Alawa

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

The population of Alawa, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and address validation, is around 2,208 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,078 people, representing a growth of 130 individuals or approximately 6.3%. AreaSearch's estimate is based on the resident population of 2,206 inferred from the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. The estimated population density for Alawa is around 1,780 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Alawa's growth rate of 6.3% since the census compares favorably to other SA3 areas, being within 1.3 percentage points of the average growth rate for these areas (7.6%). The primary driver behind this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Alawa are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas. 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). Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of national areas for Alawa. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by approximately 213 persons to reach around 2,421 inhabitants by the year 2041, reflecting an overall increase of about 9.6% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Alawa shows virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years. Specifically, an estimated 4 homes have been approved over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25 inclusive. So far in FY-26, recorded approvals total 0. The average population growth per dwelling built during this period is 0.8 people per year.

This suggests that new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and potentially enabling population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new properties in Alawa is $172,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, there have been commercial approvals totalling $24,000, predominantly focusing on residential development. Compared to Greater Darwin, Alawa shows substantially reduced construction, with 80.0% fewer dwelling approvals per person than the regional average. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties in the area. The population density of approximately 4393 people per dwelling approval reflects a highly mature market in Alawa, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations. All new construction in Alawa has been comprised of detached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

Alawa has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 2ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely affecting Darwin: Social Housing Accelerator Payment (SHAP) in Greater Darwin/Nightcliff, Casuarina Square Redevelopment, CDU's Centre for Better Health Futures, and Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

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

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The employment landscape in Alawa shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Alawa has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.5% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.1%. Residents' employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and accommodation & food. The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level, but public administration & safety has limited presence at 14.6% compared to the regional 19.5%. Workforce participation is lower than Greater Darwin's at 65.3%, while unemployment rate is higher at 1.5%.

Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.1% and labour force by 2.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Darwin saw employment grow by 2.9% and labour force expand by 2.9%, with a marginal fall in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Alawa's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

Alawa's median taxpayer income was $54,865 with an average of $63,896 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, contrasting with Greater Darwin's median income of $65,522 and average income of $75,260. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $61,454 and average income $71,570 based on a 12.01% growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census showed household incomes in Alawa clustered around the 70th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 34.8% of residents (768 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing costs account for 13.8% of income while strong earnings rank residents in the 74th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Alawa, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 88.0% houses and 12.0% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Darwin metro had a structure of 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Alawa stood at 23.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.4% and rented ones at 36.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,777, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,028. The median weekly rent figure for Alawa was $340, compared to Darwin metro's $350. Nationally, Alawa's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Alawa features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.0% of all households, including 33.6% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.0%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households comprising 7.1%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.7.

Educational attainment in Alawa aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally. University qualification rates exceed the Northern Territory average of 27.3% and the Australian average of 30.4%, standing at 35.7% for residents aged 15+. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%).

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 20.2%. Educational participation is high, with 35.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 8.2% in tertiary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education. Nemarluk School and Alawa Primary School serve the area, collectively educating 431 students. These schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. The area's educational opportunities are balanced, as indicated by its ICSEA score of 961, which is typical for Australian schools.

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

Alawa has 14 functioning public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are covered by 29 different routes that together facilitate 2,162 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with the average distance to the nearest stop being 150 meters.

On average, there are 308 daily trips across all routes, which amounts to about 154 weekly trips per individual stop.

Alawa's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Alawa. Both young and old age cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~1,149 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly lower than Greater Darwin's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (5.7%) and asthma (5.6%). A majority, 76.5%, declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Darwin's 77.0%. Alawa has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 12.6% (278 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Alawa is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Alawa has a high level of cultural diversity, with 38.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 41.5% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Alawa, comprising 38.2% of people. Buddhism is overrepresented in Alawa compared to Greater Darwin, making up 5.3% versus 4.1%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (19.6%), Other (17.3%), and Australian (17.2%). Notably, Filipino (4.8%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 4.7%, as are New Zealanders (1.2% vs 0.5%) and Greeks (4.1% vs 3.7%).

Alawa's population is younger than the national pattern

Alawa's median age is 35 years, comparable to Greater Darwin's average of 34 years and marginally lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Relative to Greater Darwin, Alawa has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (15.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.9%). According to post-2021 Census data, the age group of 5-14 has grown from 13.8% to 15.1%, while the age group of 15-24 increased from 11.1% to 12.3%. Conversely, the age group of 25-34 has declined from 17.3% to 14.9%, and the age group of 65-74 dropped from 8.6% to 7.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Alawa's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041. The age cohort of 45-54 is projected to grow the strongest at 32%, adding 93 residents to reach a total of 383. However, population declines are projected for the age groups of 0-4 and 65-74.