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 May 2026, the estimated population of Tiwi is around 2,641, marking an increase of 130 people since the 2021 Census. This rise corresponds to a 5.2% growth from the previous population count of 2,511. AreaSearch validated these figures following their analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation post-Census. The current density ratio stands at 846 persons per square kilometer, aligning with averages observed across various locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary factor driving population growth in Tiwi during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate post-2032 growth, AreaSearch applies age cohort-specific growth rates provided by the ABS in their latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking ahead, Tiwi is projected to experience above median population growth. By 2041, the suburb's population is expected to reach 2,987 persons, reflecting a 16-year increase of 14.1%.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Tiwi averaged approximately two new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around ten homes. As of FY26, zero approvals have been recorded so far. The population has declined in recent years, 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 expected construction cost value of $381,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting focus on quality developments.

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

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 647 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Tiwi will gain approximately 373 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Tiwi has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely impacting the region. Key projects include Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade (2018-ongoing), Edgeview Court Water Main Replacement (scheduled for completion in 2023), CDU - Centre for Better Health Futures (commenced in 2020), and Casuarina Square Redevelopment (expected to finish in late 2024).

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 2.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.0% over the past year (AreaSearch data aggregation). As of December 2025, 1,353 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 0.2% lower than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%.

Workforce participation in Tiwi lags at 63.5%, compared to Greater Darwin's 72.5%. According to Census responses, only 4.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Tiwi shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance (1.9 times the regional level) but has a lower share in public administration & safety (15.6% compared to Greater Darwin's 19.5%).

The area functions as an employment hub with 2.1 workers per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from nearby areas. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, while labour force grew by 1.1%, keeping unemployment relatively stable (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). In contrast, Greater Darwin saw employment grow by 1.3% and unemployment fall marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% 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 weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data released for financial year ending June 2023 indicates Tiwi suburb's median income among taxpayers is $56,844. The average income is $66,201. This is slightly below the national average. In comparison, Greater Darwin has a median income of $66,956 and an average of $77,199. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $62,193 (median) and $72,431 (average). According to Census 2021 data, income in Tiwi clusters around the 69th percentile nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 32.5% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with 858 residents falling into this category. This pattern is also seen regionally where 36.7% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income in Tiwi. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 68th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Darwin metro had a dwelling structure of 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 32.5%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 5.1%. 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, residents aged 15 and above have a notably high level of educational attainment. Specifically, 38.8% possess university qualifications, which is higher than the Northern Territory average of 27.3% and the national average of 30.4%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area, positioning it favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 23.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.3% and graduate diplomas at 4.3%.

Vocational credentials are also prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 29.6% holding such qualifications. This includes advanced diplomas held by 9.2% of residents and certificates held by 20.4%. Educational participation is particularly high in Tiwi, with 33.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This comprises 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

Transport analysis indicates 15 operational public transport stops in Tiwi, all serving buses. These stops are served by 39 unique routes, facilitating a total of 2,531 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 180 meters to the nearest one. As predominantly residential, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode at 85%, followed by walking at 7% and cycling at 3%. Average vehicle ownership stands at 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, service frequency is 361 trips daily 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 53% of Tiwi's total population (~1,399 people), compared to the average SA2 area's rate of 57.8%. This is lower than Greater Darwin's private health cover rate of 57.8%. The most common medical conditions in Tiwi are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.5% and 7.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 68.8% of Tiwi residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Darwin's rate of 77.1%. Health outcomes among the working-age population in Tiwi are broadly typical. The area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (517 people), which is higher than Greater Darwin's 11.0%. 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's cultural diversity is notable, with 34.6% of its population born overseas and 30.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Tiwi, comprising 51.6% of people. Buddhism, however, is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin, making up 3.2% versus 3.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (23.0%), English (19.3%), and Other (12.0%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Filipino is overrepresented at 3.7%, Australian Aboriginal at 7.8%, and Greek at 3.8% compared to regional percentages of 3.8%, 7.0%, and 2.3% respectively.

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. This figure is very close to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Darwin, Tiwi has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.9%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 9.0% to 11.6%, while the 35-44 age group has grown from 15.4% to 17.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 11.2% to 9.1%, and the 25-34 age group has decreased from 15.5% to 13.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Tiwi's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 35%, adding 102 residents to reach a total of 390. In contrast, both the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.