Tiwi

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Tiwi is around 2,585. This reflects an increase of 74 people from the 2021 Census figure of 2,511, indicating a growth rate of approximately 2.9%. AreaSearch's estimation, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date, supports this population number. This results in a density ratio of 828 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for Tiwi's population growth has been overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 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). Future population projections indicate above median growth for Tiwi. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 393 persons, reflecting a total increase of approximately 15.2% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Tiwi averaged approximately two new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling about ten homes. In FY26 so far, zero approvals have been recorded. The population has declined recently, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being built at an average cost of $381,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments.

This financial year, $32,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Darwin, Tiwi has significantly less development activity, 59.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, although recent construction activity has intensified. Overall, construction activity is under the national average, reflecting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All new construction in Tiwi has been detached dwellings, preserving its low density character and attracting space-seeking buyers.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 647 people, reflecting the area's quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Tiwi will gain approximately 393 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Tiwi has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade, Edgeview Court Water Main Replacement, CDU - Centre for Better Health Futures, and Casuarina Square Redevelopment. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Tiwi ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Tiwi has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, lower than Greater Darwin's 4.6%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.5%.

As of September 2025, 1,349 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate matching Greater Darwin's but a workforce participation rate lagging behind at 65.5% compared to Greater Darwin's 76.0%. Only 4.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Health care & social assistance is particularly strong, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level, while public administration & safety employs only 15.6% of local workers compared to Greater Darwin's 19.5%.

There are 2.1 workers for every resident, indicating Tiwi functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, while labour force grew by 1.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In Greater Darwin, employment grew by 1.9% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tiwi's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 15.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Tiwi suburb has a median income of $56,844 and an average income of $66,201. This is slightly below the national average. In comparison, Greater Darwin has a median income of $66,956 and an average income of $77,199. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $61,642 (median) and $71,788 (average). Census 2021 income data shows that Tiwi's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 32.5% of residents earn between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, with a total of 840 individuals in this bracket. This pattern is similar to the region where 36.7% occupy this income range. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. Tiwi's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Tiwi, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.3% houses and 25.7% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Darwin metro had 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tiwi was at 26.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (36.6%) or rented (37.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Tiwi was $2,000, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent figure in Tiwi was recorded at $375, compared to Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Tiwi's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were comparable to the national figure of $375.

Tiwi features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 67.5% of all households, including 28.7% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.5%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 5.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the Greater Darwin average.

Educational outcomes in Tiwi fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

In Tiwi, educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 38.8% have university qualifications, compared to 27.3% in the Northern Territory (NT) and 30.4% nationally. University graduates make up 23.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.3% and graduate diplomas at 4.3%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.6% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (20.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 33.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 8.0% in tertiary education, and 7.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 15 active stops operating within Tiwi, consisting of buses. These stops are served by 39 routes, collectively providing 2,531 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 180 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain dominant at 85%, followed by walking at 7% and cycling at 3%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 4.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 361 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 168 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Tiwi is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Tiwi faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,369 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but trailing Greater Darwin's 57.8%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.5%) and mental health issues (7.6%). A total of 68.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (511 people), higher than Greater Darwin's 10.8%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Tiwi was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Tiwi has a high cultural diversity, with 34.6% of its population born overseas and 30.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Tiwi, comprising 51.6% of people. Buddhism is overrepresented in Tiwi at 3.2%, compared to 3.3% across Greater Darwin.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (23.0%), English (19.3%), and Other (12.0%). Notably, Filipino (3.7%) and Greek (3.8%) are overrepresented in Tiwi compared to the regional averages of 3.8% and 2.3%, respectively. Additionally, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 7.8% compared to the regional average of 7.0%.

Tiwi's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Tiwi's median age is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Darwin's average of 34 years, and very close to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Darwin, Tiwi has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.0% to 11.7%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 15.4% to 17.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group declined from 11.2% to 9.4%, and the 25-34 age group dropped from 15.5% to 13.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Tiwi's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 64%, adding 101 residents to reach a total of 259. Meanwhile, both the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.