Charles
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Charles's population was approximately 4,709 as of Aug 2025. This reflected an increase of 494 people (11.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,215 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,696 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 282 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Charles's growth of 11.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.6%) and the state average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopted 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 applied 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). Demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with an expected expansion of 522 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, resulting in a total increase of 10.8% 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 approximately nine residential properties granted approval each year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 45 approvals across the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, with zero recorded so far in FY26. The average new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years has been 0.7, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. New properties are constructed at an average value of $750,000, demonstrating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

There have also been $46.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment. Comparing Charles to the Rest of NT, it shows moderately higher construction activity, 14.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice with support for current property values, although development activity has moderated in recent periods. This activity is also below 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 population per dwelling approval is 2608 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Charles will gain 509 residents through to 2041. 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 limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 3rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects that may affect the region. Notable initiatives include Central Australia Plan Infrastructure Projects, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia, Alice Springs Hospital Emergency Department Upgrade, and Central Alice Springs Area Plan. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

The labour market in Charles demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Charles has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.0% as of June 2025. There are 3,188 residents in work, which is below the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%.

Workforce participation is high at 65.6%, compared to the Rest of NT's 50.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with only 1.1% of employment compared to the regional 5.0%.

There is a ratio of 1.9 workers for every resident, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.8%, while employment declined by 1.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Charles's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Charles's median income among taxpayers was $61,072, with an average of $68,365. This is higher than the national average. In comparison, the Rest of NT had a median income of $51,655 and an average of $61,577. By March 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since June 2022, estimated median income would be approximately $67,448, and average income would be around $75,502. According to Census 2021 data, individual earnings at the 85th percentile nationally were $1,073 weekly. Income brackets indicate that 33.8% of individuals in Charles fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band (1,591 individuals). This is similar to the regional pattern where 33.6% occupy this range. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 92.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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

In Charles, houses accounted for 73.5% of dwellings, with other types making up the remaining 26.6%, as per the latest Census. This is compared to Non-Metro NT's breakdown of 67.8% houses and 32.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Charles stood at 17.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.6% and rented ones at 44.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $0, significantly lower than Non-Metro NT's average of $1,800 and the national figure of $1,863. Weekly rent in Charles averaged $350, much lower than Non-Metro NT's $280 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 68.3% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NT average of 2.8.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 27.0% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the SA4 region average of 20.1% and that of Rest of NT (20.1%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 26.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 11.6% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 4.4% in tertiary education. Charles has four schools with a combined enrollment of 822 students, offering varied educational conditions across the area. These include two primary schools, one secondary school, and one K-12 school. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Analysis shows 29 active transport stops operating within Charles, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 8 different routes, collectively facilitating 470 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 224 meters from the nearest stop.

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

The level of general health in Charles is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Charles demonstrates above-average health outcomes.

Both young and old age cohorts have a low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population, which amounts to around 2,528 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 6.8% and 6.7% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 73.8%, declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.9% across the Rest of NT. As of a recent report (12th March 20XX), 10.1% of residents are aged 65 and over, totaling 473 people. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

Charles was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Charles, with 21.1% overseas-born population and 22.9% speaking non-English languages at home, is more diverse than most local markets. Christianity is the predominant religion in Charles, accounting for 44.7%. The 'Other' religious category is slightly overrepresented compared to the rest of NT (1.9% vs 2.1%).

Top ancestral groups are English (20.6%), Australian (20.3%), and Australian Aboriginal (20.2%), lower than regional averages. Maori, Filipino, and Samoan ethnicities show notable divergences in representation compared to regional figures.

Charles's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age of Charles is 35, making it older than the Rest of NT figure of 31 but younger than the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of NT, Charles has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (12.3%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (11.5%). Between 2021 and present, the population aged 0-4 has grown from 6.6% to 8.0%. Conversely, the population aged 55-64 has declined from 13.3% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Charles's age structure. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase by 105 people (19%), rising from 566 to 672. Meanwhile, the population aged 35-44 is expected to decrease by 20.