Ross
Statistical Area - sa2

Ross lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Ross's population was approximately 3,099 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 393 people (14.5%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,706. The change is inferred from ABS estimates showing a resident population of 3,094 in June 2024 and validated new addresses totalling 10 since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 16.3 persons per square kilometer. Ross's growth rate exceeded both national (8.6%) and state averages, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 73.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 estimations, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort to each area, as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023 based on 2022 data). Future population trends project an above median growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, Ross's population is projected to increase by 621 persons, marking a total increase of 19.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Ross recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Ross receives approximately 23 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that between financial years 2020 and 2025, around 115 dwellings were approved, with 4 already approved in the current year, FY-26. On average, 3.3 new residents per year arrive for each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years. This indicates a significant lag between supply and demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average development cost is $399,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing choices for buyers. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $12.5 million, reflecting steady investment activity. Compared to the Rest of NT, Ross has 272.0% more building activity per capita, offering ample choice to buyers despite a recent slowdown in overall construction activity. Recent developments consist of equal parts detached houses and townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's current housing composition of 73.0% houses. This change reflects decreasing developable sites and evolving lifestyles that require more diverse and affordable housing options. With an estimated 342 people per dwelling approval, Ross maintains a low development activity environment.

Population forecasts project an increase of 616 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially exceeding current population growth forecasts.

Ross has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Kilgariff Estate, Kilgariff Estate, St Mary's Land Development, and Heavitree Gap Road Duplication Planning Study. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Ross demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Ross has a skilled workforce with 2,018 residents employed as of June 2025. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.

This is 3.9% lower than the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%. Workforce participation in Ross is 56.1%, compared to the Rest of NT's 50.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Construction has a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 1.1% employment compared to the regional 5.0%. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Ross's labour force decreased by 1.8%, while employment declined by 1.5%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ross's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2022, Ross had a median income among taxpayers of $61,801 with the average level standing at $71,223. This is above the national average and compares to levels of $51,655 and $61,577 across Rest of NT respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% from financial year 2022 to March 2025, current estimates would be approximately $68,253 (median) and $78,659 (average). From the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Ross cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.9% of residents (957 people), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 33.6%. After housing costs, residents retain 94.7% of income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Ross is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Ross's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 73.2% houses and 26.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NT had 67.8% houses and 32.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ross was at 26.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.9% and rented ones at 37.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $0, significantly lower than Non-Metro NT's average of $1,800. The median weekly rent figure in Ross was recorded as $280, matching Non-Metro NT's figure. Nationally, Ross's mortgage repayments were considerably lower at $0 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Ross has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.5% of all households, including 28.5% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 31.5%, with lone person households at 28.9% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NT average of 2.8.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 25.6% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the SA4 region average of 20.1% and that of Rest of NT (20.1%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (27.3%).

Educational participation is high at 31.6%, including 11.5% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education. Educational institutions include Yirara College and Alice Springs Steiner School, serving a total of 322 students. Ross has varied educational conditions with one secondary school and one K-12 school. School places per 100 residents are lower at 10.4 compared to the regional average of 15.0, indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The Ross public transport analysis shows 11 active stops operating within the area, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two individual routes that together offer 54 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these services is rated as limited, with residents typically located 2439 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 7 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Ross are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Ross's health indicators show below-average results compared to other areas.

Common health conditions are somewhat typical but higher than national averages among older residents. Approximately 55% (~1,704 people) have private health cover, which is very high. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and diabetes, affecting 6.4 and 6.3% of residents respectively. 71.5% declare no medical ailments, compared to 76.9% in Rest of NT. Ross has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.3% (566 people) than the Rest of NT's 9.3%. Health outcomes for seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.

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

Ross was found to have above average cultural diversity, with 18.6% of its population born overseas and 23.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in Ross is Christianity, comprising 51.1% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Northern Territory (NT), making up 0.3% of Ross's population versus 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians are the largest group at 25.1%, substantially higher than the regional average of 17.0%. English ancestry follows at 24.1%, also notably higher than the regional average of 17.4%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry is present at 16.5%, which is lower than the regional average of 28.9%. There are notable differences in the representation of other ethnic groups: German is overrepresented at 4.3% versus the regional average of 3.3%, Filipino at 1.4% compared to 1.7%, and New Zealand at 0.7% versus 0.6%.

Ross hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Ross has a median age of 42, which is notably higher than the Rest of NT average of 31 and also exceeds the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of NT, Ross has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.2%). From the 2021 Census to present, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 9.5% to 11.2%. Conversely, the age group of 55-64 has decreased from 15.4% to 14.0%, and the 45-54 cohort has dropped from 14.2% to 13.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Ross's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 76%, adding 117 residents and reaching a total of 273.