Charles

Charles has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, the population of Charles is around 4,701 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 486 people (11.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,215 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,696 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 281 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Charles's 11.5% 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 53.1% 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). Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 522 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 11.0% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Charles, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Charles has recorded around 9 residential properties granted approval each year, totalling 45 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of only 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new homes are being built at an average value of $599,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. There have also been $46.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

When measured against the Rest of NT, Charles shows moderately higher construction activity (14.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 2608 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Charles will gain 517 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Charles has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Alice Springs Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia, the Alice Springs Flood Mitigation Project, and the Madigan Street (Braitling) Infill Subdivision, 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.

The employment environment in Charles shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Charles has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.1%, and 0.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,219 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.0% below Regional NT's rate of 6.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (89.9% compared to Regional NT's 71.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.1% versus the regional average of 5.0%. With 1.9 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.9% while the labour force increased by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 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 Charles. 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 Charles's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Charles SA2's median income among taxpayers is $61,881, with an average of $69,389. This is slightly above average nationally, 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 $67,104 (median) and $75,245 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals individual earnings stand out at the 84th percentile nationally ($1,073 weekly). Looking at income distribution, the largest segment comprises 33.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,588 residents), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 33.6% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 92.4% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Charles, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 73.5% houses and 26.6% 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 Charles was well beyond that of Regional NT, at 17.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (38.6%) or rented (44.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NT average at $0, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Regional NT's $1,733 and $150. Nationally, Charles's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Charles features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 68.3% of all households, comprising 27.9% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 27.1% and group households comprising 4.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is smaller than the Regional NT average of 3.1.

Educational outcomes in Charles fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (27.0% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA4 region average of 20.1% and that of Rest of NT (20.1%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (26.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.7% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 29 active transport stops operating within Charles, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 470 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 224 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 6% walking and 4% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 4.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 67 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Charles 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 just leads the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~2,533 people). This compares to 51.6% across Regional NT.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 6.8% and 6.7% of residents, respectively, while 73.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 78.4% across Regional NT. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 10.0% of residents aged 65 and over (471 people), which is higher than the 8.3% in Regional NT. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Charles was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Charles was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 21.1% of its population born overseas and 22.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Charles is Christianity, which makes up 44.7% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.9% 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 Charles are English, comprising 20.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.3%, Australian, comprising 20.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.9%, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 20.2% 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: Maori is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of Charles (vs 0.7% regionally), Filipino at 1.9% (vs 1.4%) and Samoan at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

Charles's population is younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 35, Charles is materially older than the Regional NT figure of 31, though modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional NT, Charles has a higher concentration of 55 - 64 residents (12.4%) but fewer 15 - 24 year-olds (12.0%). Since 2021, the 0 to 4 age group has grown from 6.6% to 8.0% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 18.1% to 16.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Charles's age structure. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 108 people (19%) from 563 to 672. On the other hand, numbers in the 35 to 44 age range are expected to fall by 14.