Tanami

An assessment of population growth drivers in Tanami reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Tanami's population was around 3,440 as of Nov 2025. This showed an increase of 601 people (21.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,839 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,382 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 0.00 persons per square kilometer. Tanami's growth of 21.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and the state average, indicating it as a region with significant growth. Natural growth contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends project an above median growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas. The area is expected to increase by 470 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 12.0% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Tanami according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Tanami has had minimal residential development activity with 3 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years (19 approvals in total). These low development levels reflect its rural nature, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Note that yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably based on individual projects due to such low approval numbers.

Tanami has substantially lower development levels compared to the Rest of NT and nationally. New building activity shows 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% medium and high-density housing, with a focus on family homes suited for those seeking rural lifestyle and space. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 93.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Tanami is 2526 people, indicating its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Tanami adding 412 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Tanami has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Better and Safer Future for Central Australia, Network Optimisation Program - Rail, Tanami Road Upgrade, and Coastal Hazards Adaptation Strategy. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Tanami face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Tanami has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 13.7% as of September 2025. There are 979 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 7.9% higher than the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%.

Workforce participation is lower at 31.9%, compared to the Rest of NT's 50.7%. Key industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Public administration & safety has a significant presence with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Accommodation & food services have limited presence at 1.2%, compared to the regional average of 6.9%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.1% and employment declined by 0.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tanami's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.8% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The Tanami SA2's median taxpayer income was $36,655 and average income was $46,783 in financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of NT having a median income of $51,655 and an average income of $61,577. By September 2025, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $41,057 and the average income $52,402, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, household income ranks at the 18th percentile ($1,277 weekly) and personal income at the 0th percentile. Income distribution shows that 33.0% of Tanami's population (1,135 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range. Housing costs are manageable with all retained, but disposable income is below average at the 37th percentile.

Tanami is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Tanami's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NT had 67.8% houses and 32.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tanami was at 1.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 0.0% and rented ones at 98.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $0, lower than Non-Metro NT's $1,800 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Tanami was $0, below Non-Metro NT's $280 and the national figure of $375.

Tanami features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.3% of all households, consisting of 38.7% couples with children, 15.2% couples without children, and 19.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households making up 1.3%. The median household size is 4.2 people, larger than the Rest of NT average of 2.8.

Tanami faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.5% and graduate diplomas at 1.7%. Vocational pathways account for 19.3% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 2.7% and certificates at 16.6%. Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 17.2% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 1.2% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Tanami's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Tanami shows excellent health outcomes with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% (1,582 people), compared to 53.7% in the rest of NT and a national average of 55.3%. Diabetes and heart disease are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.7 and 3.8% respectively.

About 79.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 76.9% in the rest of NT. The area has 5.4% (186 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 9.3% in the rest of NT. While health outcomes among seniors are strong, they require more attention than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Tanami was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Tanami's cultural diversity is above average, with 3.4% of its population born overseas and 88.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Tanami, comprising 82.7%, compared to 52.6% across Rest of NT. The top three ancestry groups are Australian Aboriginal (84.2%), English (4.2%), and Australian (3.8%).

Tanami's Australian Aboriginal population is substantially higher than the regional average of 28.9%. However, English and Australian ancestry groups are notably lower than their respective regional averages of 17.4% and 17.0%. Notably, Sri Lankan ethnicity is overrepresented in Tanami at 0.4%, compared to the regional average of 0.2%.

Tanami hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Tanami has a median age of 29, which is lower than the Rest of NT's figure of 31 and significantly lower than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 are particularly prominent at 16.6%, while the 65-74 group is comparatively smaller at 3.8% compared to the Rest of NT. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.1% to 15.5% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 16.8% to 15.6%. By 2041, Tanami is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 107 people (26%) from 417 to 525. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort is projected to decline by 13 people.