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

Ross's population was around 3,147 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 441 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,706 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,147 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 16.5 persons per square kilometer. Ross's growth rate of 16.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.3%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 71.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch applied growth rates by age cohort, provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Examining future trends, an above median population growth is projected for Australian non-metropolitan areas. The area is expected to increase by 582 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 18.5% over the 16 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 received approximately 17 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 86 homes. As of FY26, six approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.3 new residents per year have arrived per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This supply lagging demand has led to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new dwellings developed at an average cost of $329,000.

In FY26, $12.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to the Rest of NT, Ross has 240.0% more building activity per person. Recent construction consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 73.0% houses. This transition reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse affordable housing options. With around 342 people per approval, Ross indicates a market in transition. Population forecasts suggest Ross will gain 582 residents by 2041.

Current construction levels are expected to 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

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting 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. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Ross has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.9% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.3%.

There were 2,067 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 4.1% lower than Regional NT's rate of 6.1%. Workforce participation in Ross was 79.7%, compared to Regional NT's 69.3%. According to Census responses, 6.1% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction.

Construction had notable concentration with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.1%. There appeared to be limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 1.3% alongside labour force increasing by 1.2%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. Regional NT recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.1%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Ross. These projections, over five and ten-year periods, indicate national employment expansion by 6.6% and 13.7%. Applying these projections to Ross's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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 financial year 2023, Ross SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $66,254. The average income stood at $75,029. Nationally, this is high compared to Regional NT's levels of $53,572 and $63,776 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $72,489 (median) and $82,089 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Ross cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. The data shows that 30.9% of residents (972 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, reflecting patterns seen in metropolitan regions where 33.6% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 94.7% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. 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

The latest Census evaluation of Ross's dwelling structure showed 73.2% houses and 26.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NT's 75.6% houses and 24.5% 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, below Regional NT's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Ross was $280, compared to Regional NT's $150. Nationally, Ross's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and its median weekly rent figure is substantially below the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 31.5%, with lone person households at 28.9% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, 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 is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 25.6% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 20.1% and that of Rest of NT (20.1%). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.6% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 35.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 27.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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

Ross has 11 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by two routes offering a total of 54 weekly passenger trips. Residents have limited access to transport, with an average distance of 2439 meters to the nearest stop. Ross is mainly residential, with outward commuting being common. Cars are used predominantly (91%), while walking accounts for 6%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 6.1% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 7 trips daily, resulting in about 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,781 people), compared to 51.6% across Regional NT. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and diabetes, impacting 6.4 and 6.3% of residents respectively. 71.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 78.4% across Regional NT. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. There are 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (562 people), higher than the 8.5% 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 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 predominant religion in Ross is Christianity, accounting for 51.1% of the population. However, Judaism is most notably overrepresented, comprising 0.3% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (25.1%, substantially higher than the regional average of 14.9%), English (24.1%, also substantially higher), and Australian Aboriginal (16.5%, notably lower than the regional average of 43.6%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include German, overrepresented at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 2.5%, Filipino (1.4%, equal to the regional average), and New Zealand (0.7%, slightly higher than the regional average of 0.5%).

Ross's median age exceeds the national pattern

Ross's median age of 41 years is significantly older than Regional NT's 31 and somewhat older than the national average of 38 years. The age group of 65-74 shows strong representation at 10.7%, compared to Regional NT, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.7%. Since 2021, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 9.5% to 11.8%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 13.9% to 15.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 14.2% to 12.3%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 15.4% to 14.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Ross. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 123 people (an 85% increase) from 145 to 269. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows modestly by 9%, an increase of 15 people.