Tennant Creek

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Tennant Creek's population is around 3,536 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 456 people (14.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,080 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,520 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 84 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Tennant Creek's 14.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 57.5% 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). As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 392 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 10.6% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Tennant Creek recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Tennant Creek has experienced around 15 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 75 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while recent data shows this has decreased to 0.4 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, indicating more balanced supply conditions. Development projects average $361,000 in construction value. Additionally, $23.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to the Rest of NT, Tennant Creek records somewhat elevated construction (15.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. Recent construction comprises 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 81.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 175 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Tennant Creek will gain 376 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Tennant Creek has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth 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 Venture Housing - Social and Affordable Homes, Tennant Creek Aviation and Accommodation Hub, Territory Energy Link, and Urban Public Housing - Peko Road, 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.

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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Tennant Creek faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Tennant Creek possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.6%, and 0.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,849 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.5% below Regional NT's rate of 6.1%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional NT's 71.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 3.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.8% of Tennant Creek's workforce compared to 5.0% in Regional NT. While local employment opportunities exist, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9% and the labour force increased by 1.0%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Regional NT experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Tennant Creek. 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 Tennant Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The Tennant Creek SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $61,962 and an average of $67,598 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is approximately average nationally, contrasting with Regional NT's median income of $53,572 and average income of $63,776. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $67,192 (median) and $73,303 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 46th percentile ($1,677 weekly), while personal income sits at the 22nd percentile. Looking at income distribution, the largest segment comprises 36.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,294 residents), mirroring the surrounding region where 33.6% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 90.1% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

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

Dwelling structure within Tennant Creek, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 80.6% houses and 19.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NT's 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Tennant Creek was slightly lagging that of Regional NT, at 13.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (14.3%) or rented (72.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NT average at $1,114, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $180, compared to Regional NT's $1,733 and $150. Nationally, Tennant Creek's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Tennant Creek features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 60.6% of all households, comprising 23.8% couples with children, 19.6% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.4%, with lone person households at 35.1% and group households comprising 4.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is smaller than the Regional NT average of 3.1.

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

Educational qualifications in Tennant Creek trail regional benchmarks, with 20.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 29.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (20.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.5% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Tennant Creek is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Tennant Creek, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly exceeds that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~1,859 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be diabetes and asthma, impacting 8.0% and 5.1% of residents, respectively, while 74.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 78.4% across Regional NT. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 10.4% of residents aged 65 and over (366 people), which is higher than the 8.3% in Regional NT. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Tennant Creek is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 16.5% of its population born overseas and 39.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Tennant Creek is Christianity, which makes up 49.9% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 1.9% of the population, compared to 5.2% across Regional NT.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Tennant Creek are Australian Aboriginal, comprising 45.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 13.4% of the population, and English, comprising 13.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 2.5% of Tennant Creek (vs 1.4% regionally), Maori at 0.6% (vs 0.7%) and Indian at 1.8% (vs 1.2%).

Tennant Creek's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

At 33 years, Tennant Creek's median age modestly exceeds the Regional NT average of 31 yet is substantially under Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional NT, Tennant Creek has a higher concentration of 0 - 4 residents (9.4%) but fewer 15 - 24 year-olds (11.5%). Following the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 6.6% to 7.7% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 18.5% to 16.9% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.5% to 12.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Tennant Creek. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 25% (107 people), reaching 546 from 438. On the other hand, the 35 to 44 cohort is projected to decline by 15 people.