Alligator

Alligator is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Alligator's population is around 4,746 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 504 people (11.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,242 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,733 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Alligator's 11.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 75.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is applying growth rates by age cohort to each area, as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 551 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 11.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Alligator has recorded around 6 residential properties granted approval each year, with 32 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 4 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $224,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $6.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

When measured against the Rest of NT, Alligator shows comparable construction activity (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns, though building activity has slowed in recent years. This level is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (82.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The estimated count of 1260 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Alligator adding 538 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Alligator has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 78 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage, Manton Dam Return to Service, Batchelor Solar Farm (ENI), and Merricks Capital Batchelor Solar Farm, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Employment performance in Alligator has been broadly consistent with national averages

Alligator possesses a skilled workforce, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently featured, an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and 0.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,986 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.3% below Regional NT's rate of 6.1%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (74.9% compared to Regional NT's 71.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in accommodation & food, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 7.2% of local workers, below Regional NT's 18.8%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 0.9% alongside labour force increasing by 1.2%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NT, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.1%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Alligator. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. 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 industry-specific projections to Alligator's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Alligator SA2's median income among taxpayers is $46,391, with an average of $58,462. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional NT's median of $53,572 and average of $63,776. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,306 (median) and $63,396 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Alligator all fall between the 18th and 26th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.4% of the community (1,347 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 33.6% in the same category. While housing costs are modest with 90.5% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 27th percentile nationally.

Alligator is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Alligator, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 81.6% houses and 18.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NT's 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Alligator was well beyond that of Regional NT, at 38.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.3%) or rented (35.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NT average at $1,430, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $100, compared to Regional NT's $1,733 and $150. Nationally, Alligator's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Alligator features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 62.0% of all households, comprising 16.5% couples with children, 34.1% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.0%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households comprising 4.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional NT average of 3.1.

Alligator faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (33.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.5% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Alligator is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Alligator faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,287 people). This compares to 51.6% across Regional NT. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.3% and 6.2% of residents, respectively, while 69.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 78.4% across Regional NT. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 23.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,093 people), which is higher than the 8.3% in Regional NT. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Alligator records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Alligator was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 17.5% of its population born overseas and 18.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Alligator is Christianity, which makes up 40.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.7% of the population, compared to 5.2% across Regional NT.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Alligator are English, comprising 24.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.3%, Australian, comprising 24.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.9%, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 19.0% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 43.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Vietnamese is notably overrepresented at 2.0% of Alligator (vs 0.3% regionally), Maori at 0.6% (vs 0.7%) and Filipino at 1.3% (vs 1.4%).

Alligator hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

At 47 years, Alligator's median age is significantly above the Regional NT average of 31 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional NT average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (14.8% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (11.5%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.9% to 7.1% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 16.8% to 14.5% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 10.6% to 9.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Alligator's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 70%, adding 233 residents to reach 569. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 76% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 35 to 44 cohorts.