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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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Petermann - Simpson has an estimated 2,337 residents, up from 1,961 at the 2021 Census — a change of 376 people, or 19.2%. Overseas migration accounts for 79.7% of that increase. 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 research conducted by AreaSearch, the resident population of Petermann - Simpson stands at approximately 2,337 in May 2026. Comparing this to the 2021 Census figure of 1,961 people, the population has expanded by 376 individuals, representing a 19.2% rise. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population figure of 2,337 alongside 5 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. With this population level, the density ratio is 0.00 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant personal space. The 19.2% rate of expansion since the 2021 census outpaced the national metric of 9.3% and exceeded the state rate, establishing the area as a regional growth leader.
The primary driver of these gains was overseas migration, which was responsible for roughly 79.7% of the total population increase during recent times. Projections developed by the ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 using 2022 as a baseline, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2. For localities lacking this coverage, and to calculate growth beyond 2032, growth rates segmented by age cohort from the latest Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 data) are applied. In line with broader demographic trajectories, regional areas across the nation are expected to experience above median growth, with this specific territory projected to add 305 residents by 2041 relative to the latest annual ERP numbers, showing a total increase of 13.1% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity in Petermann - Simpson is very low, averaging 1 dwelling approvals per year, which totals 6 over the previous five years. Minimal development figures of this kind are typical for rural areas where housing requirements are small and building tasks are constrained by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that because the volume of approvals is so small, individual projects have the potential to alter yearly growth rates and comparisons. Building activity in Petermann - Simpson is naturally far below that of the Rest of NT.
These development volumes also fall short of national standards. Additionally, recent residential additions have consisted entirely of standalone homes, preserving the rural character of the area and its focus on open space. Builders are constructing standalone houses at a higher rate than the baseline proportion of 39.0% recorded at the Census, demonstrating that demand for family dwellings remains strong despite overall density pressures. Future population projections suggest Petermann - Simpson will add 305 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly estimation from AreaSearch. If building activity remains at its current pace, the volume of housing supply may fail to keep pace with population growth, potentially heightening competition among buyers and supporting property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Petermann - Simpson
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Petermann - Simpson, worth an estimated $346 million. A further 61 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $42.3 billion. 19 are already under construction and 22 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, energy 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 planning schemes have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has tracked 14 projects expected to influence this locality. The most relevant initiatives include the Ernabella Arts Centre Extension and Refurbishment, the APY Lands Groundwater Quantity and Quality Investigation, the Better and Safer Future for Central Australia initiative, and the Coastal Hazards Adaptation Strategy, with detailed listings provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Better and Safer Future for Central Australia
A 250 million AUD Australian and NT Government plan (now 345.9 million AUD) to improve community safety and infrastructure. Key 2026 milestones include the opening of the Todd Street Health Hub in Alice Springs, the Mutitjulu health clinic, and modernised facilities in Santa Teresa. The program integrates 77 new dwellings, Remote Training Hubs, and On-Country learning initiatives. As of May 2026, multiple health and community infrastructure projects have transitioned from construction to operational status, while family safety and youth service expansions continue across the region.
Ernabella Arts Centre Extension and Refurbishment
Extension and refurbishment of Australia's oldest continuously running Indigenous art centre, established in 1948. The project will enhance facilities for the culturally significant art centre that supports over 500 Anangu artists and preserves traditional cultural practices while providing contemporary art spaces.
Umuwa Multi-Agency Facility
Purpose-built multi-agency facility accommodating SA Police and child protection agencies. Features forensic interview capabilities, family breakout areas, communal agency areas and improved technology connectivity. Designed to improve community safety and child protection outcomes through enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
APY Lands Groundwater Quantity and Quality Investigation
Research and investigation project to assess groundwater quantity and quality across the remote Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in north-western South Australia. Activities include drilling, sampling and testing, hydrogeological assessment of aquifers, water quality risk analysis, and community engagement to set water use priorities. The project partners with APY Lands community stakeholders to co-develop First Nations and western science knowledge, supporting sustainable groundwater use for drinking water, agriculture and economic development. Funded by the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund, with delivery led by the SA Department for Environment and Water.
Umuwa Central Power House Renewable Energy Upgrade
Upgrade of the Umuwa Central Power House on the APY Lands under South Australia's Remote Area Energy Supply (RAES) scheme. Works delivered a ground-mount solar PV system of approximately 2.42 MWp and a Battery Energy Storage System of about 1.56 MVA / 1.1 MWh integrated with the existing diesel plant via modern controls. The system is intended to supply around 4.4 GWh per year (about 40% of total demand) and reduce diesel use by roughly 1 million litres annually, improving reliability and cutting emissions across the RAES 33 kV network.
Fregon Anangu School Upgrade
Fregon Anangu School is undergoing a facility upgrade. Construction of a new Primary School building and Secondary School buildings including covered outdoor areas with general learning areas, withdrawal spaces, breakout spaces and amenities. The upgrade includes new construction providing administration spaces, primary and secondary learning areas, food technology and canteen; refurbishment of the library resource and general teaching to provide a new art space; refurbishment of the gymnasium amenities; a vehicle storage shed; a new covered outdoor learning area (COLA) and external works; and demolition of ageing infrastructure.
National Coastal Hazards Adaptation Strategy
National strategic initiative to improve Australia's resilience to coastal hazards driven by sea level rise, storm surge, coastal erosion and inundation. The program promotes coordinated action across all levels of government, including nature-based solutions, protective infrastructure, planning reforms, managed retreat where appropriate and improved coastal risk management. Since the original Infrastructure Australia proposal, the initiative has been incorporated into broader national climate adaptation planning led by the Australian Government.
Indulkana Bus Shelters
Construction of two new bus shelters on Stuart Highway near Indulkana to provide shade and shelter for people travelling by bus between Adelaide, Alice Springs and the APY Lands. Improves comfort and safety for community members using public transport services.
1,701 residents of Petermann - Simpson are employed, from a labour force of 1,772. Unemployment sits at 4.0%, with participation at 87.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.6% 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. The working-day population is estimated at 2,099, about 90% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
A skilled labor force characterizes Petermann - Simpson, with the tourism and hospitality sectors being highly visible, alongside a 4.0% unemployment rate and an estimated 2.7% growth in jobs over the past year. In March 2026, working residents numbered 1,701, while the unemployment rate sat 1.9% lower than the Regional NT level of 5.9%, and the participation rate was exceptionally high at 87.1% compared to Regional NT's 69.9%. According to Census records, a minor 4.2% of the workforce operated from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.
The primary sectors employing local residents are accommodation & food, arts & recreation, and public administration & safety. The concentration of jobs in accommodation & food is highly pronounced, reaching 6.7 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, employing only 5.9% of the Petermann - Simpson workforce relative to 18.8% in Regional NT. Although local employment is available, the ratio of the Census working population to the local job count suggests a significant number of residents travel to other locations for employment. Analysis of SALM and ABS data by AreaSearch shows that in the year ending March 2026, employment grew by 2.7% and the labor force expanded by 2.7%, resulting in a steady unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional NT saw employment expand by 2.8%, the labor force grow by 2.7%, and unemployment decrease slightly. Future labor needs in Petermann - Simpson can be evaluated using the national employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25. These projections, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by industry sector. Projecting these industry trends onto the current employment mix of Petermann - Simpson indicates local employment could rise by 5.6% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection for illustration that does not incorporate local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Petermann - Simpson is $1,248 a week (about $65,000 a year), with median personal income at $807 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $69,661 a year against an average of $85,796. 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 latest postcode-level ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the Petermann - Simpson SA2 are among the highest in the country, with a median value of $69,661 and an average value of $85,796. This is higher than the Regional NT metrics, where the median income is $53,572 and the average is $63,776. Adjusting these figures for a Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since the 2023 financial year yields estimated values of approximately $76,216 for the median and $93,869 for the average as of March 2026.
Census statistics indicate that household incomes are positioned at the 17th percentile, whereas personal incomes sit higher at the 50th percentile. In terms of income distribution, the $800 - 1,499 bracket is the most common, accounting for 38.1% of residents (890 people), which differs from the broader region where 33.6% of people earn in the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Even though housing expenses are relatively low, leaving residents with 90.8% of their income, total disposable income is positioned at the 24th percentile nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Petermann - Simpson had 643 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 39% detached houses and 17% apartments. 1% are owned with a mortgage, 92% rented and 7% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $123 a week and the median mortgage repayment $758 a month. Rent absorbs 9.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 14.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the mix of housing styles in Petermann - Simpson consisted of 38.7% standalone houses and 61.2% alternative structures like semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwellings, compared to Regional NT where standalone houses made up 75.6% and other dwellings accounted for 24.5%. Home ownership in Petermann - Simpson was lower than the regional rate at 6.9%, with the remaining properties occupied by households with a mortgage (0.7%) or tenants renting (92.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the locality was recorded at $758, which is below the Regional NT average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent stood at $123 compared to $150 in Regional NT.
On a national level, mortgage costs in Petermann - Simpson are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices are also well below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Petermann - Simpson counted 643 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 766 today, averaging 2.2 people each. 18% are couples with children, fewer than in 92% of areas nationally, against 22% couples without children. 50% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the largest share of households at 48.1%, which is divided into couples with children at 17.6%, couples without children at 22.0%, and single parent households at 5.9%. Non-family households account for the remaining 51.9%, with single-person households representing 49.8% and group households making up 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 individuals is smaller than the Regional NT average of 3.1.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
19.5% of adults in Petermann - Simpson hold a university qualification, including 14.4% with a bachelor degree and 3.9% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 86% of areas nationally. A further 30.2% hold a vocational qualification. 11 schools serve the area, with 192 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 737 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
Educational challenges are present in the area, with the proportion of residents holding university qualifications (19.5%) sitting below the national rate of 30.4%. This represents both a difficulty and a focus area for targeted educational programs. Among higher degrees, bachelor qualifications are the most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate studies at 3.9% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Technical qualifications are highly represented, with 41.0% of the population aged 15+ possessing vocational training, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (30.2%). The rate of educational enrollment is quite high, with 28.6% of the population currently undertaking formal study.
This cohort includes 12.1% attending primary school, 4.7% in secondary school, and 4.1% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
77.8% of residents in Petermann - Simpson report no long-term health condition. 3.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 62.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 10.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health difficulties are notable in Petermann - Simpson, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality statistics and the occurrence of chronic conditions, with common health issues observed across both older and younger demographics, while the proportion of the population with private health insurance is high at approximately 62% (1,448 people). This compares to a rate of 51.6% across Regional NT and a national average of 55.7%. Diabetes and asthma were identified as the most frequent medical issues in the area, affecting 7.2 and 5.6% of residents, respectively, while 77.8% of the population reported no chronic conditions compared to 78.4% in Regional NT.
Residents aged under 65 show favorable health outcomes. The percentage of the population aged 65 and over stands at 4.9% (113 people), which is lower than the Regional NT proportion of 8.5%. Seniors in the area experience positive health outcomes, with their national rankings exceeding those of the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Petermann - Simpson is largely Australian-born, at 84.2% of residents, with 54.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian Aboriginal (43.3%) and Australian (15.0%). 43.3% 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
Cultural diversity in Petermann - Simpson is higher than in most other local areas, with 15.8% of the population born outside of Australia and 54.4% using a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 49.4% of the population. The most prominent statistical divergence is in the category of Other religions, which accounts for 7.0% of the population, compared to 5.2% in Regional NT. Regarding family heritage and parental birthplaces, the three most common ancestries in Petermann - Simpson are Australian Aboriginal at 43.3%, Australian at 15.0%, and English at 13.6%.
Significant differences also exist for other groups: Spanish ancestry represents 1.0% of the population (compared to 0.2% regionally), Filipino stands at 1.7% (compared to 1.4%), and Korean accounts for 0.4% (compared to 0.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Petermann - Simpson is 30, younger than 95% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 47.4% 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 Petermann - Simpson is 30 years, close to the Regional NT median of 31 and younger than the national average of 38 years. Relative to Regional NT, Petermann - Simpson has a larger share of people aged 25 - 34 (27.1%) but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (8.4%). The concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 is higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 17.5% to 20.3%, and the 25 to 34 cohort expanded from 25.1% to 27.1%.
Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort decreased from 16.3% to 14.3% and the 5 to 14 cohort fell from 9.7% to 8.4%. Demographic models suggest the age structure of Petermann - Simpson will change by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age bracket projected to grow by 31% (195 people) from 633 to 829, while the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 brackets are expected to decrease in size.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Petermann - Simpson
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, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 1 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 — 5 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,961 at the 2021 Census → 2,337 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 (702011050). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.