Coconut Grove

An assessment of population growth drivers in Coconut Grove reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Coconut Grove is around 3,007. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,892 people, marking a rise of 115 individuals (4.0%). AreaSearch validated these numbers following analysis of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,117 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.0% to recent population gains in the suburb.

AreaSearch uses 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 post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch applies age cohort-based growth rates provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering these projections, Coconut Grove is expected to experience above median population growth nationally. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to expand by 608 persons, reflecting a total gain of 20.2% over 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates virtually no dwelling approvals in Coconut Grove over the past five financial years. Specifically, one home was approved between FY21 and FY25, with none yet recorded for FY26.

This trend coincides with population decline in the area, suggesting that new supply has been meeting demand, offering buyers good choice. Commercial approvals this year total $45,000, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Darwin, Coconut Grove shows significantly reduced construction activity. The scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, recent construction activity has intensified but remains below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

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

Two projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Social Housing Accelerator Payment (SHAP) - Greater Darwin / Nightcliff, John Stokes Square Redevelopment, Darwin Mid Suburbs Area Plan, and Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade. 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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AreaSearch analysis reveals Coconut Grove recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Coconut Grove has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 5.8% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.2%.

As of June 2025, 1,723 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 2.8% higher than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.0%. Workforce participation in Coconut Grove was 64.6%, compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and accommodation & food. Health care & social assistance has a notable concentration with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 12.9% of Coconut Grove's workforce compared to 19.5% in Greater Darwin. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by the count of Census working population to local population. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 3.2%, and labour force increased by 3.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Darwin recorded employment growth of 2.9% and a marginal decrease in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coconut Grove's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 on Coconut Grove. The median income among taxpayers was $54,745 with an average of $63,757. This is below the national average. Greater Darwin had a median income of $65,522 and an average of $75,260 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for Coconut Grove would be approximately $61,320 (median) and $71,414 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows personal income ranks at the 69th percentile ($913 weekly), while household income is at the 38th percentile. Income distribution reveals that 31.9% of locals (959 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to broader metropolitan trends at 36.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 82.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 37th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Coconut Grove displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Coconut Grove's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 23.7% houses and 76.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differs from Darwin metro's structure which was 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coconut Grove stood at 14.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.7% and rented ones at 62.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,600, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,028. Median weekly rent in Coconut Grove was $300, compared to Darwin metro's $350. Nationally, Coconut Grove's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Coconut Grove features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 56.2% of all households, including 21.5% couples with children, 23.6% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 43.8%, with lone person households at 37.7% and group households making up 6.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.7.

Coconut Grove demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Coconut Grove is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 40.7% hold university qualifications, compared to 27.3% in Northern Territory (NT) and 30.4% nationally in Australia. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 14.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.4%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 28.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 17.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in tertiary education, 6.7% in primary education, and 5.1% pursuing secondary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Public transport analysis conducted in Coconut Grove identified 13 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops are served by a mix of buses along 34 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,127 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 170 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 303 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 163 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Coconut Grove is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Coconut Grove shows better-than-average health outcomes with lower prevalence of common conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, it has a higher prevalence among older, at-risk cohorts.

As of 2016, approximately 52% (~1,564 people) have private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area's 50%. This compares to Greater Darwin's 56.7%. The most prevalent conditions are mental health issues (6.2%) and arthritis (5.6%), with 75.6% of residents reporting no medical ailments. This is similar to Greater Darwin's 77.0%. As of 2016, 14.7% (442 people) of Coconut Grove's population is aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Darwin's 12.3%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

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

Coconut Grove has a high level of linguistic diversity, with 44.3% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home. Additionally, 46.5% of the population was born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Coconut Grove, making up 36.9% of the population.

However, Hinduism stands out as it comprises 12.9%, which is significantly higher than the Greater Darwin average of 5.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are 'Other', at 23.3%, English at 16.9%, and Australian at 13.1%. Notably, the 'Other' group is higher than the regional average of 16.3%, while the Australian group is lower at 13.1% compared to the regional average of 19.4%. There are also notable differences in the representation of Filipino (5.2% vs regional 4.7%), Australian Aboriginal (8.6% vs regional 7.4%), and Spanish (0.8% vs regional 0.5%) ethnic groups in Coconut Grove compared to the Greater Darwin region.

Coconut Grove's population is younger than the national pattern

Coconut Grove's median age is 35, comparable to Greater Darwin's average of 34 and marginally lower than the national average of 38. Relative to Greater Darwin, Coconut Grove has a higher concentration of 25-34 year-olds at 22.8%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 7.7%. This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.2% to 5.1% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 24.0% to 22.8%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 11.0% to 9.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that Coconut Grove's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 42%, adding 130 residents to reach 440. The 0 to 4 group displays more modest growth at 4%, adding only 8 residents.