Sandover - Plenty

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, as per AreaSearch's analysis, stood at 4,568 as of November 2025. This figure represents a rise of 656 individuals (16.8%) from the 2021 Census total of 3,912 people. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 4,568 in June 2024 and two validated new addresses since the Census date. This population results in a density ratio of 0.00 persons per square kilometer. Sandover-Plenty's growth rate surpassed both national (8.9%) and state averages, demonstrating its status as a regional growth leader. Natural growth accounted for approximately 87.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 estimations, AreaSearch applies age cohort-based growth rates from the ABS' latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future demographic trends project above-median population growth for regional areas nationally. By 2041, Sandover-Plenty is expected to increase by 712 persons, reflecting a total gain of 15.6% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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, zero approvals have been recorded. 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. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $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, placing it 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 of 461 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Sandover-Plenty is expected 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 0thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts performance. AreaSearch identified 40 potential impact projects. Key ones are Tanami Road Upgrade, Alice Springs Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment, Madigan Street (Braitling) Infill Subdivision, and National Aboriginal Art Gallery. Below is a list of those likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Sandover-Plenty has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate is 15.8%.

As of September 2025, there are 1,056 residents employed, with an unemployment rate at 9.9% above the Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%. Workforce participation in Sandover-Plenty lags significantly at 25.4%, compared to the Rest of NT's 50.7%. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 3.0 times the regional average.

However, accommodation & food services have limited presence at 3.4%, compared to the regional average of 6.9%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.2% and employment fell by 3.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, the Rest of NT saw employment contract by 1.3%, with a marginal increase in unemployment. 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 Sandover-Plenty's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The Sandover-Plenty SA2's median income among taxpayers was $38,337 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $48,427 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of NT, which were $51,655 and $61,577 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% since financial year 2022, estimates suggest that as of September 2025, the median income would be approximately $42,941 and the average income would be around $54,243. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Sandover-Plenty fall between the 1st and 9th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 32.6% of residents earning between $800 and $1,499 weekly, which is different from patterns across the broader area where those earning between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate at 33.6%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for retention of 95.3% of income, 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 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. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $60, compared to Non-Metro NT's $280 and the national average 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 making up 1.0% of the total. The median household size is 3.8 people, 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's university qualification rate is 8.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. 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 and above, 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.

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 across Sandover-Plenty, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (2,096 people), compared to 53.7% across the Rest of NT and the national average of 55.3%. Diabetes and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.2 and 3.9% of residents respectively.

A total of 81.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.9% across the Rest of NT. The area has 6.7% of residents aged 65 and over (306 people), which is lower than the 9.3% in the Rest of NT. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Sandover-Plenty has a cultural diversity above average, with 2.5% of its population born overseas and 75.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Sandover-Plenty, making up 77.0% of people, compared to 52.6% across Rest of NT. The top three ancestry groups are Australian Aboriginal (81.0%), Australian (5.8%), and English (5.5%).

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Sandover - Plenty are Australian Aboriginal, comprising 81.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 28.9%, Australian, comprising 5.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 17.0%, and English, comprising 5.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 17.4%.

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

Sandover-Plenty's median age is 30 years, close to the Rest of NT's 31 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NT, Sandover-Plenty has 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 increased from 3.8% to 4.9%, while the 0-4 cohort decreased from 7.5% to 6.3% and the 25-34 group dropped from 18.8% to 17.7%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Sandover-Plenty's age profile, with the 45-54 group expected to grow by 40%, reaching 841 residents from 598. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease.