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

The population of Sandover - Plenty was around 4,565 as of August 2025. This reflected an increase of 653 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,912 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,568 in June 2024 and an additional validated new address since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 0 persons per square kilometer. Sandover - Plenty's growth rate of 16.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.6%) and the state average, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 87.7% 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 from the ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future demographic trends project an above median population growth for regional areas nationally. By 2041, Sandover - Plenty is expected to increase by 712 persons, recording a total gain of 15.7% 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. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, 24 dwellings were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling built over the past five financial years has resulted in approximately 2.5 new residents annually, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $760,000, reflecting a focus on premium properties by developers. This financial year has seen $13.5 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NT and nationally, Sandover - Plenty records about 63% of building activity per person and ranks at the 38th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. Recent construction comprises 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's 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 expected to grow by 715 residents by 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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified 41 potential impact projects. Key initiatives include Tanami Road Upgrade, Alice Springs Hospital Emergency Department Upgrade, Madigan Street (Braitling) Infill Subdivision, and National Aboriginal Art Gallery. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

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. Conversely, accommodation & food services have limited presence at 3.4% compared to the regional 6.9%. As of June 2025, there are 1,048 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 16.0%, which is 10.1% higher than Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%. Workforce participation lags at 25.4% compared to Rest of NT's 50.7%.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.9%, employment fell by 5.0%, leading to a 2.7 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NT saw employment contract by 1.7% and labour force fall by 1.8%. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025, national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% 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.

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

Sandover - Plenty's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $38,337. The average income stood at $48,427 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of NT's median and average incomes of $51,655 and $61,577 respectively. By March 2025, current estimates project Sandover - Plenty's median income to be approximately $42,339 and the average at around $53,483, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2022. Census data shows that incomes in Sandover - Plenty fall between the 1st and 9th percentiles nationally for households, families, and personal incomes. The largest income bracket comprises 32.6% earning $800 to $1,499 weekly, with 1,488 residents falling into this category. This differs from broader area patterns where the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket dominates at 33.6%. Housing costs are modest in Sandover - Plenty, with 95.3% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at just 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

Sandover-Plenty's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, 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 remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (0.0%) or rented (89.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $0, below Non-Metro NT's average and significantly lower than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Sandover-Plenty was recorded at $60, substantially below Non-Metro NT's $280 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 23.2% and group households at 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 lead at 5.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 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. A robust network of 8 schools operates within Sandover - Plenty, educating approximately 533 students. The educational mix includes 1 primary school and 7 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents (11.7) fall below the regional average (15.0), with some students likely attending schools in adjacent 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 in Sandover-Plenty, with low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 46% (~2,095 people) have private health cover, compared to 53.7% in the rest of NT and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are diabetes (8.2%) and asthma (3.9%), with 81.9% of residents reporting no medical ailments.

This compares to 76.9% in the rest of NT. In Sandover-Plenty, 6.7% (~306 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 9.3% in the rest of NT. Senior health outcomes align with those of the general population.

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 with 2.5% of its population born overseas and 75.8% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Sandover-Plenty, accounting for 77.0%, compared to the regional average of 52.6%. The top three ancestry groups are Australian Aboriginal (81.0%), Australian (5.8%), and English (5.5%).

The Australian Aboriginal population is significantly higher than the regional average of 28.9%, while Australians and English make up notably lower proportions compared to their respective regional averages of 17.0% and 17.4%.

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 and significantly lower than the national average of 38. Compared to Rest of NT, Sandover-Plenty had a higher percentage of residents aged 45-54 (13.1%) but fewer aged 55-64 (8.9%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the 65 to 74 age group grew from 3.8% to 4.9%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort declined from 7.5% to 6.3%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 18.8% to 17.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Sandover-Plenty's age profile. The 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 41%, reaching 841 people from 598. Conversely, both the 25 to 34 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.