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, as per AreaSearch's analysis, stands at approximately 2,585 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 74 individuals, marking a 2.9% rise since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,511. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,585 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 828 persons per square kilometer, relatively consistent with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth for Tiwi during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with Tiwi projected to grow by 393 persons to reach a total of 2,978 by 2041. This reflects a 15.2% increase over the 17-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 have been approved, with zero approvals recorded so far in FY26. The population decline during this period suggests that new supply has likely met demand, providing good options for buyers.

The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $441,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. This financial year has seen $17.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to Greater Darwin. Tiwi shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 59.0% fewer approvals per person than the regional average. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes but has accelerated recently. However, it remains below the national average, reflecting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

All recent development has been detached houses, maintaining Tiwi'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 (74.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 648 people, reflecting Tiwi's quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate a gain of 393 residents by 2041, which may pose challenges to housing supply if current development rates continue, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

AreaSearch has identified six projects that could impact the local area's performance. These include Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade, Edgeview Court Water Main Replacement, CDU - Centre for Better Health Futures, Casuarina Square Redevelopment. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Tiwi has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, with estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year as of September 2025. There are 1,349 residents employed, matching Greater Darwin's unemployment rate of 3.1%.

However, workforce participation lags at 65.3%, compared to Greater Darwin's 76.0%. Census data shows that only 4.6% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Tiwi specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

Public administration & safety employs 15.6% of local workers, below Greater Darwin's 19.5%. There are 2.1 workers per resident, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5%, labour force grew by 1.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. Greater Darwin recorded employment growth of 1.9% during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tiwi's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 15.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is approximately average nationally, contrasting with Greater Darwin's median income of $66,956 and average income of $77,199. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $62,657 (median) and $73,661 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Tiwi cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, 32.5% of residents fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket (840 people), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 36.7%. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. 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

As evaluated at the latest Census, dwelling structures in Tiwi comprised 74.3% houses and 25.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Darwin metro's 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Home ownership within Tiwi was at 26.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.6% and rented ones at 37.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent figure in Tiwi was recorded at $375, compared to Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Tiwi's mortgage repayments were higher than 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 comprise the remaining 32.5%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households making up 5.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Darwin average.

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

Educational attainment among Tiwi residents aged 15 and above is notably high at 38.8%, exceeding the Northern Territory's average of 27.3% and Australia's average of 30.4%. This higher educational level positions Tiwi favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent, held by 23.2% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 29.6% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 20.4%.

Educational participation is notably high, 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

Public transport analysis shows 15 active stops operating within Tiwi. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 39 individual routes that facilitate 2,531 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 180 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 7% walking and 3% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 4.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 361 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,359 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Darwin's 57.8%. The most common medical conditions in Tiwi are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.5% and 7.6% of residents respectively. 68.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (512 people), higher than Greater Darwin's 10.8%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 34.6% of its population born overseas and 30.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Tiwi, comprising 51.6% of the population. Buddhism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin, making up 3.2% of Tiwi's population versus 3.3%.

The top three ancestry groups in Tiwi are Australian (23.0%), English (19.3%), and Other (12.0%). Notably, Filipino (3.7%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 3.8%, as are Australian Aboriginal (7.8% vs 7.0%) and Greek (3.8% vs 2.3%).

Tiwi's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Tiwi's median age is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Darwin's average of 34 years and very close to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Darwin, Tiwi has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (10.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.8%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.0% to 11.7%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 15.4% to 17.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 11.2% to 9.4%, and the 25-34 group decreased from 15.5% to 13.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Tiwi's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 64%, adding 101 residents to reach 260. Meanwhile, both the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.