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

Tiwi's population is 2,641 as of May 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 130 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,511. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 2,641 in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 846 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of Tiwi's population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch applies age cohort-based growth rates provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends indicate an above median growth for Tiwi, with a projected increase of 373 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 14.1% over the 16-year period.

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

Tiwi has experienced approximately two dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, ten homes were approved, with zero approvals so far in FY26. The population has fallen during this period, suggesting that new supply has kept pace with demand, offering good choices for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $441,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This year, there have been $17.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to Greater Darwin. Tiwi shows substantially reduced construction activity, at 59.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 648 people, reflecting Tiwi's quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate that Tiwi will gain 373 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely affecting this region. Key projects are Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade, Edgeview Court Water Main Replacement, CDU - Centre for Better Health Futures, and Casuarina Square Redevelopment. 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.

The labour market in Tiwi demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Tiwi has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.9% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.0% over the past year. As of that date, 1,353 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% lower than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%.

Workforce participation was at 63.4%, significantly lower than Greater Darwin's 72.5%. According to Census responses, only 4.6% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors among residents were health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Tiwi had a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

In contrast, public administration & safety employed only 15.6% of local workers, below Greater Darwin's 19.5%. There were 2.1 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating that Tiwi functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0% and labour force increased by 1.1%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In comparison, Greater Darwin recorded employment growth of 1.3%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment falling marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Tiwi. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Tiwi's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 15.1% over ten years, though it is important to note that 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

The median taxpayer income in Tiwi SA2 is $57,780, with an average of $67,928 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is roughly at the national average, contrasting with Greater Darwin's median income of $66,956 and average income of $77,199. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $63,217 (median) and $74,320 (average). Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Tiwi cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.5% of residents (858 people), similar to metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 36.7%. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income. Despite this, disposable income is at the 68th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Tiwi, as per the latest Census evaluation, 74.3% of dwellings were houses while 25.7% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Darwin metro's figures of 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tiwi stood at 26.0%, with mortgaged properties at 36.6% and rented dwellings at 37.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent in Tiwi was recorded as $375, compared to Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Tiwi's median mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were comparable at $375.

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

Family households constitute 67.5% of all households, including 28.7% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.5%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 5.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, aligning with the Greater Darwin average.

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

In Tiwi, educational attainment is notably high, with 38.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the Northern Territory's (NT) average of 27.3% and Australia's national average of 30.4%. The area's strong educational advantage can be attributed to a significant proportion of its residents having bachelor degrees (23.2%), postgraduate qualifications (11.3%), and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominently featured, with 29.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (20.4%).

Educational participation is notably high in Tiwi, with 33.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 8.0% in tertiary education, and 7.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 15 operational stops in Tiwi, offering mixed bus services. These stops cater to 39 routes, facilitating 2,531 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed excellent with residents typically situated 180 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most residents commute outward using cars at 85%, walking at 7% and cycling at 3%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 1.4. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 4.6% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 361 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 168 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Tiwi faces significant health challenges as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover in Tiwi is approximately 53% of the total population, which consists of around 1,389 people. This compares to a rate of 57.8% across Greater Darwin. The most prevalent medical conditions in Tiwi are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.5 and 7.6% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 68.8% of residents reported being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among the working-age population in Tiwi are broadly typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 19.7% of residents falling into this age group (519 people), compared to 11.0% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors in Tiwi present some challenges, with national rankings generally in line with the overall population.

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's cultural diversity is notable, with 34.6% of its population born overseas and 30.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Tiwi, accounting for 51.6% of the population. However, Buddhism stands out as overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin, comprising 3.2% versus 3.3%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (23.0%), English (19.3%), and Other (12.0%) are the top three groups represented in Tiwi's population. Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Filipino is slightly overrepresented at 3.7%, Australian Aboriginal is higher at 7.8% compared to the regional average of 7.0%, and Greek is also overrepresented at 3.8%.

Tiwi's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Tiwi's median age is 39 years, higher than Greater Darwin's average of 34 years. This figure is very close to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Darwin, Tiwi has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.9%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 9.0% to 11.6%, while the 35-44 age group has risen from 15.4% to 17.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 11.2% to 9.2%, and the 25-34 age group has fallen from 15.5% to 13.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Tiwi's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 62%, adding 102 residents to reach 270. Meanwhile, both the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.