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 3,207 as of February 2026. This reflected an increase of 501 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,706 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,094 from the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 16.8 persons per square kilometer. Ross's growth of 18.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 73.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch applied 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 projected an above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. The area was expected to increase by 621 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 15.8% 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 averaged approximately 17 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 86 homes. As of FY26, 6 approvals have been recorded. Each home built has accommodated an average of 3.3 new residents per year over these five years (FY21 to FY25). This supply has lagged demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new properties constructed at an average cost of $329,000.

In FY26, commercial development approvals totalling $12.5 million have been recorded, suggesting balanced commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of NT, Ross has 245.0% more construction activity per person. New developments consist of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current pattern of 73.0% houses. This trend may indicate diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. With around 342 people per dwelling approval, Ross shows a developing market. Future projections estimate Ross adding 508 residents by 2041, suggesting that current development rates should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Eleven projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, with major ones including Kilgariff Estate, St Mary's Land Development, Heavitree Gap Road Duplication Planning Study, and Alice Springs Future Grid - Roadmap to 2030.

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 essential services sectors well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.8%. In Ross, 2,040 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.1% lower than Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%.

The workforce participation rate in Ross is 80.7%, compared to Rest of NT's 70.4%. According to Census responses, 6.1% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Notably, construction has an employment concentration 1.8 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 1.1% of Ross's workforce compared to 5.0% in Rest of NT. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Ross's labour force decreased by 1.1% while employment declined by 0.7%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NT saw employment contract by 1.3%, labour force fall by 1.2%, and marginal unemployment rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% and over ten years by 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

The Ross SA2's median income among taxpayers was $66,254 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $75,029 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of NT's which were $53,572 and $63,776 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $71,846 (median) and $81,361 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Ross cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 30.9% earning between $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 990 residents falling into this category. This aligns with the regional trend where this cohort represents 33.6%. After housing costs, residents retain 94.7% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. 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

In Ross, as per the latest Census data, 73.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 26.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro NT's figures of 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ross stood at 26.8%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 35.9% and rented ones accounting for 37.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $0, significantly lower than Non-Metro NT's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Ross averaged $280, compared to Non-Metro NT's figures of $150 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Ross's median monthly mortgage repayment was well below the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 68.5 percent of all households, including 28.5 percent couples with children, 27.3 percent couples without children, and 11.5 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.5 percent, with lone person households at 28.9 percent and group households comprising 3.1 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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%, exceeding 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 (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (27.3%).

Educational participation is high at 31.6%, comprising 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 active public transport stops, operating a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two distinct routes, offering a total of 54 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited in Ross, with residents typically residing 2439 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most inhabitants commute outward. The car remains the primary mode of transport, used by 91% of residents, 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 Ross's residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages seven trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately four 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.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,815 people), compared to 51.6% across the rest of NT. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and diabetes, impacting 6.4 and 6.3% of residents respectively. 71.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 78.4% across the rest of 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 the rest of 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 has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 18.6% of its population born overseas and 23.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Ross, comprising 51.1% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Ross compared to the rest of Northern Territory, making up 0.3% versus 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians make up 25.1%, which is significantly higher than the regional average of 14.9%. Similarly, people of English descent comprise 24.1%, surpassing the regional average of 14.3%. However, Australian Aboriginals are notably underrepresented at 16.5% compared to the regional average of 43.6%. Other ethnic groups with notable differences include Germans (4.3% vs 2.5%), Filipinos (1.4% vs 1.4%), and New Zealanders (0.7% vs 0.5%).

Ross's median age exceeds the national pattern

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