Alligator
Statistical Area - sa2

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 August 2025, is approximately 4,755 people. This figure represents an increase of 513 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,242 people. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: a resident population of 4,733 as of June 2024 and 15 new addresses validated after the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Alligator's 12.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeds both national (8.6%) and state averages, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.9% 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 post-2032 estimates, growth rates by age cohort are applied using ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population projections indicate a median increase for non-metropolitan areas, with Alligator expected to expand by 551 persons to 2041, representing an 11.1% total increase over the 17-year period.

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. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 32 dwellings have been approved, with zero approved so far in FY26. The population has declined over recent years, suggesting that new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $403,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. In the current financial year, $6.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited commercial development focus. When compared with the Rest of NT, Alligator shows comparable construction activity per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns, although building activity has slowed in recent years. This level is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

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. The estimated count of 1260 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Alligator adding 529 residents by 2041. 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 13thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 75 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are 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 projects most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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's workforce is skilled with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. As of June 2025, 2,946 residents are employed at an unemployment rate of 2.7%.

This rate is 3.2% lower than the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%, while workforce participation is slightly below standard at 48.7%. Dominant employment sectors include accommodation & food, public administration & safety, and education & training. Alligator shows strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level, but lower representation in health care & social assistance at 7.2% versus the regional average of 18.8%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data.

In the 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 1.7% alongside a 1.7% employment decline, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.2%. This contrasts with Rest of NT where employment contracted by 1.7%, labour force fell by 1.8%, and unemployment fell marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Alligator's employment could grow by approximately 5.3% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Alligator is below the national average. The median income was $44,687 while the average income stood at $56,966. This contrasts with Rest of NT's figures where the median income was $51,655 and the average income was $61,577. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $49,352 (median) and $62,913 (average) as of March 2025. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Alligator all fall between the 19th and 26th percentiles nationally. This includes 28.4% of the population (1,350 individuals) falling 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

As of the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures in Alligator comprised 81.6% houses and 18.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro NT's 83.6% houses and 16.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Alligator stood at 38.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (26.3%) or rented (35.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, higher than Non-Metro NT's average of $1,346. The median weekly rent figure in Alligator was recorded at $100, compared to Non-Metro NT's $80. Nationally, Alligator's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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% composed of couples with children, 34.1% consisting of couples without children, and 10.4% being single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.0%, with lone person households making up 33.3% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NT average of 3.5.

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 presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (33.0%).

Educational participation is 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. A network of 7 schools operates within Alligator, educating approximately 361 students. The educational mix includes 1 secondary school and 6 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents (7.6) fall below the regional average (13.7), with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Alligator are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Alligator's health indicators show below-average results, with common health conditions being slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 48% (~2,296 people) of Alligator's total population has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis (affecting 8.3% of residents) and asthma (6.2%). Around 69.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 78.5% across Rest of NT. Alligator has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 22.5% (1,071 people), compared to the Rest of NT's 9.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Alligator are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Alligator was found to be above average when compared nationally for 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, followed by Other at 1.7%, lower than the Rest of NT average of 6.9%. In ancestry, English (24.6%) and Australian (24.2%) groups are significantly higher than regional averages, while Australian Aboriginal (19.0%) is notably lower.

Notable divergences include Vietnamese (2.0% vs 0.7%), Maori (0.6% vs 0.4%), and Filipino (1.3% vs 0.5%).

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 65 - 74 cohort at 15.2%, while the 25 - 34 cohort is under-represented at 11.6%. The 65 - 74 concentration in Alligator is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 3.9% to 6.5%, while the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 16.8% to 14.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Alligator's age profile will significantly evolve. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 84%, adding 259 residents to reach 569. Residents aged 65 and older represent 76% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 cohorts.