Alawa (NT)

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Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside address checks conducted by Districts since the Census, indicates that the suburb of Alawa has an estimated population of 2,267 as of May 2026. Compared to the 2,078 residents recorded in the 2021 Census, this represents a growth of 189 people (9.1%). This update is derived from the resident population of 2,267, which Districts calculated by examining the ABS ERP dataset from June 2025 and validating new addresses post-Census. Such a population size results in a density of 1,828 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical ratio observed across national areas reviewed by Districts. The post-Census expansion of 9.1% in the suburb of Alawa falls within 0.2 percentage points of the nationwide average (9.3%), indicating solid growth characteristics. The primary driver of these gains was overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 78.0% of the recent population growth.

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The suburb of Alawa features a highly educated workforce with strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of 5.3%, and steady employment levels over the prior year according to Districts statistical area data. Employed residents numbered 1,149 as of March 2026, while the unemployment rate was 1.8% higher than the Greater Darwin average of 3.5%. The participation rate of 68.6% is somewhat lower than the Greater Darwin benchmark of 72.7%. Census records show that a minor 4.6% of residents worked from home, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdowns.

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According to the latest ATO postcode statistics for the 2023 financial year, local incomes in Alawa fall below the national benchmark, with a median of $54,865 and an average of $63,896. This is lower than Greater Darwin, where the median income is $66,956 and the average is $77,199. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since the 2023 financial year, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be around $60,028 for the median and $69,909 for the average. Data from the 2021 Census places household, family, and personal earnings in Alawa near the 70th percentile nationally. The largest income bracket is the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly range, accounting for 34.8% of the population (788 residents), which mirrors regional trends where fall into this band. Housing costs consume of earnings, while strong relative disposable income places residents in the th percentile, and the area ranks in the th decile of the SEIFA income index.

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At the time of the most recent Census, the local housing mix consisted of 88.0% houses and 12.0% other dwellings (including townhouses, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings across metropolitan Darwin. Home ownership in Alawa was considerably higher than the Darwin metro average, sitting at 23.8%, while the remaining properties were held with a mortgage (39.4%) or rented (36.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,777 was well below the Darwin metro average, and the median weekly rent was $340, compared to metropolitan Darwin averages of $2,100 and $385. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Alawa are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 76.0%, consisting of couples with children at 33.6%, couples without children at 26.2%, and single parents at 13.8%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 24.0%, with single-person households representing 17.4% and group households making up 7.1%. The average household size stands at 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

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The educational profile of the area is distinct within the region, with university graduation rates at 35.7% of residents aged 15+, which is higher than both the NT average of 27.3% and the national figure of 30.4%, pointing to a strong focus on tertiary education. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 11.5% and graduate diplomas at 3.7%. Technical and trade qualifications are also prominent, with 30.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (20.2%).

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Analysis of transit options indicates 14 active transport stops operate in Alawa, consisting of various bus options. These stops connect to 29 routes, which combine to offer 2,162 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is classified as excellent, with typical resident dwellings situated 150 meters from the nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, many workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars being the primary mode of travel at 85% and cycling at 4%. Dwellings have an average of 1.6 vehicles. A low 4.6% of residents work from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect the impact of pandemic conditions.

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Health indicators show favorable outcomes for Alawa residents, with Districts' analysis of mortality and morbidity demonstrating outcomes that align closely with national averages. The prevalence of common health conditions is standard across both younger and older cohorts, while private health insurance coverage is slightly below the SA2 average at approximately 52% of the population (~1,180 people), compared to 57.8% in Greater Darwin.

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Alawa exhibits high cultural diversity, with 38.1% of the population using a non-English language at home and 41.5% born outside Australia. Christianity is the dominant religion, representing 38.2% of the population. A notable divergence from regional patterns is seen in Buddhism, which accounts for 5.3% of local residents compared to 3.3% across Greater Darwin.

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The median age in Alawa is 35 years, which is close to the Greater Darwin average of 34 and slightly younger than the national average of 38. Compared to the broader Darwin area, Alawa features a larger share of residents aged 5 - 14 (15.6%) but a smaller proportion aged 25 - 34 (13.7%). Post-2021 Census updates show the 35 to 44 age cohort has grown from 15.5% to 17.9% of the population, and the 5 to 14 group increased from 13.8% to 15.6%. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 17.3% to 13.7%, and the 65 to group fell from to . Demographic modeling points to significant shifts in the age structure of the suburb of Alawa by . The to cohort is projected to experience the highest growth at , adding residents to reach while the number of residents aged to is expected to decrease by .

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Alawa currently has an estimated 136 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 80 children aged 0-2 and 53 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 11% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 1% by 2041 (to approximately 137 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 284. Birth rates in the area have averaged 13.9 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.