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 of November 2025, is approximately 2,585 people. This figure represents an increase of 74 individuals from the 2021 Census count of 2,511 people, reflecting a growth rate of 2.9%. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,585 in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 828 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages observed across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 statistical areas analyzed by AreaSearch. Tiwi is expected to grow by 393 persons to reach a total of 2,978 people by the year 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 15.2% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 decline during this period suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $441,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY26, there have been $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. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, though building activity has accelerated recently. However, this remains below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

Recent development has been exclusively 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, indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 648 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Tiwi will gain 393 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 the region. Notable projects include the 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.

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 is 3.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year as of September 2025.

There are 1,349 residents in work, matching Greater Darwin's unemployment rate of 3.1%. However, workforce participation lags at 58.7% compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include 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, while public administration & safety employs only 15.6% of local workers, below Greater Darwin's 19.5%.

There are 2.1 workers for every resident, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5%, labour force increased by 1.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Darwin recorded employment growth of 1.9%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NT employment contracted by 1.13% (losing 4,100 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.4%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 15.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tiwi's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 15.1% over ten years, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Tiwi SA2 is $56,844, with an average of $66,201, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is slightly above the national average, contrasting with Greater Darwin's median income of $65,522 and average income of $75,260. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $63,671 (median) and $74,152 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Tiwi cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. The income distribution reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.5% of residents (840 people), similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort also 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 fifth 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, with the remaining 25.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Darwin metro's figures of 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tiwi stood at 26.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.6% and rented ones at 37.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,028. The median weekly rent in Tiwi was $375, compared to Darwin metro's $350. Nationally, Tiwi's 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 lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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 make up 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, which is smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.7.

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

In Tiwi, a significant proportion of residents aged 15 and above have achieved university qualifications, with 38.8% surpassing the Northern Territory's (NT) average of 27.3% and Australia's average of 30.4%. This high educational attainment is driven by bachelor degrees, which are held by 23.2% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.3% and graduate diplomas at 4.3%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.6% of residents 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 high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Analysis of public transport in Tiwi indicates that there are currently fifteen active transport stops operating, all of which service buses. These stops are serviced by thirty-seven individual routes, collectively providing two thousand three hundred fourteen weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located one hundred eighty meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages three hundred thirty trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one hundred fifty-four weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Tiwi is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Tiwi faces significant health challenges with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~1,354 people), which compares to 56.7% across Greater Darwin.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.5 and 7.6% of residents respectively, while 68.8% declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 77.0% across Greater Darwin. As of 2016, 19.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (503 people), which is higher than the 12.3% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than the broader 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 high cultural diversity, with 34.6% of its population born overseas and 30.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in Tiwi is Christianity, accounting for 51.6% of the population. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin, comprising 3.2% versus 4.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (23.0%), English (19.3%), and Other (12.0%). Notably, Filipino representation is higher at 3.7% in Tiwi than regionally (4.7%), while Australian Aboriginal is slightly higher at 7.8% versus 7.4%. Greek representation is also notably high at 3.8%, similar to the regional percentage of 3.7%.

Tiwi's population is slightly older than the national pattern

At 39 years, Tiwi's median age is considerably higher than Greater Darwin's average of 34 years, and it is very close to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Darwin, Tiwi has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (9.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.0% to 11.2%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 15.4% to 17.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.2%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 11.2% to 9.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Tiwi's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow strongly, adding 105 residents to reach a total of 260. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is expected to contract by 21 residents.