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 the Coconut Grove statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,007. This figure represents a growth of 115 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,892. The latest estimate was derived from AreaSearch's analysis of ABS resident population data released in June 2024 and address validation conducted post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,117 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 70% of recent population gains.

AreaSearch employs 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 uses age cohort-specific growth rates provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, an above-median population growth is anticipated for the Coconut Grove (SA2), with a projected increase of 608 persons to reach 3,615 by 2041. This reflects a total gain of 20.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Coconut Grove has recorded just one dwelling approval between 2017 and 2022. This indicates a mature, established suburb where available land for new construction is limited. For buyers, this scarcity of new housing stock typically supports property values and means competition may be primarily among existing homes.

Compared to Greater Darwin, Coconut Grove records markedly lower building activity. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. Nevertheless, it remains under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

Coconut Grove has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. Two projects identified by AreaSearch are likely to affect this region. Key projects include Social Housing Accelerator Payment (SHAP) for 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 most relevant.

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

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Coconut Grove shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Coconut Grove has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.1% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of that month, 1,680 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 3.0% higher than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%. Workforce participation in Coconut Grove lagged behind Greater Darwin at 64.6% compared to 69.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and accommodation & food sectors. The area specializes particularly in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety is under-represented at 12.9% compared to Greater Darwin's 19.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4%, while the labour force also grew by 1.4%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Greater Darwin experienced employment growth of 1.9% over the same period. State-level data from November 25 shows NT employment contracted by 1.13%, losing 4,100 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 4.4%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Coconut Grove had a median income among taxpayers of $54,745 and an average income of $63,757 in the financial year 2023. These figures are lower than those for Greater Darwin, which were $66,956 and $77,199 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $59,365 and the average income $69,138, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023. According to census data, personal income ranks at the 69th percentile with weekly earnings of $913, while household income is at the 38th percentile. The predominant income cohort in Coconut Grove comprises 31.9% (959 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to the surrounding region where 36.7% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 37th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Darwin metro had 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coconut Grove was at 14.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.7% and rented ones at 62.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, lower than Darwin metro's $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 account for 56.2% of all households, consisting of 21.5% couples with children, 23.6% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 43.8%, with lone person households at 37.7% and group households comprising 6.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.7 people.

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

Coconut Grove's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 40.7% have university qualifications, compared to 27.3% in the Northern Territory (NT) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 14.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.4%. Vocational credentials are held by 28.5% of residents aged 15+, with 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.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Coconut Grove shows that there are currently 13 operational transport stops. These stops offer a variety of bus services, with a total of 36 different routes serving the area. This results in approximately 2,131 weekly passenger trips across all routes.

The accessibility of these transport options is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing within 170 meters of their nearest stop. On average, there are about 304 daily trips across all routes, which equates to around 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. However, older and at-risk cohorts have a higher prevalence compared to national averages.

Approximately 52% (~1,564 people) of Coconut Grove's population has private health cover, slightly lower than the average for SA2 areas (57.4%) in Greater Darwin. Mental health issues affect 6.2% and arthritis impacts 5.6% of residents, while 75.6% report no medical ailments. This compares to 77.0% across Greater Darwin. Coconut Grove has a higher proportion of seniors (14.7%, or 442 people) than Greater Darwin (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 cultural diversity, with 44.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 46.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Coconut Grove, accounting for 36.9% of people. Hinduism, however, is notably overrepresented at 12.9%, compared to the Greater Darwin average of 5.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (23.3%), English (16.9%), and Australian (13.1%). The 'Other' group is significantly higher than the regional average of 16.3%, while Australians are notably underrepresented compared to the regional average of 19.4%. There are also notable differences in the representation of Filipino, Australian Aboriginal, and Spanish ethnic groups.

Coconut Grove's population is younger than the national pattern

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