Petermann - Simpson

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 2,251 as of February 2026, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects a growth of 290 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 1,961. The increase was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population in June 2024 and five new addresses validated after the census date. The population density is 0.00 persons per square kilometer. Petermann-Simpson's growth rate of 14.8% since the 2021 Census exceeds both national (9.9%) and state averages, indicating strong regional growth. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.6% to recent population gains.

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 age cohort growth rates provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends suggest above-median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, Petermann-Simpson is projected to expand by 324 persons, reflecting a total increase of 14.4% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 with six new dwelling approvals over the five years from 2016 to 2020 inclusive. This low development level reflects the rural nature of the area, where housing needs typically drive development rather than broad market demand. Note that the small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Compared to Rest of NT, Petermann-Simpson has much lower development activity, which is also below national patterns. Recent development comprised entirely detached dwellings, maintaining the rural nature with emphasis on space. This favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (39.0% at Census), indicating robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. By 2041, Petermann-Simpson is expected to grow by 324 residents from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate.

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Petermann - Simpson has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Ernabella Arts Centre Extension and Refurbishment, APY Lands Groundwater Quantity and Quality Investigation, Better and Safer Future for Central Australia, Coastal Hazards Adaptation Strategy. The following list details projects most relevant to the area.

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

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While Petermann - Simpson retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.9%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Petermann-Simpson has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% as of September 2025. In this month, 1,663 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0% below the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%.

Workforce participation was high at 88.3%, compared to the Rest of NT's 70.4%. According to Census responses, only 4.2% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were accommodation & food, arts & recreation, and public administration & safety. Accommodation & food had particularly high concentration, with employment levels at 6.7 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance was under-represented, with only 5.9% of Petermann-Simpson's workforce compared to 18.8% in the Rest of NT. Many residents appeared to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.3%, while employment declined by 1.2%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In comparison, the Rest of NT saw employment fall by 1.3% and labour force contract by 1.2%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Petermann-Simpson's employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

The median income among taxpayers in Petermann-Simpson SA2 is $69,661 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for the financial year 2023. The average income stands at $85,796 in this region during the same period. For comparison, Rest of NT has a median income of $53,572 and an average income of $63,776. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $75,540 (median) and $93,037 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Petermann-Simpson SA2 are at the 17th percentile while personal income is at the 50th percentile. The dominant income bracket is $800-$1499 with 38.1% of residents (857 people), contrasting with regional levels where the $1500-$2999 bracket leads at 33.6%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 90.8% income retention, 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NT had 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Petermann-Simpson was at 6.9%, with the rest either mortgaged (0.7%) or rented (92.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $758, lower than Non-Metro NT's average of $1,733 and significantly below Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $123, substantially lower than Non-Metro NT's $150 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 3.1.

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%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 30.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 4.7% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Petermann-Simpson faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population, which consists of 1,395 people.

This compares to 51.6% in the rest of the Northern Territory (NT) and 55.7% nationally. The most common medical conditions are diabetes and asthma, affecting 7.2% and 5.6% of residents respectively. However, 77.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 78.4% in the rest of NT. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. As of 30 June 20XX (the latest available data), 5.2% of residents are aged 65 and over, totaling 117 people. This is lower than the 8.3% in the rest of NT. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Petermann - Simpson was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number 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. Christianity is the main religion in Petermann-Simpson, comprising 49.4% of people there. However, the group 'Other' is overrepresented, making up 7.0% compared to 5.2% across the rest of NT.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian Aboriginal (43.3%), Australian (15.0%), and English (13.6%). Notably, Spanish (1.0%) and Filipino (1.7%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.2% and 1.4%, respectively, while Korean is also slightly higher at 0.4%.

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

Petermann - Simpson's median age stands at 30 years, close to the Rest of NT's 31 and significantly lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NT, Petermann - Simpson has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (26.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.0%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.4%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, younger residents caused a shift in median age down by 1 year to 30 years. Notable shifts include the 15-24 age group growing from 17.5% to 21.8%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 25.1% to 26.4%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort declined from 16.3% to 14.4% and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.8% to 10.0%. By 2041, Petermann - Simpson is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 32%, reaching 787 people from 594. Meanwhile, both the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.