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 Nov 2025, the estimated population of Tiwi is around 2,585, reflecting an increase of 74 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 2.9% rise from the previous population count of 2,511. AreaSearch's estimate is based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 828 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in Tiwi during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 estimates, 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). Population projections indicate an above median growth for Australian statistical areas, with Tiwi expected to grow by 393 persons to 2041, reflecting a 15.2% increase 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 of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Tiwi averaged around 2 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 10 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 0 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has kept housing supply adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $381,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

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, 59.0% below the regional average per person. The constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, though recent construction activity has intensified. This is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All new construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing 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 count of 647 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Tiwi will gain 393 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 2ndth percentile nationally

Six projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance: Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit and CSSD Upgrade (commenced 2021), Edgeview Court Water Main Replacement (planned for completion in late 2023), CDU - Centre for Better Health Futures (scheduled to open in mid-2024), Casuarina Square Redevelopment (expected completion in early 2025).

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

Tiwi has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.9% and there was an estimated employment growth of 2.6% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 1,360 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.1% below Greater Darwin's rate of 3.0%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 58.7%, compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. The dominant employment sectors among residents 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 just 15.6% of local workers, below Greater Darwin's 19.5%.

There are 2.1 workers for every resident, indicating that Tiwi functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.6% while labour force increased by 2.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Darwin saw employment grow by 2.9%, labour force expand by 2.9%, and unemployment fall marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Tiwi. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Tiwi's median income among taxpayers was $56,844, with an average of $66,201. Nationally, the median was $53,979 and the average was $64,752. Greater Darwin had a median of $65,522 and an average of $75,260. As of September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $63,671 (median) and $74,152 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Tiwi's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 32.5% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 840 residents in this range. This pattern is similar to other areas in the region, where 36.7% occupy this income range. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 68th percentile nationally. Tiwi'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

In Tiwi, as per the latest Census evaluation, 74.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 25.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Darwin metro had 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tiwi stood at 26.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.6% and rented ones at 37.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Darwin metro's average of $2,028. The median weekly rent in Tiwi was $375, compared to Darwin metro's $350. Nationally, Tiwi's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents comparable at $375.

Tiwi features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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 is smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.7 people.

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

Educational attainment in Tiwi is notably high, with 38.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 27.3% in the Northern Territory (NT) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are most common at 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. The area has two schools serving a total of 731 students, with an ICSEA score of 938 indicating varied educational conditions. Secondary education is dominant with two schools, while primary students typically attend schools in nearby areas. Tiwi functions as an education hub, offering 28.3 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 16.9, and attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The public transport analysis indicates that there are currently 15 operational transport stops within Tiwi. These stops cater to a variety of bus routes, totaling 37 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate approximately 2,314 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport system is deemed excellent, with residents on average situated about 180 meters away from their nearest transport stop. On a daily basis, service frequency averages around 330 trips across all routes, which translates to roughly 154 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Tiwi is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Tiwi faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across age cohorts, particularly among older adults. Private health cover stands at approximately 53%, compared to 56.7% across Greater Darwin (~1,369 people).

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.5%) and mental health issues (7.6%). Conversely, 68.8% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 77.0% in Greater Darwin. Tiwi has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.4%, compared to 12.3% in Greater Darwin (501 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to specific challenges faced by this age group.

Tiwi is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch 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%. Buddhism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Darwin, making up 3.2% versus 4.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (23.0%), English (19.3%), and Other (12.0%). Notably, Filipino representation in Tiwi is higher at 3.7%, while Australian Aboriginal is slightly higher at 7.8%, and Greek representation is similar at 3.8%.

Tiwi's median age exceeds the national pattern

Tiwi's median age is 39 years, considerably higher than Greater Darwin's average of 34 and close to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Darwin, Tiwi has a higher percentage of 65-74 year-olds (9.8%) but fewer 25-34 year-olds (14.3%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has grown from 9.0% to 11.2%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 15.4% to 17.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.8% to 10.2%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 11.2% to 9.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Tiwi's age profile will significantly change. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 67%, adding 103 residents to reach 259. Meanwhile, the 5-14 group is expected to decrease by 22 residents.