Ross

Population growth drivers in Ross are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Ross's population is around 3,207 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 501 people (18.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,706 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,094 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 16.8 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Ross's 18.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 73.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is applying 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). As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 621 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 15.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Ross has averaged around 17 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 86 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 3.3 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition, leading to pricing pressures, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $329,000. Additionally, $12.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Relative to the Rest of NT, Ross records 245.0% more construction activity (per person), creating greater choice for buyers, though construction activity has eased recently. New development consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 73.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 342 people per dwelling approval, Ross shows a developing market.

Future projections show Ross adding 508 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 11 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Kilgariff Estate, St Mary's Land Development, Heavitree Gap Road Duplication Planning Study, and Alice Springs Future Grid - Roadmap to 2030, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The labour market in Ross shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Ross has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, and 1.3% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,067 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 4.1% below Regional NT's rate of 6.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (81.9% compared to Regional NT's 71.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.1% of local workers, below Regional NT's 5.0%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.3% and the labour force increased by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NT experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Ross. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Ross's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 for FY-23, the Ross SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $66,254 with the average level standing at $75,029. This is well above average nationally and compares to levels of $53,572 and $63,776 across Regional NT respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $71,846 (median) and $81,361 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Ross cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.9% of the community (990 individuals), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 33.6%. After housing costs, residents retain 94.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Ross, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 73.2% houses and 26.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NT's 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Ross was well beyond that of Regional NT, at 26.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.9%) or rented (37.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NT average at $0, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Regional NT's $1,733 and $150. Nationally, Ross's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

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

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

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (25.6% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA4 region average of 20.1% and that of Rest of NT (20.1%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (27.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.6% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 11 active transport stops operating within Ross comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 54 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 2439 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, above the regional average. A relatively low 6.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 7 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Ross is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Ross faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,815 people), compared to 51.6% across Regional NT.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and diabetes, impacting 6.4% and 6.3% of residents, respectively, while 71.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 78.4% across Regional NT. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (588 people), which is higher than the 8.3% in Regional NT. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Ross was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 18.6% of its population born overseas and 23.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Ross is Christianity, which makes up 51.1% of people in Ross. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NT.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Ross are Australian, comprising 25.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.9%, English, comprising 24.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.3%, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 16.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 43.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 4.3% of Ross (vs 2.5% regionally), Filipino at 1.4% (vs 1.4%) and New Zealand at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

Ross's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 42 years, Ross's median age is considerably higher than the Regional NT average of 31, and substantially exceeds the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional NT, Ross has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (11.2%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (13.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.5% to 11.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.2% to 12.8%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 15.4% to 14.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Ross's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 81%, adding 121 residents to reach 273. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 7% (13 people).