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 November 2025, the estimated population of the Tiwi statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,585 people. This figure represents an increase of 74 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,511. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation following 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 behind this growth.

AreaSearch is utilizing 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 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, the Tiwi (SA2) is projected to experience above median population growth. By 2041, the area's population is expected to reach 2,978 persons, 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Tiwi has averaged approximately two new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years to 2021. This totals an estimated ten homes. As of June 2026, no approvals have been recorded in this financial year. The population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply 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, indicating a focus on quality developments. Commercial development approvals totalling $32,000 have been recorded this financial year, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Darwin, Tiwi has significantly less development activity, at 59.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. However, recent construction activity has intensified.

The area's established nature is also indicated by its construction activity being under the national average, potentially due to planning limitations. All new construction in Tiwi has been comprised of detached dwellings, preserving its 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 Tiwi's quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Tiwi is forecasted to gain 393 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects potentially affecting this region. Key projects include the 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 well-educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In September 2025, there were 1,349 residents employed, and the unemployment rate was in line with Greater Darwin's at 3.1%. However, workforce participation lagged 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. Tiwi shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

In contrast, public administration & safety employs just 15.6% of local workers, below Greater Darwin's 19.5%. The area functions as an employment hub with 2.1 workers for every resident, as at the Census. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, while labour force increased by 1.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Darwin saw employment grow by 1.9% and unemployment rise marginally. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NT employment contracted by 1.13% (losing 4,100 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.4%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly 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, although these estimates are illustrative 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 latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Tiwi's median income among taxpayers is $56,844. The average income in Tiwi is $66,201. This is below the national average of approximately $79,000. 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, current estimates for Tiwi's median income would be approximately $61,642 by September 2025, with the average estimated at $71,788. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Tiwi cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 32.5% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. This is similar to the regional pattern where 36.7% fall within 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

In Tiwi, as per the latest Census evaluation, 74.3% of dwellings were houses while 25.7% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differed from Darwin metro's 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. Median weekly rent in Tiwi was $375, compared to Darwin metro's $350. Nationally, Tiwi's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863 while rents were comparable at $375.

Tiwi features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average 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%. The median household size is 2.6 people, smaller than the Greater Darwin average of 2.7.

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+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.3% in the Northern Territory (NT) and 30.4% nationally. 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, with 29.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (20.4%). Educational participation is significantly high, with 33.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising primary education at 11.9%, tertiary education at 8.0%, and secondary education at 7.1%.

Educational participation is notably 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

Transport analysis shows 15 active stops operating in Tiwi, with a mix of bus services. These stops are covered by 39 individual routes, offering 2,531 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 180 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 361 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 168 weekly trips per 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 all age groups but more so among older adults. Approximately 53% of Tiwi's total population (~1,369 people) has private health cover, compared to the Greater Darwin average of 57.4%.

The most common medical conditions in Tiwi are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.5% and 7.6% of residents respectively. About 68.8% of Tiwi residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 77.0% across Greater Darwin. In Tiwi, 19.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (501 people), which is higher than the 12.3% in Greater Darwin. The health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to these challenges.

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 level of cultural diversity, 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, making up 51.6% of people there, compared to 4.1% across Greater Darwin for Buddhism which is overrepresented by 3.2%. The top three represented ancestry groups are Australian (23.0%), English (19.3%), and Other (12.0%).

Notably, Filipino representation in Tiwi at 3.7% is higher than the regional average of 4.7%, while Australian Aboriginal at 7.8% and Greek at 3.8% are also slightly overrepresented compared to their regional percentages of 7.4% and 3.7% respectively.

Tiwi's population is slightly older than the national pattern

At 39 years, Tiwi's median age is considerably higher than Greater Darwin's average of 34 years. It is also very close to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Darwin, Tiwi has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (9.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.0% to 11.2%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 15.4% to 17.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 11.8% to 10.2%, and the 55-64 age group dropped from 11.2% to 9.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Tiwi's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow strongly, adding 103 residents to reach 259. In contrast, the 5-14 age group is expected to contract by 22 residents.