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

Alligator's population, as of May 2026, was around 4892 people. This figure shows an increase of 650 individuals (15.3%) from the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4242 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4892 in June 2025 and an additional 54 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Alligator's growth rate exceeded both national (9.3%) and state averages, marking it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 estimates post-2032, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort from the ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). By 2041, Alligator is projected to increase by 557 persons, reflecting an 11.4% total increase over the 16 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 approximately six residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 32 homes have been approved, with a further six approved so far in FY26. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $224,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. In terms of commercial development, $6.3 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting a limited focus on commercial development. When compared to the Rest of NT, Alligator shows comparable construction activity per person, supporting market stability inline with regional patterns. However, building activity has slowed in recent years, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent development has consisted entirely 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 557 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 11thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 77 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage, Manton Dam Return to Service, Batchelor Solar Farm (ENI), and Merricks Capital Batchelor Solar Farm. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Employment performance in Alligator has been broadly consistent with national averages

Alligator's workforce is skilled with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9%. As of December 2025, 2,986 residents were employed at a 3.3% lower unemployment rate than Regional NT's 6.1%.

Workforce participation was 72.4%, slightly higher than Regional NT's 69.3%. Census responses indicated that 9.3% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in accommodation & food, public administration & safety, and education & training. Alligator shows strong specialization in accommodation & food with a share of employment 2.1 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance employed only 7.2% of local workers compared to Regional NT's 18.8%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NT where employment rose by 0.7%, labour force grew by 1.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Alligator's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Alligator SA2 had a median income of $46,391 and an average of $58,462. This was below the national average. Regional NT had a median income of $53,572 and an average of $63,776 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 suggest the median would be approximately $50,756 and the average around $63,963. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Alligator fall between the 18th and 26th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 28.4% of individuals (1,389 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, which is consistent with broader metropolitan trends showing 33.6% in the same category. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 90.5% income retention, 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

As evaluated in the latest Census, dwelling structures in Alligator consisted of 81.6% houses and 18.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional NT had 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Alligator was at 38.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.3% and rented dwellings at 35.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,430, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $100. Nationally, Alligator's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 62.0% of all households, including 16.5% couples with children, 34.1% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.0%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 18.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 33.0%. Educational participation is high, with 32.5% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 14.5% in primary, 7.8% in secondary, and 4.0% in 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were high across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,357 people), compared to 51.6% in Regional NT and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis (affecting 8.3% of residents) and asthma (6.2%), with 69.8% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 78.4% in Regional NT. Working-age residents had a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,137 people), which is higher than the 8.5% in Regional NT. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

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's population shows cultural diversity with 17.5% born overseas and 18.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 40.6%. Notably, 'Other' religious groups comprise 1.7%, higher than Regional NT's 5.2%.

In terms of ancestry, English (24.6%) and Australian (24.2%) are significantly overrepresented compared to regional averages of 14.3% and 14.9% respectively. Conversely, Australian Aboriginal ancestry is underrepresented at 19.0%, below the regional average of 43.6%. Certain ethnic groups show notable divergences: Vietnamese (2.0% vs 0.3%), Maori (0.6% vs 0.7%), and Filipino (1.3% vs 1.4%).

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

Alligator's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than the Regional NT average of 31 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional NT average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 14.9% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.4%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 3.9% to 7.1%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 16.8% to 14.2% and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 10.6% to 9.4%. By 2041, Alligator's age profile is projected to evolve significantly. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow by 69%, adding 242 residents to reach 592. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 77% of the population growth, while declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 35 to 44 age cohorts.