Elsey

An assessment of population growth drivers in Elsey reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Elsey's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 2,646 people. This figure represents an increase of 363 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,283 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,643 in June 2024 and an additional 62 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.00 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person. Elsey's growth rate of 15.9% since the 2021 census surpassed both the national average (8.9%) and the state average, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57.1% to overall population gains in 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 applies age cohort-specific growth rates provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population projections indicate an above-median growth for Australia's regional areas. By 2041, Elsey is expected to have a population of 3,167 people, reflecting a 15.8% increase over the 17-year period.

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

Elsey's development activity is very limited, averaging three approvals per year over five years (16 approvals). This low level of development is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and construction activity restricted by local demand and infrastructure capacity. The small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Elsey has significantly less construction activity than the Rest of NT, with development levels well below national averages. New building activity consists of 67% detached houses and 33% medium to high-density housing, offering a blend of attached housing types at varying price ranges. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Elsey is projected to add 418 residents by 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.

Elsey 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 eleven projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are RAAF Base Tindal Redevelopment, 50 New Houses at RAAF Base Tindal, Supporting Growth in Katherine East (Katherine East Residential Estate), and Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub. 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.

Employment conditions in Elsey face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Elsey has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 11.4%.

As of September 2025, there are 983 employed residents, with an unemployment rate at 5.5%, which is higher than the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%. Workforce participation in Elsey stands at 39.1%, significantly lower than the Rest of NT's 50.7%. Key industries for employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety. Elsey shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 5.7 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence, at 10.3% compared to the regional 18.8%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. From September 2024 to September 2025, Elsey's labour force decreased by 1.0%, with employment also decreasing by 1.0%, while unemployment remained largely unchanged. In contrast, the Rest of NT saw employment contract by 1.3%, labour force fall by 1.2%, and unemployment rise marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Elsey's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2022, Elsey SA2 had median income among taxpayers at $37,742 and average income at $46,612. These figures are below national averages of $51,655 and $61,577 respectively for Rest of NT. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $42,275 and average income is $52,210 as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, individual incomes were at the 0th percentile ($334 weekly), while household incomes were at the 27th percentile. Income distribution showed largest segment comprising 35.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (947 residents), consistent with broader trends across broader area showing 33.6% in same category. Housing costs retention was manageable at 94.5%, but disposable income was below average at the 39th percentile.

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

As of the latest Census, dwelling structures in Elsey consisted of 72.3% houses and 27.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NT had 77.7% houses and 22.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elsey was at 16.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 4.6% and rented dwellings at 78.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro NT's average of $1,615. The median weekly rent figure in Elsey was recorded at $80, compared to Non-Metro NT's $178. Nationally, Elsey's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Elsey features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.8% of all households, including 33.6% couples with children, 21.3% couples without children, and 16.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 3.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of NT average of 3.2.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 8.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 31.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 6.2% and certificates for 25.1%.

Educational participation is high at 28.8%, including 16.6% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 1.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Elsey's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Elsey exhibits excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover stands at approximately 46% (1,227 people), compared to 49.8% in the Rest of NT and 55.3% nationally. Diabetes affects 7.1% of residents, while heart disease impacts 5.9%.

A total of 77.3% report no medical ailments, similar to the 78.3% in the Rest of NT. Elsey has 7.2% (190 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 8.2% in the Rest of NT. Senior health outcomes align with those of the general population.

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

Elsey's cultural diversity was above average with 5.8% of its population born overseas and 74.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Elsey, making up 52.0% of its people. However, there was an overrepresentation in Other religions, comprising 7.5% compared to Rest of NT's 3.6%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian Aboriginal was the most represented group at 67.1%, significantly higher than the regional average of 43.9%. Australian ancestry made up 10.1%, notably lower than the regional average of 17.5%, and English ancestry comprised 8.9%, also lower than the regional average of 14.4%. Notably, French ethnicity was overrepresented at 0.4% in Elsey compared to the regional average of 0.2%.

Elsey hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Elsey's median age is 29, lower than Rest of NT's 31 and Australia's 38 years. The 15-24 age group is prominent at 16.8%, while the 45-54 group is smaller at 9.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35-44 age group grew from 13.3% to 16.0%, the 5-14 cohort declined from 16.7% to 14.8%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 10.9% to 9.6%. By 2041, Elsey's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase markedly by 129 people (51%) from 253 to 383. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort is projected to decline by 18 people.