Sandover - Plenty
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Sandover - Plenty reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, Sandover - Plenty's population is approximately 4,568, reflecting a 16.8% increase since the 2021 Census which reported 3,912 people. This growth was inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses between June 2024 and the Census date. The population density is 0.00 persons per square kilometer. Sandover - Plenty's growth exceeded both national (8.9%) and state averages. Natural growth contributed approximately 87.7% of recent population gains. 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, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth rates from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) to estimate post-2032 growth. Demographic trends project an above median population growth for regional areas nationally, with Sandover - Plenty expected to increase by 712 persons to 2041, a gain of 15.6% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Sandover - Plenty according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Sandover - Plenty has averaged approximately four new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 24 homes. As of FY-26, no new dwelling approvals have been recorded yet. Over these five years, an average of 2.5 new residents per year was gained for each dwelling built, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of new homes is $789,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $13.5 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NT, Sandover - Plenty records about 63% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 38th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options while intensifying demand for established properties. Recent construction comprises 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 461 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Sandover - Plenty is projected to grow by 712 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Sandover - Plenty has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 40 such projects that could impact this area. Notable ones include the Tanami Road Upgrade, Alice Springs Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment, Madigan Street (Braitling) Infill Subdivision, and National Aboriginal Art Gallery. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Employment conditions in Sandover - Plenty face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Sandover-Plenty has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing employment is high at 3.0 times the regional average. However, accommodation & food services have limited presence with only 3.4% of employment compared to the regional 6.9%. As of June 2025, 1,048 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is 10.1%, significantly higher than the Rest of NT's 5.9%. Workforce participation lags at 25.4% compared to the Rest of NT's 50.7%.

Employment data from June 2024 to June 2025 shows a decrease in labour force levels by 1.9%, with employment decreasing by 5.0%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 2.7 percentage points. In contrast, the Rest of NT saw employment contract by 1.7% and unemployment fall marginally. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sandover-Plenty's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0%% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Sandover-Plenty's median income in financial year 2022 was $38,337. The average income stood at $48,427 during the same period. These figures are lower than those of the Rest of NT, which had a median income of $51,655 and an average income of $61,577 in 2022. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $42,941 (median) and $54,243 (average), based on a 12.01% growth from the Wage Price Index since financial year 2022. Census data shows that income levels in Sandover-Plenty fall between the 1st and 9th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. The largest income bracket in Sandover-Plenty consists of 32.6% earning $800-$1,499 weekly (1,489 residents), unlike broader area patterns where the dominant bracket is $1,500-$2,999 with 33.6%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for retention of 95.3% of income, total disposable income ranks at only the 20th percentile nationally.

Sandover - Plenty is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Sandover - Plenty, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NT's 67.8% houses and 32.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sandover - Plenty was at 10.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (0.0%) or rented (89.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $0, below Non-Metro NT's average of $1,863 and Australia's national average of $1,857. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $60, compared to Non-Metro NT's $280 and Australia's national figure of $375.

Sandover - Plenty has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 75.6% of all households, including 35.3% couples with children, 14.7% couples without children, and 21.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 23.2% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 3.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of NT average of 2.8.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 8.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 5.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational pathways account for 22.4% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 3.4% and certificates at 19.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 42.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 24.7% in primary education, 10.4% in secondary education, and 1.2% pursuing tertiary education. There are eight schools operating within Sandover - Plenty, educating approximately 533 students. The educational mix includes one primary school and seven K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents stand at 11.7, below the regional average of 15.0, indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Sandover - Plenty's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results for Sandover-Plenty area, with low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover rate is extremely low at approximately 46%, affecting around 2,096 people, compared to NT average of 53.7%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

Diabetes and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.2% and 3.9% of residents respectively. Around 81.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.9% across Rest of NT. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 6.7%, affecting around 306 people, compared to Rest of NT's 9.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, aligning with the general population's health profile.

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

Sandover-Plenty has a higher-than-average cultural diversity; 2.5% of its residents were born overseas, and 75.8% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Sandover-Plenty, with 77.0%, compared to 52.6% across the rest of Northern Territory. The top three ancestry groups are Australian Aboriginal (81.0%), Australian (5.8%), and English (5.5%).

These figures differ significantly from regional averages: Australian Aboriginal is substantially higher (81.0% vs. 28.9%), while Australian and English are notably lower (5.8% vs. 17.0%, and 5.5% vs. 17.4%) respectively.

Sandover - Plenty hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Sandover-Plenty's median age in 2021 was 30 years, close to the Rest of NT's 31 years but significantly lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NT, Sandover-Plenty had a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (13.1%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (8.9%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the 65-74 age group grew from 3.8% to 4.9%, while the 0-4 cohort declined from 7.5% to 6.3% and the 25-34 group decreased from 18.8% to 17.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Sandover-Plenty's age profile. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 40%, reaching 841 people from 598. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.