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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
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 comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Galiwinku has an estimated 2,244 residents, up from 2,199 at the 2021 Census — a change of 45 people, or 2.0%. That puts 463 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Synthesising recent ABS regional population releases alongside new addresses confirmed by AreaSearch following the Census, the suburb of Galiwinku has an estimated population of approximately 2,244 as of Aug 2026. This indicates an addition of 45 people (2.0%) compared to the 2,199 people recorded at the 2021 Census. Such growth is drawn from an estimated resident population of 2,239, calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS ERP release from June 2025 together with 8 validated new addresses registered since the Census date. Consequently, the suburb of Galiwinku records a population density of 462 persons per square kilometer, offering ample room per person along with capacity for additional development.
In recent periods, population expansion was overwhelmingly underpinned by natural growth, accounting for roughly 90.0% of total demographic additions. Projections for the suburb of Galiwinku integrate ABS/Geoscience Australia modeling for each SA2 area, published in 2024 using 2022 as a baseline. Across SA2 localities without direct coverage and for growth modeling beyond 2032, cohort-based expansion rates from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, based on 2022 data) are utilised. Accounting for these shifting demographic trends, population expansion is anticipated to track slightly under the non-metropolitan Australian median, with aggregated SA2-level figures projecting an addition of 145 persons by 2041, which represents an overall gain of 6.2% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building approvals in Galiwinku remain subdued, with a yearly approval rate of 1 new dwellings (amounting to 9 approvals over five years). Such quiet construction metrics are characteristic of remote settings, where development activity responds to tailored local community housing requirements rather than broader market forces. Because the sample size is relatively limited, individual building projects can create notable fluctuations in annual growth rates and comparative measures. Building activity across Galiwinku lags far behind levels observed in Rest of NT, while also sitting considerably below nationwide norms. According to the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch, Galiwinku is projected to expand by 140 residents by 2041.
Given prevailing rates of residential construction, dwelling creation could struggle to keep pace with demographic expansion, which may intensify local buyer competition and place upward pressure on values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Galiwinku
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 6 current infrastructure and development projects close to Galiwinku, worth an estimated $104 million. 3 are already under construction and 3 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, transport & logistics and ports, marinas, fisheries & aquaculture. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Major infrastructure developments, planning schemes, and capital works play a pivotal role in shaping community outcomes. AreaSearch has identified no qualifying major projects likely to directly impact the local area. Broader regional initiatives include Northern Territory Freight Rail And Logistics Capacity Improvements, Network Optimisation Program - Rail, Coastal Hazards Adaptation Strategy, and Enabling Digital Health Services for Regional and Remote Australia, with details of relevant works outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Gunyangara (Gove Port) Tourism Precinct
A $9.3 million upgrade of marine and land tourism infrastructure at Inverell Bay, Gunyangara, near Nhulunbuy, to support tourism and marine industry growth in East Arnhem as the region diversifies away from mining. Works delivered over three packages included a new 100 metre extended rock groyne, careening facilities for vessel maintenance, a 60 metre detachable floating pontoon, a washdown bay, sealed car park and lighting upgrades, a new entry structure, toilet facilities, and shade and seating at Gove Boat Club.Early works were completed in 2022, with the main $6.9 million construction package running from September 2024 to August 2025. The project achieved 28 percent Aboriginal employment and was officially opened in December 2025. Gove Boat Club now operates the facilities in collaboration with the Ngarrariyal Aboriginal Corporation and Gumatj Corporation.
Bunggulwuy Close Housing Development
A landmark $7 million community-led housing initiative to deliver 11 new two-bedroom units (four duplexes and a triplex) in Nhulunbuy. The homes are designed to meet long-term accommodation needs for essential service providers like St John NT and Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, and the project includes a strong commitment to Aboriginal employment and training opportunities, supporting the post-mining economic transition of the region.
Nhulunbuy Master Plan
A strategic roadmap guiding the redevelopment and renewal of Nhulunbuy as it transitions from a mining town to a sustainable regional hub. The plan translates the Yolngu Traditional Owners' Vision into a framework for future land tenure, essential services, and infrastructure, ensuring long-term liveability post-2029 mine closure.
Supporting Growth in Katherine East (Katherine East Residential Estate)
NT Government and Australian Government enabling infrastructure project delivering serviced flood-free land in Katherine East. Stage 1 works including Corymbia Drive, earthworks, roads, stormwater, sewer and electrical infrastructure have been completed. Budget 2024 provided a further AUD16 million for a sewer pump station, sewer network and additional subdivision works to support the future release of more than 350 residential lots together with neighbourhood retail, commercial and community uses.
Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub
A large-scale intermodal logistics and agribusiness hub adjacent to the Darwin-Tarcoola rail corridor and Stuart Highway in Katherine East. The hub is designed to service the storage, processing and freight needs of agriculture, horticulture, resources and defence industries across the Big Rivers region and northern Australia. The NT Government and Australian Government have committed $63.2 million combined, with the 2024 NT Budget allocating a further $30 million for continuing headworks and subdivision works. Critical water supply infrastructure is under construction through a joint NT Connections package with the National Water Grid Authority, with completion expected mid-2026.Full hub construction is targeted for completion Q4 2026.
Tindal Village
A workstay village with 200 en-suited rooms and amenities, located near Tindal RAAF Base to accommodate workforces for various projects in the area.
448 residents of Galiwinku are employed, from a labour force of 595. Unemployment sits at 24.7%, with participation at 36.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market in Galiwinku is distributed across white and blue-collar occupations, featuring strong representation in essential community services alongside a 24.7% unemployment rate, based on aggregated statistical area figures from AreaSearch. As of March 2026448 residents are actively employed; however, the local jobless rate exceeds Regional NT's 5.9% by 18.8%, signaling scope for labour market gains, while labor force participation (36.1%) sits considerably below the Regional NT benchmark of 69.8%. Census data indicates that no residents worked from home, although Covid-19 restrictions should be considered when assessing these patterns.
Key sectors employing local workers are education & training, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Education & training represents a standout industry concentration, engaging workers at 2.3 times the regional rate. Conversely, public administration & safety accounts for a smaller share locally, making up 10.6% of the workforce compared to 17.9% in Regional NT. Comparing Census resident worker totals against jobs located locally suggests that this largely residential setting provides constrained on-site employment opportunities. According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ABS and SALM statistical data, the year to March 2026 saw the local labour pool shrink by 8.3% and total employment fall by 7.6%, bringing about a 0.6 percentage points reduction in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional NT recorded a 2.8% gain in employment, a 2.7% growth in the labour force, and a slight decrease in unemployment. Forward-looking guidance from Jobs and Skills Australia's Mar-26 national employment projections provides context for future labour demand in Galiwinku. Spanning five and ten-year horizons, these benchmarks have been applied against the local industry footprint. While Australian employment overall is projected to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, sector-level momentum varies widely. Applying these industry growth expectations to Galiwinku's workforce profile points to potential employment gains of 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years (note that this weighting extrapolation serves illustrative purposes and excludes localized population modeling).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Galiwinku is $1,913 a week (about $99,000 a year), with median personal income at $352 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $53,717 a year against an average of $69,869. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Aggregated ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 positions taxpayer earnings in the suburb of Galiwinku slightly above the national norm. The suburb of Galiwinku records a median taxpayer income of $53,717 alongside a mean income of $69,869, compared with $53,572 and $63,776 across Regional NT. Applying Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023 produces estimated March 2026 figures of roughly $58,772 (median) and $76,444 (average). According to the 2021 Census, individual weekly earnings placed at the lowest percentile ($352 weekly), whereas household figures reached the 60th percentile.
In terms of earnings distribution, 44.7% of residents (1,003 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, compared to 33.6% regionally. With residents retaining 89.5% of income after paying for housing, the area exhibits strong remaining purchasing power.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Galiwinku had 309 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 99% detached houses and 0% apartments. 0% are owned with a mortgage, 100% rented and 0% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $200 a week and the median mortgage repayment $997 a month. Rent absorbs 10.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 12.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, residential accommodation in Galiwinku is composed of 98.7% houses and 1.3% other dwellings (incorporating semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings), contrasting with 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings in Regional NT. Home ownership in the area falls well behind Regional NT, with no residents owning their properties outright; instead, no dwellings carried a mortgage, leaving 100.0% of homes under rental tenure. Typical mortgage obligations were $997 monthly, below the Regional NT benchmark of $1,733, while median weekly rent stood at $200 compared to $150 in Regional NT.
On a national scale, mortgage commitments in Galiwinku sit substantially lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are notably below the nationwide figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Galiwinku counted 309 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 5.6 people each. 48% are couples with children, more than in 93% of areas nationally, against 10% couples without children. 9% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the overwhelming majority of local households at 90.0%, broken down into couples with children (48.2%), single parent families (27.2%), and couples without children (10.4%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 10.0%, encompassing lone person households (9.4%) and group dwellings (1.0%). The median household size is 5.6 people, significantly higher than the 3.1 recorded across Regional NT.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
7.2% of adults in Galiwinku hold a university qualification, including 4.3% with a bachelor degree and 2.1% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 96% of areas nationally. A further 19.3% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 496 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 667 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Local tertiary educational outcomes show that 7.2% of residents hold university qualifications, lagging the Australian benchmark of 30.4%, which presents a distinct opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees form the largest share of higher qualifications at 4.3%, with postgraduate qualifications at 2.1% and graduate diplomas at 0.8%. Among individuals aged 15+, vocational education represents 23.1% of credentials, comprising certificates (19.3%) and advanced diplomas (3.8%). Participation in study is robust, with 32.0% of the community undertaking formal education. This comprises 15.1% in primary schooling, 10.4% in secondary schooling, and 1.0% enrolled in tertiary courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
81.0% of residents in Galiwinku report no long-term health condition. 4.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 54.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 15.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality and long-term health trends indicates that Galiwinku encounters significant healthcare challenges, with common medical conditions present across younger and older demographics alike. Private health insurance uptake stands at approximately 54% of the population (~1,220 people), outpacing the Regional NT figure of 51.6%. Heart disease and mental health conditions are the most prevalent ailments locally, diagnosed in 5.8 and 4.2% of residents, while 81.0% report no long-term medical conditions compared to 78.4% in Regional NT. Older residents aged 65 and over make up 4.1% of the population (92 people), below the Regional NT benchmark of 8.5%.
Health metrics for senior community members present ongoing difficulties, with national rankings aligning closely with the broader local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Galiwinku is largely Australian-born, at 98.1% of residents, with 95.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Australian Aboriginal is the largest reported ancestry, at 89.8% of residents. 89.8% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Galiwinku displays elevated cultural diversity measures, with 1.9% of residents born abroad and 95.0% using a language other than English in the home. Christianity represents the leading faith, practiced by 66.4% of the population. A major divergence appears in the Other religious category, which accounts for 28.0% of locals, markedly exceeding the 5.2% average across Regional NT. Examining parental country of birth, the primary reported ancestries in Galiwinku are Australian Aboriginal (89.8%, substantially higher than the regional average of 43.6%), Other (3.0%), and English (2.8%, well below the regional rate of 14.3%).
Among other backgrounds, Samoan heritage represents 0.2% of the local population (compared to 0.2% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Galiwinku is 25, younger than 100% of areas nationally. 37.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Galiwinku maintains a youthful age structure compared to Regional NT. According to August 2026 estimates by AreaSearch, children and young adults (0 - 24) comprise 45.7% of the community versus 35.2% across Regional NT, whereas residents in the middle aged and young retiree bracket (45 - 64) represent 15.9% compared to 21.4% regionally. This yields a median age of 25, unchanged from the 2021 Census and 6 years younger than the Regional NT median of 31 from the same Census, while the Australian Census median was 38. The primary shift since the Census occurred among children and young adults, decreasing from 49.7% to 45.7%.
Projections to 2041 indicate that young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) will see the highest absolute population gain, rising by 89 (12%) to 856, while senior and retiree cohorts (65+) will record the fastest proportional expansion, rising 41% to 130 residents, alongside a projected contraction among children and young adults.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Galiwinku
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 8 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,199 at the 2021 Census → 2,244 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL70106). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.