Christmas Island (OT)

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Analysis of the ABS population updates and newly verified addresses by Districts indicates that the population of the suburb of Christmas Island is approximately 1,889 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 197 people (11.6%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,692 people. This shift is derived from the resident population of 1,889, calculated by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP statistics from June 2025 alongside address verification processes carried out since the Census. Such a population size translates to a density of 13.9 persons per square kilometer, suggesting a spacious environment for residents. With an 11.6% expansion rate since the 2021 census, the suburb of Christmas Island outpaced both the state average (4.7%) and the broader SA4 region, positioning it as a regional growth leader. The primary driver of this population growth was overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 87.0% of the overall population increases in recent times.

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The suburb of Christmas Island possesses a capable workforce with a strong presence in essential services, an unemployment rate of exactly 0.0%, and stable employment levels over the prior year, according to aggregated statistical data from Districts. As of March 2026, no residents are in work. Census data indicates that a minor 2.8% of the local workforce operated from home, though this figure should be interpreted in the context of past Covid-19 restrictions.

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The latest postcode-level ATO statistics from Districts for financial year 2023 show that income levels in the suburb of Christmas Island fall below the national benchmark, with a median of $0 and an average income of $0. In contrast, Other Territories recorded a median income of $63,573 and an average of $68,723. Nevertheless, the 2021 Census reveals that individual weekly earnings are in the 92nd percentile nationally ($1,233 weekly). The local income distribution is dominated by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, which contains 38.3% of residents (723 people), mirroring regional trends where 32.2% fall into the same bracket. A notable 30.1% of residents earn more than $3,000 weekly, pointing to pockets of wealth that support local businesses. Residents retain 93.8% of their income after paying for housing, indicating strong disposable income.

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According to the most recent Census, the housing stock in Christmas Island consisted of 46.1% separate houses and 53.9% other dwelling types like apartments, semi-detached properties, and alternative formats, compared to Other Territories where houses made up 83.3% and other dwellings accounted for 16.6%. Home ownership rates in Christmas Island were lower than the average for Other Territories, standing at 28.9%, while the remaining properties were either mortgaged (15.7%) or rented (55.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was identical to the Other Territories average at $1,300, whereas the median weekly rent was $150, compared to $1,300 and $200 in Other Territories. Nationally, mortgage costs in Christmas Island are well below the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices are also significantly lower than the national median of $375.

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Family households constitute the majority of dwellings at 69.2%, which is made up of couples with children at 34.6%, couples without children at 25.6%, and single parent households at 7.1%. The remaining 30.8% consists of non-family households, with lone person households representing 31.0% and group households making up 0.9% of the total. The median household size stands at 2.5 individuals, which is slightly higher than the average of 2.4 observed in Other Territories.

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Educational attainment levels in Christmas Island are lower than the regional averages, with 21.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference indicates opportunities for further educational programs and skill development. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 13.4%, while postgraduate qualifications stand at 3.9% and graduate diplomas also at 3.9%. Vocational and technical training is highly represented, with 47.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificate-level qualifications (36.1%).

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Health indicators in Christmas Island align closely with national averages based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and the occurrence of chronic conditions, showing typical rates of common illnesses across all age groups. However, the proportion of residents with private health insurance is extremely low, sitting at approximately 0% of the population (representing ~0 people). This is in stark contrast to the 53.8% recorded in Other Territories and the national average of 55.7%.

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Christmas Island stands out as one of the most culturally diverse localities in the nation, with 51.7% of the population born outside Australia and 60.5% speaking a non-English language at home. Islam is the most common religion, practiced by 30.4% of the population. However, the most distinct religious representation is Buddhism, which is followed by 21.0% of residents, a rate much higher than the Other Territories average of 7.1%.

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The median age in Christmas Island is 41 years, which is slightly below the Other Territories average of 43 years but slightly above the national average of 38 years. The distribution of age brackets is similar to that of Other Territories. Post-2021 Census figures reveal an aging demographic, with the median age rising from 38 to 41 years. Notable changes include the 25 to 34 age bracket falling from 18.9% to 0.0% and the 35 to 44 cohort dropping from 16.1% to 0.0%. Population projections for 2032 suggest significant demographic shifts for Christmas Island. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to show the strongest growth at 0%, adding 325 residents to reach a total of 325. Meanwhile, the + bracket is projected to experience more modest growth at , adding only residents.

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Population data for children under 5 is currently unavailable for Christmas Island. Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 180.