East Side

East Side has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

East Side's population is approximately 6,305 as of February 2026. This figure represents a growth of 887 people, equivalent to a 16.4% increase since the 2021 Census recorded a population of 5,418. The estimated resident population from ABS in June 2024 was 6,285, with an additional 8 validated new addresses contributing to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 244 persons per square kilometer. East Side's population growth rate surpassed the national average (9.9%) and state averages, indicating significant growth since the 2021 Census. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 61.5% 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 growth estimation, AreaSearch employs growth rates by age cohort provided by ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). According to population projections, locations outside capital cities are expected to experience above median population growth. By 2041, East Side's population is projected to increase by 16.2%, reaching a total of approximately 7,358 persons.

Residential development activity is lower than average in East Side according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

East Side has seen approximately 12 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 60 homes were approved, with another 3 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 9.2 people have moved into the area each year for every dwelling built during these years.

This has led to a significant demand exceeding new supply, typically resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new homes is around $283,000, which is lower than regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. This financial year, $5.7 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting the area's predominantly residential character. Compared to the Rest of NT, East Side shows moderately higher building activity, with 21.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This has preserved reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, recent periods have seen a moderation in development activity. Nationally, the area's level is below average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population count of 2592 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, East Side is projected to grow by 1,021 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

East Side has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable among these are the Alice Springs Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment, Melanka Accelerated Accommodation Development, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia, and Alice Springs Flood Mitigation Project. The following list details those considered 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.

East Side ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

East Side's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 1.8%. There were 4,612 residents employed at this time, which is 4.1% lower than the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%.

Workforce participation was high at 93.0%, compared to 70.4% in the Rest of NT. According to Census responses, only 4.4% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area had a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 0.4% compared to 5.0% in the Rest of NT. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.1%, alongside a 1.1% employment decline, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, the Rest of NT experienced an employment decline of 1.3% and a labour force decline of 1.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to East Side's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. East Side SA2 had median income among taxpayers of $64,476 and average income of $72,299. This was higher than national averages of $53,572 in Rest of NT. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $69,918 and average income $78,401. Census data showed individual earnings at the 86th percentile nationally ($1,118 weekly). Income brackets indicated largest segment comprised 34.0% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,143 residents), similar to broader trends across regional levels showing 33.6% in the same category. High housing costs consumed 15.5% of income. Despite this, strong earnings placed disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally and East Side SA2's SEIFA income ranking was in the 6th decile.

East Side displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

East Side's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 61.8% houses and 38.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NT had 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. East Side's home ownership rate was 16.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.5% and rented ones at 46.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro NT's average. The median weekly rent figure was recorded as $360, compared to Non-Metro NT's $150. Nationally, East Side's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $360 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 63.6% of all households, including 27.5% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households at 29.1% and group households comprising 7.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, smaller than the Rest of NT average of 3.1.

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

East Side's educational attainment notably exceeds broader benchmarks. As of 2018, 37.2% of residents aged 15+ held university qualifications, compared to 20.1% in the SA4 region and 20.1% in the Rest of NT. The area shows a substantial educational advantage with bachelor degrees leading at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominently featured, with 29.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (19.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest data. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

East Side has 15 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops offer one route collectively making 49 weekly trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 244 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode at 82%, with cycling at 8% and walking at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 7 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

East Side faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~3,461 people), compared to 51.6% across the Rest of NT. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.1 and 6.3% of residents respectively. 75.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 78.4% across the Rest of NT. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 11.5% of residents aged 65 and over (724 people), which is higher than the 8.3% in the Rest of NT. National rankings are broadly in line with the general population.

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

East Side's cultural diversity was notable, with 25.5% of its population born overseas and 25.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in East Side, comprising 39.9% of its people. However, Judaism showed significant overrepresentation at 0.4%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of NT.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (21.1%), Australian (19.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (16.2%). Notably, Maori (1.5%) and Samoan (0.4%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.7% and 0.2%, respectively. Additionally, the French group was also notably higher at 0.6%.

East Side's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

East Side's median age is 33 years, slightly higher than the Rest of NT average of 31 but lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NT, East Side has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (8.1%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (11.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the 65-74 age group has increased from 6.8% to 8.1%, while the 35-44 cohort has risen from 15.4% to 16.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 21.3% to 19.4%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 12.2% to 11.1%. By 2041, East Side's population is projected to undergo significant demographic changes. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 28%, adding 193 people and reaching a total of 893 residents from its previous count of 699. The 0-4 age group is forecasted to grow at a more modest rate of 9%, with an increase of 41 residents.