting of 38.7% couples with children, 15.2% couples without children, and 19.9% single parents. Non-family households comprise 22.7% of the total, with single-person households at 20.8% and group households at 1.3%. The median household size is 4.2 people, which is larger than the Regional NT average of 3.1.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
10.2% of adults in Tanami hold a university qualification, including 6.0% with a bachelor degree and 2.5% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 97% of areas nationally. A further 16.6% hold a vocational qualification. 10 schools serve the area, with 432 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 606 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The region shows lower rates of higher education, with university qualification rates at 10.2% compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees account for 6.0%, postgraduate qualifications represent 2.5%, and graduate diplomas make up 1.7%. Vocational education is held by 19.3% of residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 2.7% and certificates at 16.6%. Enrolment in education is high, with 29.7% of the population currently studying. This contains 17.2% in primary school, 7.5% in high school, and 1.2% in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
79.9% of residents in Tanami report no long-term health condition. 3.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 14.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health measures indicate below-average outcomes based on mortality and chronic illness rates, with common conditions slightly more frequent across all age groups and private health coverage levels low at 46% of the population, or approximately 1,563 people. This compares to 51.6% in Regional NT and a national average of 55.7%. Diabetes and heart disease are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.7% and 3.8% of the population. Meanwhile, 79.9% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 78.4% in Regional NT. The population includes 6.1% of residents aged 65 and over, representing 206 people, which is lower than the Regional NT average of 8.5%.
Health rankings for seniors are higher than those for the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Tanami is largely Australian-born, at 96.6% of residents, with 88.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian Aboriginal (84.2%) and English (4.2%). 84.2% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures are above average, with 3.4% of the population born outside Australia and 88.7% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the main religion, practiced by 82.7% of the population, compared to 54.1% in Regional NT. Ancestry details show the top three groups are Australian Aboriginal at 84.2%, which is higher than the regional average of 43.6%, English at 4.2%, which is lower than the regional average of 14.3%, and Australian at 3.8%, which is lower than the regional average of 14.9%. Sri Lankan ancestry is represented at 0.4% in Tanami, compared to 0.1% across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Tanami is 29, younger than 98% of areas nationally. 33.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age is 29, which is lower than the Regional NT median of 31 and the national median of 38. The age structure is characterized by a high proportion of 15 - 24 year-olds at 16.3%, while the 65 - 74 bracket is smaller at 4.2% than in Regional NT. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort grew from 14.1% to 15.6%, and the 75 to 84 group increased from 0.7% to 1.8%, while the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 16.8% to 15.3%. By 2041, the age structure is projected to shift, with the 45 to 54 cohort expanding by 113 people (28%) from 404 to 518, while the 35 to 44 cohort increases by 1% (7 people).
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Tanami
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2026 last month all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 20 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,839 at the 2021 Census → 3,399 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (702011053). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.