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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Gulf has an estimated 4,915 residents, up from 4,189 at the 2021 Census — a change of 726 people, or 17.3%. Growth has averaged 0.6% a year over five years, faster than 88% of areas nationally. Natural increase accounts for 68.8% of that increase. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Gulf stands at approximately 4,915 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 726 people (17.3%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 4,189 people. This shift is calculated from the ABS estimated resident population of 4,915 in June 2025 and 1 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low-density environment with substantial space. The expansion of 17.3% since the 2021 census outpaced both the national rate (9.3%) and the state average, positioning the area as a regional growth leader.
The primary driver of this demographic expansion was natural increase, accounting for roughly 68.8% of the total population growth in recent times. AreaSearch utilizes the ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. For SA2 regions lacking these projections, and to estimate growth past 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023 using 2022 data). Looking at these demographic patterns, the area is projected to experience population growth above the median for national non-metropolitan regions, with an expected increase of 628 persons by 2041 based on recent annual ERP statistics, representing a rise of 12.8% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
38 new dwellings have been approved in Gulf over the past five years, an average of 7 a year. That is 1.6 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 15, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Gulf averages approximately 7 residential building approvals annually, with 38 dwellings approved during the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 14 recorded so far during FY-26. With an average of 4 additional residents for every new dwelling completed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand outstrips supply, typically driving up values and heightening competition among purchasers, while new dwellings carry an average construction value of $450,000—moderately higher than regional benchmarks—suggesting a focus on superior build standards. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $14.6 million have been documented in the current financial year, showing moderate commercial construction activity.
Compared to the Rest of NT, the per capita rate of new housing approvals in Gulf is approximately three-quarters, placing it in the bottom 10th percentile of all assessed locations nationwide, which restricts options for purchasers and sustains demand for established homes. This volume is also below the national average, pointing to the mature state of the local market and potential planning limitations. Low-density residential character is preserved through a development mix of 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, emphasizing family-oriented homes for buyers wanting space. An estimated ratio of 1830 people per dwelling approval highlights a quiet development landscape with low overall activity. Looking forward, the population of Gulf is projected to rise by 628 residents by 2041 (utilizing the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch). Construction activity is keeping pace reasonably well with this anticipated growth, though buyers might experience heightened competition as the local population increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Gulf
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 34 current infrastructure and development projects close to Gulf, worth an estimated $42.8 billion. 13 are already under construction and 12 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans energy, transport & logistics and residential development. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and changes to planning policies are major drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 4 key projects that are expected to influence the local area. The most relevant initiatives include Enabling Infrastructure For Developing The Beetaloo Sub-Basin, Australia-Asia PowerLink, Australia-Asia PowerLink (AAPowerLink), and Northern Territory Freight Rail And Logistics Capacity Improvements, with details provided on the projects most likely to impact the community.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Enabling Infrastructure for Developing the Beetaloo Sub-basin
The Beetaloo Sub-basin is Australia's largest onshore shale gas development region. Enabling infrastructure is now progressing through construction and commissioning, including gas processing facilities, the APA Sturt Plateau Pipeline, supporting roads and logistics infrastructure, with first domestic gas production expected during 2026. The project supports long-term gas supply for the Northern Territory and eastern Australia.
Australia-Asia PowerLink
SunCable's Australia-Asia PowerLink is a large-scale renewable energy and transmission project comprising a solar and battery precinct near Powell Creek, an approximately 800 km HVDC transmission line to Darwin, and a subsea HVDC cable to Singapore. The project has secured Northern Territory and Commonwealth environmental approvals, Singapore EMA conditional approval, Indonesian development approvals for the subsea system, and continues to progress development, engineering, commercial agreements and pre-construction activities toward a targeted Final Investment Decision.
Australia-Asia PowerLink (AAPowerLink)
SunCable's AAPowerLink is a landmark renewable generation, battery storage, and HVDC transmission project spanning the Northern Territory and Southeast Asia. The project holds major government environmental approvals and a 70-year Indigenous Land Use Agreement, targeting a final investment decision in 2027 to supply power to industrial customers and international markets.
RAAF Base Tindal Redevelopment
Major upgrade program at RAAF Base Tindal near Katherine, NT, to enhance airbase capacity and resilience. Scope includes runway and taxiway upgrades, new air movements terminal and parking apron, expanded fuel storage, facilities for the new Triton remotely piloted drone fleet, power, water, and sewer upgrades, and 108 new live-in units for personnel. Works are being delivered under Stage 6 Redevelopment and the US Force Posture Initiatives, managed by Lendlease with packages led by contractors including BMD.
50 New Houses at RAAF Base Tindal
Design and construction of 50 four-bedroom, two-bathroom houses for Defence Housing Australia (DHA) at RAAF Base Tindal.
Supporting Growth in Katherine East (Katherine East Residential Estate)
NT Government and Australian Government enabling infrastructure project delivering serviced flood-free land in Katherine East. Stage 1 works including Corymbia Drive, earthworks, roads, stormwater, sewer and electrical infrastructure have been completed. Budget 2024 provided a further AUD16 million for a sewer pump station, sewer network and additional subdivision works to support the future release of more than 350 residential lots together with neighbourhood retail, commercial and community uses.
Katherine Logistics and Agribusiness Hub
A large-scale intermodal logistics and agribusiness hub adjacent to the Darwin-Tarcoola rail corridor and Stuart Highway in Katherine East. The hub is designed to service the storage, processing and freight needs of agriculture, horticulture, resources and defence industries across the Big Rivers region and northern Australia. The NT Government and Australian Government have committed $63.2 million combined, with the 2024 NT Budget allocating a further $30 million for continuing headworks and subdivision works. Critical water supply infrastructure is under construction through a joint NT Connections package with the National Water Grid Authority, with completion expected mid-2026.Full hub construction is targeted for completion Q4 2026.
Katherine Aquatic Centre Upgrade
Major redevelopment of the Katherine Aquatic Centre including refurbishment of the existing 50 m pool, construction of a new heated 25 m six-lane program pool, splash zone, upgraded plant and filtration systems, accessibility improvements including an assisted change facility, new amenities and associated landscaping. Construction remains substantially complete with final works and commissioning following approved contract variations.
1,345 residents of Gulf are employed, from a labour force of 1,610. Unemployment sits at 16.5%, with participation at 40.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local economy is supported by a workforce split between white and blue collar roles, with key representation in essential service sectors, an unemployment rate of 16.5%, and an estimated employment growth of 4.3% over the prior year. In March 2026, 1,345 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 10.6% higher than the 5.9% recorded in Regional NT, highlighting opportunities for job market improvement, while workforce participation is notably lower (40.4% versus 69.9% in Regional NT). Census data shows that a small 4.6% of workers performed their duties from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of Covid-19 restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local workers are education & training, public administration & safety, and health care & social assistance. The region exhibits a distinct concentration in education & training, where the employment share is 2.0 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance is less prominent, employing 10.6% of the local workforce compared to 18.8% across Regional NT. The relationship between the Census working population and resident population suggests that local employment opportunities within the area are limited. According to the AreaSearch review of SALM and ABS statistics, during the 12 months ending March 2026, employment grew by 4.3% while the labour force expanded by 2.7%, resulting in a 1.3 percentage point decline in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional NT saw employment expand by 2.8%, the labour force grow by 2.7%, and unemployment decrease slightly. Future labor demand in Gulf can be contextualized by Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment projections from May-25. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential growth. Nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though trends vary by sector. Projecting these industry trends onto the employment profile of Gulf suggests local employment could grow by 5.4% over five years and 11.9% over ten years (this represents a simple weighted projection for illustration and excludes local population trends).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Gulf is $1,281 a week (about $67,000 a year), with median personal income at $276 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $39,559 a year against an average of $49,860. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The most recent postcode ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 show that personal incomes in the Gulf SA2 are below national benchmarks, with a median of $39,559 and an average of $49,860. This is lower than the figures for Regional NT, which has a median of $53,572 and an average of $63,776. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 9.41% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be roughly $43,282 for the median and $54,552 for the average. The 2021 Census indicates that household income is at the 19th percentile ($1,281 per week), while personal income is at the 0th percentile.
The largest income bracket contains 32.3% of the population earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,587 residents), which aligns with regional patterns where 33.6% fall into the same bracket. Accommodation costs are manageable with residents retaining 94.8% of income, though overall disposable income is below the national average at the 32nd percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Gulf had 725 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 70% detached houses and 0% apartments. 1% are owned with a mortgage, 87% rented and 13% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $75 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,117 a month. Rent absorbs 5.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Dwelling options in Gulf, as recorded in the most recent Census, consisted of 69.7% separate houses and 30.3% other types of housing (such as townhouses, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 75.6% separate houses and 24.5% other dwellings in Regional NT. Home ownership in Gulf was below the Regional NT level, standing at 12.9%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (0.5%) or renting (86.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,117, which is lower than the Regional NT average, while the median weekly rent was $75, compared to Regional NT figures of $1,733 and $150 respectively.
At a national level, mortgage repayments in Gulf are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Gulf counted 725 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 851 today, averaging 4.3 people each. 37% are couples with children, against 20% couples without children. 16% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 82.2%, consisting of couples with children at 37.4%, couples without children at 19.6%, and single parent households at 21.0%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 17.8%, with single person households representing 15.7% and group homes at 1.8%. The median household occupancy is 4.3 people, which is higher than the Regional NT average of 3.1.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
9.3% of adults in Gulf hold a university qualification, including 6.6% with a bachelor degree and 1.5% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 96% of areas nationally. A further 27.4% hold a vocational qualification. 7 schools serve the area, with 683 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 640 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The region presents low levels of formal educational attainment, with university graduation rates (9.3%) tracking well below the Australian average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear gap and a potential opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees represent the highest level of attainment at 6.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Practical and vocational training is common, with 30.9% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (3.5%) and certificates (27.4%). Enrolment rates in education are high, with 34.8% of local residents participating in formal study.
This student population includes 18.0% in primary school, 10.5% in secondary school, and 1.4% enrolled in higher education courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
80.6% of residents in Gulf report no long-term health condition. 2.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 14.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health outcomes in Gulf are in line with national averages, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of local mortality statistics and the incidence of chronic illnesses, with typical rates of common medical conditions recorded across both younger and older age brackets. The rate of private health insurance is low, with approximately 46% of the population (~2,260 people) covered, compared to 51.6% across Regional NT and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent chronic conditions recorded among local residents were diabetes and heart disease, each affecting 5.9% and 5.9% of the population, while 80.6% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 78.4% in Regional NT.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 8.1% of the population (397 people). Senior residents show strong health outcomes, with national health rankings exceeding those of the broader local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Gulf is largely Australian-born, at 96.8% of residents, with 71.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian Aboriginal (80.6%) and Australian (5.6%). 80.6% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Gulf exhibits a high level of cultural diversity, with 3.2% of the population born outside of Australia and 71.3% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 54.7% of residents. The most notable difference from broader trends is in the Other religious category, which accounts for 9.5% of the population compared to 5.2% in Regional NT. Regarding parent birthplaces, the three most common ancestries in Gulf are Australian Aboriginal at 80.6%, which is higher than the regional average of 43.6%, Australian at 5.6%, which is lower than the regional average of 14.9%, and English at 4.4%, which is lower than the regional average of 14.3%.
Other ethnic groups display different distribution patterns, with Maori residents representing 0.4% of the population in Gulf compared to 0.7% across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Gulf is 28, younger than 99% of areas nationally. 37.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in Gulf is 28 years, slightly below the Regional NT average of 31 and younger than the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional NT, Gulf has a larger proportion of people aged 15 - 24 (17.5%) but fewer people aged 55 - 64 (8.7%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group increased from 17.0% to 20.1% of the population, and the 35 to 44 age bracket grew from 13.6% to 15.3%. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort decreased from 20.8% to 17.5% and the 5 to 14 group fell from 16.2% to 13.5%.
Demographic projections for 2041 indicate shifts in the local age profile, led by a 32% increase in the 45 to 54 group (adding 180 people to reach 738 from 557), while the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Gulf
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 1 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,189 at the 2021 Census → 4,915 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (702051066). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.