Tiwi

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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Tiwi stands at approximately 2,641 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 130 individuals (5.2%) from the 2,511 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated from the ABS June 2025 estimated resident population of 2,641 and subsequent address validation data collected after the Census. The resulting population density is 846 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical figures across areas evaluated by AreaSearch. This growth was almost exclusively driven by international migration, which acted as the sole contributor to population increases in recent times.

Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 using 2022 as a baseline, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For locations lacking this data and for calculations extending past 2032, growth rates categorized by age group from the ABS 2023 Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 figures) are applied. Future demographic trends indicate that the area will experience population growth above the median of locations assessed by AreaSearch. Specifically, the latest annual ERP data projects an increase of 373 people by 2041, representing a total expansion of 14.1% over a 16-year timeframe.

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

Approvals for new dwellings in Tiwi average approximately 2 annually, culminating in 10 residential approvals over the last 5 financial years. There have been 0 approvals registered in FY-26 so far. Because the population has been shrinking in recent years, the supply of housing has remained sufficient to meet local demand, preserving a balanced market with diverse options for purchasers. Newly approved homes have an average estimated construction cost of $441,000, which highlights developer activity in the higher-end, premium housing market. Additionally, commercial development projects worth $17.5 million have been approved during this financial year, representing a moderate rate of commercial construction activity.

Residential building activity in Tiwi is significantly quieter than in Greater Darwin, tracking at 59.0% below the regional per capita average. While construction rates have risen recently, this limited supply of new dwellings generally supports demand and values for existing properties. This volume is also below national benchmarks, reflecting a mature market that may face development constraints. Recent approvals consist entirely of standalone houses, preserving the traditional low-density profile of the suburb and catering to families looking for spacious properties. Interestingly, developers are focusing on freestanding houses more than the current residential mix reflects (74.0% at the Census), showing persistent demand for family residences despite trends toward higher density. The quiet nature of local construction is highlighted by the fact that there are 653 residents in the area for every single home approval.

Based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch, population projections indicate that Tiwi will add 373 residents by 2041. If residential construction volumes do not increase, the supply of housing may not keep pace with this population growth, potentially heightening competition among buyers and supporting upward pressure on prices.

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

Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning policies play a major role in regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 6 projects that are likely to influence the local area. Principal developments include the Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade, the Edgeview Court Water Main Replacement, the CDU Centre for Better Health Futures, and the Casuarina Square Redevelopment, with key details of the most significant works listed below.

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

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Employment performance in Tiwi has been broadly consistent with national averages

Tiwi possesses a workforce with high levels of education and a strong representation in essential services. The local unemployment rate stands at 3.1%, with employment growing by an estimated 0.5% over the past year. In March 2026, there were 1,353 employed residents. The unemployment rate sits 0.3% below the Greater Darwin level of 3.5%, while the workforce participation rate of 63.6% is notably lower than the 72.7% recorded across Greater Darwin. According to Census data, a minor 4.6% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic containment measures.

The primary employment industries for local residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area displays a distinct concentration in health care & social assistance, where the employment proportion is 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety is underrepresented, accounting for 15.6% of jobs compared to 19.5% across the wider region. With 2.1 jobs available for every resident at the time of the Census, the locality serves as a major employment center, drawing in workers from neighboring suburbs.

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, the area experienced a 0.5% rise in employment alongside a 0.7% expansion of the labor force over a 12-month period, leading to a 0.2 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same period in Greater Darwin, employment expanded by 0.4%, the labor force grew by 0.8%, and the unemployment rate rose by 0.3 percentage points. Employment projections released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide context for future local demand. These five- and ten-year national forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by industry sector. Applying these sectoral growth rates directly to the local employment mix suggests Tiwi's employment could grow by 7.3% over five years and 15.1% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection that does not account for local population changes.

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

According to the latest postcode ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the Tiwi SA2 recorded a median income of $57,780 and an average income of $67,928. These figures are close to the national average, but sit below Greater Darwin's median of $66,956 and average of $77,199. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 would be roughly $63,217 for the median and $74,320 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Tiwi fell around the 69th percentile nationally. The dominant weekly income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, containing 32.5% of residents (858 people), which is similar to the broader region where this bracket accounts for 36.7%. Residential costs consume 15.3% of income, yet strong local earnings keep disposable income at the 68th percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 5th decile for income.

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

According to the latest Census data, the dwelling composition in Tiwi consisted of 74.3% standalone houses and 25.7% other housing types (including apartments and semi-detached properties), compared to Darwin metro's breakdown of 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Tiwi was 26.0%, which is higher than the Darwin metro average. The remaining homes were occupied by individuals with mortgages (36.6%) or renters (37.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,000, lower than the Darwin metro average of $2,100. The median weekly rent was $375, compared to $385 across Darwin metro. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Tiwi exceed the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents match the national average of $375.

Tiwi features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Families make up 67.5% of all households in the area, consisting of couples with children at 28.7%, couples without children at 23.0%, and single parent households at 14.0%. The remaining 32.5% are non-family households, which include lone person households at 27.5% and group living arrangements at 5.1%. The median number of occupants per household is 2.6 people, matching the average for Greater Darwin.

Educational outcomes in Tiwi fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Residents of Tiwi demonstrate high levels of educational attainment relative to regional and national standards, with 38.8% of individuals aged 15 and over holding a university qualification, compared to 27.3% in NT and 30.4% across Australia. This educational profile positions the community well for professional services and knowledge-based roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 23.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 11.3% and graduate diplomas at 4.3%. Vocational training is also common, with 29.6% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.2% and vocational certificates at 20.4%.

The rate of enrollment in education is high, with 33.3% of the population currently undertaking formal studies. This group comprises 11.9% in primary schooling, 8.0% in higher education, and 7.1% in secondary education.

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

Analysis of the public transport network shows 15 active transit stops in Tiwi, which are serviced by a combination of buses. These stops accommodate 39 different routes, supporting 2,531 passenger trips per week. Transport access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 180 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute outside the area. Private vehicles are the main transport mode at 85%, while 7% of residents walk and 3% cycle. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.4. A low 4.6% of residents worked from home at the time of the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic restrictions.

Across all transit routes, service frequency averages 361 trips per day, which translates to approximately 168 weekly services for each transit stop in the suburb.

Health performance in Tiwi is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

An analysis of mortality and chronic illness rates by AreaSearch indicates that Tiwi faces notable public health challenges, with a high incidence of common medical conditions across both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance coverage is slightly above the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the population (~1,389 people), which is lower than the 57.8% average recorded across Greater Darwin.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues in the suburb, affecting 8.5% and 7.6% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 68.8% of the population reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 77.1% in Greater Darwin. Health indicators for working-age residents are generally average. Seniors aged 65 and older make up 19.7% of the local population (519 people), which is higher than the 11.0% share in Greater Darwin. Health profiles for this older demographic present several challenges, with national health rankings tracking in line with broader population trends.

Tiwi was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Tiwi presents a high level of cultural diversity, with 34.6% of residents born outside of Australia and 30.7% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 51.6% of the local population. Buddhism shows the most distinct local concentration, accounting for 3.2% of residents compared to 3.3% across the Greater Darwin region.

In terms of parental country of birth, the three most common ancestries in Tiwi are Australian at 23.0%, English at 19.3%, and Other at 12.0%. The representation of other ethnic backgrounds differs from regional averages, with Filipino residents making up 3.7% of the population (compared to 3.8% regionally), Australian Aboriginal residents at 7.8% (compared to 7.0%), and Greek residents at 3.8% (compared to 2.3%).

Tiwi's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Tiwi is 39 years, which is older than the Greater Darwin average of 34 and close to the national median of 38. Compared to the wider Darwin region, Tiwi features a higher proportion of residents aged 65 - 74 (10.1%) and a smaller share of young adults aged 25 - 34 (13.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 9.0% to 11.6%, and the 35 to 44 age bracket increased from 15.4% to 17.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group declined from 11.2% to 9.2%, and the 25 to 34 demographic decreased from 15.5% to 13.9%. Demographic projections suggest the age distribution will change by 2041, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow by 62%, adding 102 people to reach 270, while the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 demographics are projected to shrink.