Petermann - Simpson
Statistical Area - sa2

Petermann - Simpson is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Petermann-Simpson's population is 2,264 as of Aug 2025. This shows an increase of 303 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 1,961. The increase is inferred from ABS data: an estimated resident population of 2,251 in June 2024 and five new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.00 persons per square kilometer. Petermann-Simpson's growth rate of 15.5% since the 2021 Census exceeds both national (8.6%) and state averages, indicating strong regional leadership. Overseas migration contributes approximately 82.6% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas, 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-based growth rates provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population dynamics project above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, Petermann-Simpson is expected to expand by 324 persons, reflecting a total increase of 13.7%.

The level of residential development activity in Petermann - Simpson is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Petermann-Simpson had minimal construction activity between 2015 and 2019 with only two new dwellings approved annually on average. This resulted in a total of 13 approvals over the five-year period. The low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where housing needs are typically specific to local demands rather than broader market forces.

Notably, due to the small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics. Petermann-Simpson's development activity is much lower compared to the Rest of NT and also below national averages. Recent developments have been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the rural nature with an emphasis on space. This preference for detached housing (39.0% at Census) indicates robust demand for family homes in the area.

With approximately 0 people per dwelling approval, it suggests an expanding market. By 2041, Petermann-Simpson is expected to grow by 311 residents. Given current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Petermann - Simpson has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Ernabella Arts Centre Extension and Refurbishment, APY Lands Groundwater Quantity and Quality Investigation, Coastal Hazards Adaptation Strategy, and Telstra InfraCo Intercity Fibre Network. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, Petermann - Simpson has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Petermann-Simpson has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.8%.

In June 2025, 1,656 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate 2.1% below Rest of NT's 5.9%. Workforce participation is high at 60.6%, compared to Rest of NT's 50.7%. Key industries include accommodation & food (6.7 times the regional average), arts & recreation, and public administration & safety. Health care & social assistance is under-represented, at 5.9% vs Rest of NT's 18.8%.

Some residents commute elsewhere for work. Over June 2024 to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.8%, employment fell by 1.7%, and unemployment rate dropped by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Petermann-Simpson's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.6% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Petermann - Simpson had one of Australia's highest incomes. The median was $63,602 and the average was $81,180. This contrasts with Rest of NT's median income of $51,655 and average of $61,577. Based on a 10.44% growth in wages since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 are approximately $70,242 (median) and $89,655 (average). Census data indicates household incomes are at the 17th percentile, while personal income is at the 51st percentile. Income analysis shows that 38.1% of residents (862 people) fall within the $800 - 1,499 bracket, unlike regional trends where 33.6% are in the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing costs are modest with 90.8% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 24th percentile nationally.

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

Petermann-Simpson's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.7% houses and 61.2% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro NT which had 67.8% houses and 32.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Petermann-Simpson stood at 6.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 0.7% and rented ones at 92.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $758, significantly lower than Non-Metro NT's average of $1,800. The median weekly rent figure in Petermann-Simpson was $123, compared to $280 in Non-Metro NT. Nationally, Petermann-Simpson's mortgage repayments were notably lower at $758 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Petermann - Simpson features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 48.1% of all households, including 17.6% couples with children, 22.0% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 51.9%, with lone person households at 49.8% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NT average of 2.8.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.0% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 30.2%. Educational participation is high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.1% in primary, 4.7% in secondary, and 4.1% in tertiary education.

There are 11 schools serving 192 students in the area, with varied educational conditions across Petermann-Simpson. The educational mix includes 2 primary, 4 secondary, and 5 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents stand at 8.5, below the regional average of 15.0, suggesting some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Petermann-Simpson had excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover was high at approximately 61% (1,376 people), compared to 53.7% in the Rest of NT and the national average of 55.3%. Diabetes and asthma were the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.2% and 5.6% of residents respectively.

A total of 77.8% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.9% in the Rest of NT. The area had 4.9% (110 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 9.3% in the Rest of NT. Health outcomes among seniors were strong and broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Petermann - Simpson 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

Petermann-Simpson was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 15.8% of its population born overseas and 54.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in Petermann-Simpson is Christianity, making up 49.4% of the population. However, there was notable overrepresentation in Other religions, comprising 7.0% compared to 2.1% across Rest of NT.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian Aboriginal at 43.3%, Australian at 15.0%, and English at 13.6%. Notably, Spanish was overrepresented at 1.0%, Filipino at 1.7%, and Korean at 0.4% compared to regional averages of 0.3%, 1.7%, and 0.2% respectively.

Petermann - Simpson hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Petermann-Simpson's median age of 30 years is close to the Rest of NT's 31 and significantly lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NT, Petermann-Simpson has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (26.0%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.6%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has grown from 17.5% to 21.2%, while the proportion of those aged 35 to 44 has declined from 16.3% to 14.5%. Additionally, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has dropped from 11.8% to 10.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Petermann-Simpson's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 787 residents from the current 587. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 55-64 age groups are expected to decrease in number.