Suburb profile · Greater Darwin
Alawa has an estimated 2,267 residents, up 9.1% since the 2021 Census, with 9 projects tracked in the area around Alawa.
Updated 15 Oct 2026.
Order a reportDraw your own catchment
You are viewing the free Snapshot. Dashboard puts rankings, rents, projects and services on one screen, and Full adds every chapter with charts and maps. Dashboard and Full are included with AreaSearch Operator and Pro, or unlocked by the area's Area Expert. You need to log in to open them.
The suburb of Alawa is located 9.8 kilometres north-northeast from Darwin CBD. Based on AreaSearch analysis of aggregated SA2-level ERP counts, released yearly, and national address file data updated each quarter, its population is estimated at around 2,267 as of Aug 2026. This represents an increase of 189 people (9.1%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded 2,078 people. The suburb is noted for severely limited dwelling supply, a high population born overseas, a notable 35 to 44yo presence, elevated representation of residents aged 5 to 14yo, a pronounced hospitality employment base and substantial public administration employment. Residents include a high proportion of working age people, largely in group households, while population growth remains limited.
In NT, Australia, Alawa is known for a serene, laid-back atmosphere and a relaxed lifestyle. Green spaces, including parks, gardens and nature reserves, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and connecting with nature.
Free with an AreaSearch account. Pro is not needed.Free. Built in your browser.
01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
The suburb of Alawa is located 9.8 kilometres north-northeast from Darwin CBD. Based on AreaSearch analysis of aggregated SA2-level ERP counts, released yearly, and national address file data updated each quarter, its population is estimated at around 2,267 as of Aug 2026. This represents an increase of 189 people (9.1%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded 2,078 people. The suburb is noted for severely limited dwelling supply, a high population born overseas, a notable 35 to 44yo presence, elevated representation of residents aged 5 to 14yo, a pronounced hospitality employment base and substantial public administration employment. Residents include a high proportion of working age people, largely in group households, while population growth remains limited.
In NT, Australia, Alawa is known for a serene, laid-back atmosphere and a relaxed lifestyle. Green spaces, including parks, gardens and nature reserves, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and connecting with nature.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 2,311 in 2006 and 2,267 in 2025. The Aug 2026 estimate (ABS June 2025 base) is the same.
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 35 to 44, 17.6%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 34.8%.
Alawa ranks in the 83rd percentile nationally for cultural diversity and the 72nd for transport & access.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
AreaSearch tracks 9 projects in and around Alawa, 3 of them under construction.
The Australian Government committed $50 million to deliver up to 100 new social and accessible homes across the Northern Territory under the Social Housing Accelerator Payment (SHAP). The NT Government is delivering the program, with homes built to adaptable standards to suit seniors and people with mobility issues.
Construction of a new three-storey mental health inpatient facility providing acute inpatient beds and a Stabilisation Assessment and Referral Area (SARA). The facility connects to the Emergency Department via an elevated enclosed walkway, with internal fitouts currently progressing toward completion.
Sea Breeze is a six storey residential and commercial development on the corner of Progress Drive and Dick Ward Drive in Coconut Grove, on the fringe of the Nightcliff Commercial Precinct in Darwin.
A new $26.8 million aquatic and leisure centre in Casuarina, featuring an 8-lane 50m pool, a resort-style lagoon pool, a learn-to-swim pool, wet and dry play areas, a cafe, BBQ facilities, a gymnasium, and a basketball 3-on-3 court. The project was funded by the City of Darwin and the Australian Government.
A purpose-built facility for young people aged 10 to 17 at Leanyer Recreation Park in Darwin's northern suburbs, providing a safe, structured space for after-hours and school holiday programs, mentoring, skill development, and support services.
Construction of approximately 430 metres of replacement DN150 DICL water main in Edgeview Court, Leanyer, including decommissioning and removal of the existing asbestos water main.
The Northern Territory Government is constructing a new classroom building at Leanyer Primary School.
4800m2 of deck Formwork and concrete placement to 5 storey High rise apartment block.
A conceptual master plan by Rossi Architects for the redevelopment of the Nightcliff Sports Club precinct in Darwin's northern suburbs. The club is home to lawn bowls greens, a bistro, bars and gaming facilities, and supports affiliated Darwin sporting clubs including Nightcliff Bowls, Nightcliff Football (Tigers), Nightcliff Cricket, Nightcliff Netball and…
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 2 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2026 2. 3 have no completion year.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS building approvals | 0.4 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 6th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 1 | ABS building approvals | 7th percentile nationally |
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of Alawa area has seen 2 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Alawa's current population of 2,267 has been supported by 1 approval on average over recent years.
The suburb of Alawa has seen 0.4 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 2.6 approvals in Greater Darwin. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 2265 people in the suburb of Alawa, compared to one for every 339 in Greater Darwin.
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Alawa's approval levels have been below the yearly average of 1, indicating a recent decline in approval activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of Alawa has grown by approximately 83 people, while 4 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 20.8 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Alawa include: Casuarina Square Redevelopment (Construction); CDU - Centre for Better Health Futures (Completed); Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade (Construction); Royal Darwin Hospital Expansion (Construction); and Social Housing Accelerator Payment (SHAP) - Greater Darwin / Nightcliff (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Alawa spans multiple sectors including Precincts & Urban Renewal, Communities, and Health & Medical, among others.
Infrastructure development activity impacting the suburb of Alawa currently ranks below national averages at the 14th percentile.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
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.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,267 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +9.1% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 64th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 1,828 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 67th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | -0.2% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 2,078 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 189 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +1.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +0.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 1.24 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Alawa was estimated to be approximately 2,267 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 2,267 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of Alawa has added approximately 189 people and shown a 9.10% increase from the 2,078 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Alawa is estimated at 1,828 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Alawa has shown a compound annual growth rate of -0.2% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Alawa is driven by: Overseas migration (78.0%), Natural increase (22.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 78.0% of overall population gains.
Alawa's population is younger than the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 35 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 24th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 12.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 22.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 25.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 53.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 35 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 6.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 16.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 11.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 14.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 17.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 12.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 8.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 6.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 5.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 0.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Alawa at 35 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 35 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 35 years as at August 2026, Alawa is comparable to the Greater Darwin 2021 Census average (34 years) yet 3 years younger than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Alawa compared to the Greater Darwin region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 16.4% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Alawa compared to the Greater Darwin region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 14.0% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the suburb of Alawa show significant variance compared to Greater Darwin. The most over-represented age group is 75-84 year-olds (5.3% vs 3.3%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 22.4% of the population in the suburb of Alawa as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 12.6% of the population in the suburb of Alawa as at August 2026.
Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $57,882 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 45th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $68,832 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $2,083 | 2021 Census, weekly | 71st percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $915 | 2021 Census, weekly | 69th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 28.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $2,186 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 19.1% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Alawa is approximately $61,471. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $57,882.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Alawa is approximately $73,100. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $68,832.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Alawa is approximately $61,471 compared to $74,514 in Greater Darwin. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $57,882 and $70,164 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Alawa is approximately $73,100 compared to $86,622 in Greater Darwin. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $68,832 and $81,565 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Alawa's households (~34.8% / 236 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Alawa is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 34.8% of households. In comparison, Greater Darwin's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 36.7% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Alawa is $2,083/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Alawa is $2,186/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Alawa is $915/wk.
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-24 reveals that income in the suburb of Alawa is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $57,882 while the average income stands at $68,832. This contrasts to Greater Darwin's figures of a median income of $70,164 and an average income of $81,565. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.2% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $61,471 (median) and $73,100 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Alawa is $7,784 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of Alawa's disposable income is $7,784 compared to $8,044 for Greater Darwin, based on AreaSearch analysis.
AreaSearch analysis reveals Alawa recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 69.1% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 1,149 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 1,807 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 1,213 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Alawa has approximately 1,149 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 5.3%. The unemployment rate is moderate, indicating some available workforce capacity. Employment indicators are below the national average, suggesting room for improvement.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Alawa stands at 5.3%, which is 1.8 percentage points above Greater Darwin's rate of 3.5%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Alawa is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (17.4% of employment), public administration & safety (14.6%), and accommodation & food (9.8%). Other significant employers include education & training and construction.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Alawa has experienced a decline in employment, with total jobs decreasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Greater Darwin saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Alawa is 69.1%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate trailing the Greater Darwin average of 72.9%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Greater Darwin.
The suburb of Alawa shows notable specialisation in health care & social assistance, which employs 17.4% of the local workforce compared to 14.2% across Greater Darwin. This moderate specialisation indicates some local strength in the sector.
The long-run outlook for employment is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
The suburb of Alawa's employment market shows below-average performance in national comparisons. While employment opportunities exist, the area faces more challenges than many other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 12.8% decline, ranking 37th out of 37 regions nationally.
Educational attainment in Alawa sits close to the middle of locations nationally, based on AreaSearch's ranking of qualification and performance metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 20.5% | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 11.5% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 35.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 20.2% | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 3.7% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 10.3% | 2021 Census | 42nd percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 33.8% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 35.5% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 8.2% | 2021 Census | 87th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 12.1% | 2021 Census | 81st percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 6.8% | 2021 Census | 25th percentile nationally |
35.7% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Alawa have university qualifications, compared to 31.3% in Greater Darwin.
33.8% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Alawa have no formal qualifications, compared to 32.6% in Greater Darwin.
The suburb of Alawa ranks in the 46th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Alawa are: Bachelor Degree (20.5%), Certificate (20.2%), Postgraduate (11.5%).
35.5% of the population in the suburb of Alawa is currently engaged in formal education, including 12.1% in primary school, 6.8% in secondary school, 8.2% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Alawa is 961, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 2 schools within the suburb of Alawa, with a combined enrollment of approximately 431 students.
The suburb of Alawa includes 2 primary schools.
Alawa features high concentrations of group households and single parent families but relatively few lone person households, with a larger average household size than Greater Darwin.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.8 people | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 17.4% | 2021 Census | 18th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 33.6% | 2021 Census | 61st percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 26.2% | 2021 Census | 44th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 13.8% | 2021 Census | 82nd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 7.1% | 2021 Census | 91st percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 679 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 741 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 75.4% | 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.5 per family | 2021 Census | 32nd percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Alawa had 679 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 9.1% to an estimated 741 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Alawa is 2.8 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Darwin and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 75.4% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (17.4%), group households (7.1%), and other household types (0.1%).
Of the 512 family households, couples with children account for 33.6% of all households, couples without children at home 26.2%, and single parent families 13.8%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Darwin, the suburb of Alawa shows distinct household patterns. Conversely, lone person households are under-represented at 17.4% compared to 23.4% in Greater Darwin. This family-oriented profile influences local demand for family homes, schools, and children's services.
Families in the suburb of Alawa have an average of 1.5 children, slightly above the Greater Darwin average of 1.4. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 40.2% of the adult population are currently married, while 42.8% have never married. This compares to 42.3% married and 43.1% never married across Greater Darwin.
Single-person households represent 17.4% of all households in the suburb of Alawa, notably lower than the average for Greater Darwin of 23.4%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 7.1% of households, above the Greater Darwin average of 5.6%. This higher rate points to more student or young professional shared accommodation.
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.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 41.5% | 2021 Census | 82nd percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 38.1% | 2021 Census | 81st percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 61.9% | 2021 Census | 18th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 73.1% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 58.5% | 2021 Census | 17th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 6.0% | 2021 Census | 91st percentile nationally |
Alawa scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 38.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 41.5% born overseas.
Christianity is the most commonly reported religion in Alawa, at 38.2% of people, although more residents (44.1%) reported no religion. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which comprises 5.3% of the population, compared to 3.3% across Greater Darwin.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Alawa are English, comprising 19.6% of the population, Other, comprising 17.3% of the population, and Australian, comprising 17.2% of the population, which is notably lower than Greater Darwin's 22.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 4.8% of Alawa (vs 3.8% across Greater Darwin), New Zealand at 1.2% (vs 0.6%) and Greek at 4.1% (vs 2.3%).
41.5% of the suburb of Alawa population was born overseas, compared to 30.3% across Greater Darwin.
38.1% of the population in the suburb of Alawa speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 26.1% in Greater Darwin.
6.0% of the suburb of Alawa population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 7.0% in Greater Darwin.
73.1% of the suburb of Alawa population holds citizenship, compared to 77.8% in Greater Darwin.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Alawa is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 36.8% | 2021 Census | 71st percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 23.8% | 2021 Census | 22nd percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 88.0% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,777 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 47th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 39.4% | 2021 Census | 64th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 2.4% | 2021 Census | 20th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $340 | 2021 Census, weekly | 38th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 16.3% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 12th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 19.7% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 13th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.9 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 87th percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Alawa, 23.8% of homes are owned outright, 39.4% are owned with a mortgage, and 36.8% are rented.
According to the latest data, 88.0% of dwellings in the suburb of Alawa are houses.
In the suburb of Alawa, 9.0% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 2.4% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Alawa stands at 23.8%, compared to 17.9% in Greater Darwin.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Alawa is $1,777, compared to $2,100 in Greater Darwin.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Alawa is $1,242, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Alawa, households with mortgages typically spend 19.7% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 16.3% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Alawa is 0.9, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Alawa shows mortgage holders spending 19.7% of income on repayments (vs 21.9% in Greater Darwin), while renters spend 16.3% of income on rent (vs 17.4% in Greater Darwin).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Alawa consists of 88.0% detached houses, 2.4% semi-detached dwellings, 9.0% apartments, and 0.6% other dwelling types.
Housing in Alawa consumes approximately 13.8% of median household income ($9,019 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Development activity remains minimal in this area with fewer than 5 recent applications recorded.
Alawa's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 52.2% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 43rd percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 76.5% | 2021 Census | 85th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 5.3% | 2021 Census | 49th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 82.2% | 2021 Census | 86th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 1.4% | 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
Around 52.2% of people in the suburb of Alawa are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 58.1% in Greater Darwin.
In the suburb of Alawa, 5.3% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 3.7% of people in Greater Darwin require similar assistance.
5.6% of people in the suburb of Alawa are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 6.1% of the population across Greater Darwin is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 5.1% of the suburb of Alawa population, while in Greater Darwin, 3.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
3.4% of people in the suburb of Alawa have heart disease. Across Greater Darwin,2.5% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Alawa, 52.2% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Darwin sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 58.1%.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 72 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 72nd percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 12 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 12th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 970 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 34th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 189 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 21 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.6 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 4.6% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 12 public transport stops within the suburb of Alawa.
The suburb of Alawa has 970 weekly trips across 21 routes, averaging 138 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 155 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 333 m away and the nearest school 341 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 12 stops nearby, 970 weekly trips, access rating 72 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 4 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 4th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 333 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 341 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 397 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 824 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest bank | 898 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 899 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 899 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 974 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 1.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 1.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 2.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA).
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Alawa is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Alawa.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is lower than average in Alawa compared with local real estate markets nationally.
Alawa has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14th percentile nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
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.
Alawa's population is younger than the national pattern.
Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch.
AreaSearch analysis reveals Alawa recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide.
Educational attainment in Alawa sits close to the middle of locations nationally, based on AreaSearch's ranking of qualification and performance metrics.
Alawa features high concentrations of group households and single parent families but relatively few lone person households, with a larger average household size than Greater Darwin.
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 is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Alawa's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be below the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Alawa has an estimated 2,267 residents, up 9.1% since the 2021 Census, with 9 projects tracked in the area around Alawa.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 15 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Alawa.
Data currency
Refreshed . Population and age estimated to Aug 2026 and taxable income FY 2024. Housing and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL70003). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, infrastructure projects, employment, households, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Alawa from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Alawa with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
