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 per AreaSearch's analysis, stood at 4,746 by February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 504 individuals (11.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,242 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,733 as of June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Alligator's growth of 11.9% since the 2021 census surpassed both the national average (9.9%) and the state average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 75.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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 to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking ahead, a population increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas is expected. By 2041, the area's population is projected to expand by 551 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 11.3% 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 approximately six residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 32 homes have been approved, with four more approved so far in FY-26. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering a good choice for buyers.

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 limited focus on commercial development. When compared to the Rest of NT, Alligator shows comparable construction activity per person, supporting market stability in line 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 538 residents by 2041, based on 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 78 projects potentially affecting the region. Notable initiatives 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 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 2.7%, Alligator has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Alligator has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.7%. As of September 2025, 2,946 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, below the Rest of NT's 5.9%.

Workforce participation stands at 73.8%, compared to Rest of NT's 70.4%. According to Census responses, 9.3% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include accommodation & food, public administration & safety, and education & training. Alligator specializes in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level, but has lower representation in health care & social assistance at 7.2%, compared to the regional average of 18.8%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between May-24 and Apr-25, labour force decreased by 1.2% alongside a 1.3% employment decline, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.2%, while Rest of NT saw a marginal unemployment rise despite similar labour force and employment contractions. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth of 6.6% 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, although this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for local 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 that income in Alligator SA2 is below the national average. The median assessed income is $46,391 and the average income stands at $58,462. This contrasts with Rest of NT where the median income is $53,572 and the average income is $63,776. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $50,306 (median) and $63,396 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Alligator all fall between the 18th and 26th percentiles nationally. The data shows that 28.4% of the population (1,347 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding 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 in Alligator, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 81.6% houses and 18.4% other dwellings. In Non-Metro NT, this was 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Alligator stood at 38.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.3% and rented ones at 35.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, below Non-Metro NT's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Alligator was $100, compared to Non-Metro NT's $150. Nationally, Alligator's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,430 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 comprise the remaining 38.0%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households making up 4.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NT average of 3.1.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 18.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 10.1% while certificates make up 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be very low at approximately 48% of the total population, around 2,287 people.

This compares to 51.6% across Rest of NT and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.3 and 6.2% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 69.8% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 78.4% across Rest of NT. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 23.0% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 1,093 people, which is higher than the 8.3% in Rest of NT. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than 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's population showed cultural diversity with 17.5% born overseas and 18.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 40.6%. The 'Other' category stood out at 1.7%, compared to Rest of NT's 5.2%.

In ancestry, English (24.6%) and Australian (24.2%) groups were substantially higher than regional averages of 14.3% and 14.9% respectively. However, Australian Aboriginal was notably lower at 19.0%, against a regional average of 43.6%. Certain ethnicities showed notable divergences: Vietnamese at 2.0% (vs 0.3%), 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

Alligator's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than the Rest of NT average of 31 years and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NT average, Alligator has a notably over-represented cohort aged 65-74 (14.8%) and an under-represented group aged 25-34 (11.5%), with the latter being well above the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, Alligator's population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 3.9% to 7.1%, while the cohorts aged 45-54 have declined from 16.8% to 14.5% and those aged 5-14 have dropped from 10.6% to 9.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Alligator's age profile will change significantly, with the strongest growth projected for the 75-84 cohort (70%), adding 233 residents to reach 569. This demographic aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 76% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the cohorts aged 15-24 and 35-44.