Gulf
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Gulf's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 4,862. This figure represents a growth of 673 people from the 2021 Census count of 4,189, indicating a 16.1% increase. The change was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Gulf's growth rate exceeded both national (8.6%) and state averages, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 47.6% to overall population gains recently, with overseas migration and interstate migration also being positive factors.

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 estimates, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort from the ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). By 2041, an above-median population growth is projected for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. Specifically, Gulf's population is expected to increase by 661 persons over the next 17 years, reflecting a total increase of 13.6%.

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

Gulf has experienced approximately seven dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 38 dwellings approved between FY-21 and FY-25, and none recorded so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 3.3 new residents has been associated with each dwelling built. This demand outpaces supply, potentially influencing prices and buyer competition.

The average construction cost for new dwellings is $1,289,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. In FY-26, $14.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to the Rest of NT, Gulf has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 10th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options but strong demand for established dwellings. This reflects market maturity and possible development constraints.

New development consists of 80% detached dwellings and 20% attached dwellings, maintaining Gulf's low-density character with a focus on family homes. The area has an estimated 1821 people per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet development environment. Future projections show Gulf adding 661 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers may result from population expansion.

Gulf has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to impact the area. Key projects are Enabling Infrastructure For Developing The Beetaloo Sub-Basin, Australia-Asia PowerLink, Northern Territory Freight Rail And Logistics Capacity Improvements, and Territory Energy Link. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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

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

Gulf has a diverse workforce comprising both white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 17.1%.

This rate has remained relatively stable over the past year. Compared to the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%, Gulf's unemployment rate is 11.2% higher, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Gulf lags significantly behind the Rest of NT, at 27.8% compared to 50.7%. Key industries of employment among residents are education & training, public administration & safety, and health care & social assistance.

Gulf has a particular specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 10.6% of Gulf's workforce compared to 18.8% in Rest of NT. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as shown by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the year to June 2025, employment levels remained stable at 0.0%, while labour force decreased by 1.8%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 1.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NT, where employment fell by 1.7% and unemployment fell marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Gulf. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Gulf's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.4%% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Gulf's median income among taxpayers was $38,405 in financial year ending June 2022. The average income stood at $49,143 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of NT which were $51,655 and $61,577 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% from financial year ending June 2022 to March 2025, current estimates would be approximately $42,414 for median income and $54,274 for average income as of March 2025. According to Census conducted in August 2021, household income ranks at the 19th percentile with a weekly income of $1,281. Personal income sits at the 0th percentile. The data shows that 32.3% of residents (1,570 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, which is similar to the surrounding region where 33.6% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 94.8% retained as disposable income, but disposable income sits below average at the 32nd percentile.

Gulf displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Gulf, as per the latest Census, consisted of 69.7% houses and 30.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NT had 77.7% houses and 22.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gulf was at 12.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (0.5%) or rented (86.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Gulf was $1,117, significantly lower than Non-Metro NT's average of $1,615 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Gulf was recorded at $75, substantially below Non-Metro NT's $178 and the national figure of $375.

Gulf features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 82.2 percent of all households, including 37.4 percent couples with children, 19.6 percent couples without children, and 21.0 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 17.8 percent, with lone person households at 15.7 percent and group households comprising 1.8 percent of the total. The median household size is 4.3 people, which is larger than the Rest of NT average of 3.2.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 30.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 3.5% and certificates at 27.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 18.0% in primary education, 10.5% in secondary education, and 1.4% pursuing tertiary education. Seven schools operate within Gulf, educating approximately 683 students. All seven schools offer integrated K-12 education, providing continuity throughout students' academic journey. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Health outcomes data shows notable results across Gulf regions with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is found to be extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population, which is around 2,231 people. This compares to 49.8% in the Rest of NT.

Nationally, the average is 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are diabetes and heart disease, affecting 5.9 and 5.9% of residents respectively. A total of 80.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 78.3% across Rest of NT. In this area, 7.9% of residents are aged 65 and over, which is approximately 381 people. Health outcomes among seniors in this region are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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

Gulf's cultural diversity was above average, with 3.2% of its population born overseas and 71.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 54.7%. The category 'Other' was overrepresented, making up 9.5%, compared to the Rest of NT's average of 3.6%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian Aboriginal was prevalent at 80.6%, significantly higher than the regional average of 43.9%. Australian and English ancestries were underrepresented at 5.6% and 4.4% respectively, compared to regional averages of 17.5% and 14.4%. Notably, Maori ethnicity was overrepresented in Gulf at 0.4%, matching the regional figure exactly.

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

Gulf's median age is 28 years, which is slightly below the Rest of Northern Territory's average of 31 years and substantially lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NT, Gulf has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (17.9%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (8.3%). This concentration of young residents is significantly higher than the national average of 12.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the age group 25 to 34 has increased from 17.0% to 19.7%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has grown from 4.6% to 6.0%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has decreased from 20.8% to 17.9%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 16.2% to 14.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Gulf's age structure. Notably, the 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 33%, increasing from 567 to 753 residents. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.