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 approximately 3,101 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 395 people, a 14.6% rise from the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,706. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,094 in June 2024 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 16.3 persons per square kilometer. Ross's growth rate exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and state averages, indicating it as a region with significant population increase. Interstate migration contributed approximately 73.7% to 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 estimates, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort, 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 expected to increase by 621 persons, reflecting a total increase of 19.8% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This supply lags demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $329,000. In FY26, $12.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Ross experiences 245.0% more building activity per person compared to the Rest of NT. Recent construction consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, shifting from the current 73.0% houses. This reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. Ross has around 342 people per approval, indicating a transitioning market.

By 2041, Ross is expected to gain 614 residents. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially exceeding population forecasts.

Ross has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects likely impacting the area. Notable 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 most relevant:.

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 an unemployment rate of 1.8% as of September 2025. It has 2,040 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 4.1% below the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%.

The workforce participation is at 56.1%, compared to Rest of NT's 50.7%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.1% of Ross's workforce compared to 5.0% in Rest of NT.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 1.1%, employment declined by 0.7%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NT saw employment fall by 1.3%, labour force contract by 1.2%, with marginal unemployment rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Ross SA2 is $61,801 and average income is $71,223. This is higher than Rest of NT's median income of $51,655 and average income of $61,577. By September 2025, estimated median income in Ross would be approximately $69,223 and average income $79,777, based on a 12.01% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census data indicates incomes in Ross cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows 30.9% of Ross's population (958 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. After housing costs, residents retain 94.7% of their income, reflecting 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

Ross' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.2% houses and 26.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NT's 67.8% houses and 32.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ross stood at 26.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.9% and rented ones at 37.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $0, lower than Non-Metro NT's average. The median weekly rent figure was $280, matching Non-Metro NT's figure but significantly below the national average of $375. Nationally, Ross' mortgage repayments were considerably lower than 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 make up 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 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 at 25.6% of residents aged 15+ 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 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. 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

The analysis of public transport in Ross indicates that there are currently eleven active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes. There are two individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing fifty-four weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as limited, with residents typically located 2439 meters from the nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages seven trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately four weekly trips per individual 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 national averages.

Common health conditions are somewhat typical but higher among older cohorts. Approximately 55% (~1,705 people) have private health cover, which is very high. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (6.4%) and diabetes (6.3%). About 71.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 76.9% in the Rest of NT. Ross has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.3% (566 people), compared to 9.3% in the Rest of NT. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader 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 dominant religion in Ross is Christianity, comprising 51.1% of the population. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented compared to the regional average, making up 0.3% of Ross's population versus 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Ross are Australian (25.1%), English (24.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (16.5%). The Australian group is substantially higher than the regional average of 17.0%, while the Australian Aboriginal group is notably lower than the regional average of 28.9%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German at 4.3% (versus 3.3% regionally), Filipino at 1.4% (versus 1.7%), and New Zealand at 0.7% (versus 0.6%).

Ross's median age exceeds the national pattern

Ross's median age is 42 years, which is considerably higher than the Rest of NT average of 31 and substantially exceeds the Australian median of 38. Relative to Rest of NT, Ross has a higher concentration of 65-74 residents at 10.8% but fewer 25-34 year-olds at 14.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 9.5% to 11.2%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 15.4% to 14.0% and the 45-54 group has dropped from 14.2% to 13.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Ross's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 75-84 cohort projected to grow by 76%, adding 117 residents to reach 273.