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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Desert Springs has an estimated 1,879 residents, up from 1,536 at the 2021 Census — a change of 343 people, or 22.3%. Growth has averaged 2.6% a year over five years, faster than 92% of areas nationally. Overseas migration accounts for 77.0% of that increase. That puts 758 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the broader region, combined with fresh locations verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Desert Springs has a population of approximately 1,879 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 343 residents (22.3%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,536 individuals. The calculation relies on the resident population of 1,879, calculated by AreaSearch using the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) along with 2 validated new addresses registered since the Census date. This population level corresponds to a density ratio of 757 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical averages recorded across areas analyzed by AreaSearch.
The 22.3% growth rate in the suburb of Desert Springs since the 2021 census outpaced the national benchmark (9.3%) as well as the state average, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Population gains for the area were mostly fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 77.0% of the total population increases during recent periods. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for each SA2 area, published in 2024 with 2022 as the foundation year, are utilized by AreaSearch. For any SA2 regions excluded from this dataset, and to project demographic trends beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies cohort-specific growth rates to each locality based on the latest Greater Capital Region projections from the ABS (released in 2023, utilizing 2022 data). Factoring in these projected demographic trends, population growth exceeding the median for non-metropolitan locations is anticipated, with the suburb of Desert Springs projected to gain 409 residents by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level forecasts, representing a total expansion of 21.8% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
23 new dwellings have been approved in Desert Springs over the past five years, an average of 4 a year. That is 2.8 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 2, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch reviews of ABS building approval statistics distributed from statistical area records, Desert Springs has seen a yearly average of approximately 4 new residential approvals, totaling an estimated 23 homes approved throughout the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 2 during FY-26 so far. Because an average of 9.8 individuals per year relocated to the area for every home constructed during the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the volume of supply lags demand considerably, typically generating stronger competition among buyers and upward pressure on prices.
Additionally, commercial development approvals valued at $15.0 million were recorded this financial year, showing moderate commercial growth. Relative to Rest of NT, Desert Springs registers 64.0% more new residential approvals per resident, providing home buyers with expanded choices, even though construction momentum has slowed recently. This level of activity also falls short of the national benchmark, highlighting the established profile of the community and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent building activity is divided into 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% townhouses or apartments. This preference for higher-density housing offers more accessible price points and draws downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This trend departs markedly from the historical housing stock (which currently consists of 68.0% houses), indicating a decline in available greenfield land and reflecting changing lifestyle choices and affordability considerations. The estimate of 1832 residents in the locality for each home approval underlines its quiet, low-scale development environment. Looking forward, Desert Springs is projected to add 409 residents by 2041 (starting from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current building patterns continue, the addition of new housing could fall behind population increases, potentially sharpening buyer competition and supporting upward price movements.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Desert Springs
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Desert Springs, worth an estimated $300 million. A further 10 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $436 million. 5 are already under construction and 6 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure updates, major capital projects, and planning changes have a significant influence on regional development. AreaSearch has identified 4 key projects that are expected to influence the local area. The primary developments include the Melanka Accelerated Accommodation Development, the Lasseters Hotel Casino Extension And Redevelopment, the St Mary's Hostel Social and Affordable Housing Project, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia, with the detailed list focusing on the most relevant initiatives.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Lasseters Hotel Casino Extension and Redevelopment
More than $200 million staged expansion and redevelopment of the Lasseters Hotel Casino precinct by Iris Capital. The project includes a new hotel with around 235 additional guest rooms, residential apartments, expanded casino and gaming areas, new bars and restaurants, rooftop bar, resort pools, entertainment facilities including bowling and cinema, childcare, gym, day spa and convention facility upgrades. Development approvals have been secured and staged construction is progressing.
Melanka Accelerated Accommodation Development
Approved development for 144 apartments across six buildings (five at six storeys, one at five storeys) and a single-storey office at the former Melanka site. The NT Government will acquire 50 percent of the units for key worker accommodation, with the remainder available for private sale and rent. Designed by DKJ Architects, the 100 million AUD project aims to accommodate transient workers while respecting Todd Street's visual characteristics.
Alice Springs Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment
The redevelopment of the Alice Springs Hospital Emergency Department is a multi-phased project aimed at significantly expanding acute care capacity in Central Australia. Key upgrades include a dedicated paediatric zone, a mental health and alcohol/other drugs (AOD) hub with acute behavior treatment spaces, and additional inpatient beds. The facility features a state-of-the-art hybrid operating theatre and enhanced resuscitation capabilities to improve patient outcomes while remaining fully operational throughout the construction stages.
St Mary's Hostel Social and Affordable Housing Project
Redevelopment of the historic 8.2-hectare St Mary's Hostel site to deliver approximately 120 social and affordable dwellings. The project is currently in the early works phase, with the NT Government's 2026 Budget allocating an additional $12 million for remediation and enabling infrastructure (power, water, and roads). Site preparation and demolition activities are underway as of early 2026, with remediation expected to commence mid-year. The development strictly preserves the heritage-listed St Mary's Chapel and its mural, serving as a focal point for the community and Stolen Generation survivors.
Jim McConville Oval Lighting Towers
Installation of four permanent sports lighting towers at Jim McConville Oval in Gillen, Alice Springs, delivered by the NT Government Department of Logistics and Infrastructure with the Alice Springs Town Council. The project has formally progressed through Development Consent Authority approval, with preliminary works increasing on site and construction estimated to be finalised by April 2026. The lighting will allow year-round evening use for sporting codes such as cricket and AFL, supporting extended training, competition, and improved safety for players and spectators.The oval remains open to the public throughout construction.
Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct
Northern Territory Government project delivering a new multi-sport precinct at Gillen Oval with two irrigated multi-use playing fields, modern change rooms, toilets, canteen, shaded spectator areas, lighting, fencing, expanded parking, landscaping and improved pedestrian connections. A design and construct contract has been tendered, with the project progressing into delivery.
Regional Skate and Play Precinct
Regional community recreation precinct at Newland Park featuring a competition-standard skate park, BMX pump track, 3x3 basketball court, playground, dog park, bouldering wall, BBQ facilities, shaded open spaces and upgraded parking. Construction commenced in January 2025 and the precinct opened in December 2025, providing a major recreation hub for Alice Springs.
Madigan Street (Braitling) Infill Subdivision
Concurrent rezoning and subdivision of part of Lot 8142 (16 Madigan Street, Braitling) to create three residential lots from a portion of Madigan Park, currently zoned Public Open Space (PS). Alice Springs Town Council applied to rezone approximately 1,520 sqm to Low Density Residential (LR/LMR) and subdivide the land, retaining the remainder as upgraded public open space. At its 13 November 2024 meeting, the Alice Springs Division of the Development Consent Authority made a preliminary decision to support the rezoning and subdivision (two new 760 sqm residential lots, each under the 800 sqm minimum but within the permitted variation) and resolved to report to the NT Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment, with delegation to issue the development permit once the Minister approves the amendment.As of early 2025, Council minutes referenced an ongoing local deputation regarding the proposal, and confirmation of Ministerial approval and permit issuance has not been located. Council has stated that proceeds from any lot sales will be reinvested into upgrading the retained Madigan Park.
1,502 residents of Desert Springs are employed, from a labour force of 1,511. Unemployment sits at 0.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 1,208, about 64% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Desert Springs features a workforce with high levels of education and solid representation in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of only 0.6% and estimated job growth of 2.2% over the last year, according to AreaSearch aggregations of statistical area datasets. As of March 2026, 1,502 local citizens are employed, with the unemployment rate sitting 5.3% below the Regional NT level of 5.9%, and the workforce participation rate reaching an exceptional 97.9% compared to 69.9% in Regional NT. Census responses indicate that a minor 4.0% of workers operated from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.
Local employment is heavily weighted toward public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The workforce displays a specific concentration in professional & technical fields, with an employment share that is 2.1 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has no presence, recording zero% employment compared to 5.0% across the region. This primarily residential locality appears to provide sparse local job opportunities, as shown by the comparison between the Census working population and resident population figures. According to AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS statistics compiled from broader statistical areas, the 12-month period experienced an employment increase of 2.2% alongside a labour force expansion of 2.2%, which kept the local unemployment rate steady. This differs from Regional NT, where employment expanded by 2.8%, the labour force rose by 2.7%, and the unemployment rate decreased slightly. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 provide additional context regarding future demand within Desert Springs. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce profile to model future growth. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the expected growth rates vary widely across different industries. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the employment distribution of Desert Springs suggests that local jobs will increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate localized population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Desert Springs is $3,025 a week (about $157,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,454 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $82,757 a year against an average of $92,640. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the latest ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, personal income levels in Desert Springs are exceptionally high compared to national figures. Taxpayers in this suburb record a median income of $82,757 and an average income of $92,640, compared to Regional NT figures of $53,572 and $63,776 respectively. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to roughly $90,544 (median) and $101,357 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows that household, family, and individual incomes in Desert Springs all rank in the 97th percentile nationally.
Distribution metrics show that 35.1% of the population (659 residents) earn in the $4000+ bracket, contrasting with the wider region where the $1,500 - 2,999 range is most common at 33.6%. The high proportion of top-tier earners (51.8% making over $3,000/week) points to robust economic capacity throughout this suburb. After meeting housing expenses, residents retain 86.9% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power, while the SEIFA index for income places the area in the 9th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Desert Springs had 525 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 68% detached houses and 1% apartments. 40% are owned with a mortgage, 38% rented and 23% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $500 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,264 a month, a total housing cost higher than 91% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 16.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 17.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential structures in Desert Springs at the time of the latest Census consisted of 67.5% detached houses and 32.5% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative housing), compared to Regional NT averages of 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Desert Springs stood well above the Regional NT average at 22.7%, with the remaining properties occupied by households with a mortgage (39.8%) or renters (37.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was recorded at $2,264, which is significantly higher than the Regional NT average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $500, compared to $150 in Regional NT.
On a national level, mortgage commitments in Desert Springs are notably higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent levels are well above the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Desert Springs counted 525 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 642 today, averaging 2.8 people each. 41% are couples with children, more than in 81% of areas nationally, against 31% couples without children. 19% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent the vast majority of living arrangements at 77.1% of the total, consisting of 40.9% couples with children, 31.2% couples without children, and 5.0% single parent families. The remaining 22.9% are non-family households, with lone person households representing 18.7% and group households making up 3.4%. The median household size of 2.8 people is slightly below the Regional NT average of 3.1.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
38.1% of adults in Desert Springs hold a university qualification, including 24.1% with a bachelor degree and 11.2% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 99% of areas nationally. A further 21.3% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational profiles in Desert Springs significantly exceed wider benchmarks, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 20.1% in the SA4 region and 20.1% in Rest of NT. This pronounced educational margin positions the community well for professional services and knowledge-based roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 24.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational and technical training is also highly represented, with 34.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (21.3%). Engagement in learning is particularly strong, with 29.4% of the population currently enrolled in structured education.
This breakdown includes 10.6% attending primary schools, 7.9% in secondary education, and 4.6% enrolled in tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Desert Springs means driving: households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport connectivity includes 3 active transit stops in Desert Springs, providing bus services. These locations are served by 1 unique route, which offers 34 passenger journeys weekly. Transit accessibility is classified as limited, with residents living an average of 794 meters from the nearest stop. Because it is a residential suburb, the majority of workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport method at 87%, and 6% of commuters cycling. Car ownership stands at 1.7 vehicles per household, which is above the regional average. A low 4.0% of the workforce works from home (according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect the influence of COVID-19 rules).
Service frequency across the transit network averages 4 runs per day on all active routes, which translates to roughly 11 weekly departures from each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
79.3% of residents in Desert Springs report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 85% of areas nationally. 1.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 63.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health data reveals excellent overall outcomes in Desert Springs, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality indices and chronic illness rates, showing a very low incidence of common health issues across all demographics. Furthermore, the proportion of residents with private health insurance is exceptionally high at roughly 63% of the population (1,188 residents), compared to 51.6% across Regional NT and a national average of 55.7%. Asthma and arthritis were identified as the most frequent medical diagnoses in the area, affecting 5.8% and 5.1% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 79.3% of residents reported having no ongoing chronic conditions, compared to 78.4% across Regional NT.
The working-age population exhibits strong health profiles with minimal chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 12.3% of the community (231 people), which is higher than the 8.5% share in Regional NT. Health indicators for these senior residents are strong, with national performance metrics mirroring those of the broader community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
37.0% of Desert Springs residents were born overseas and 17.7% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (26.0%) and Australian (19.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Desert Springs exhibits higher levels of cultural diversity than most regional areas, with 17.7% of the population speaking a non-English language in their homes and 37.0% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 42.9% of the population. The most prominent statistical divergence is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.9% of the local population compared to 5.2% across Regional NT. Regarding ancestral backgrounds (parents' place of birth), the three most common ancestries in Desert Springs are English at 26.0% (substantially higher than the regional average of 14.3%), Australian at 19.4%, and Other at 12.5% (well above the regional average of 6.9%).
There are also notable differences in other heritage groups, with German ancestry represented at 6.1% in Desert Springs (versus 2.5% regionally), Korean at 1.0% (versus 0.1%), and Filipino at 1.9% (versus 1.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Desert Springs is 36. 26.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
At 36 years, the median age in Desert Springs is older than the Regional NT average of 31, but slightly younger than the national median of 38. Compared to Regional NT, Desert Springs has a higher proportion of residents in the 35 - 44 age bracket (18.5%) but a lower share of 25 - 34 year-olds (14.3%). Post-2021 Census calculations indicate the 15 to 24 age group grew from 9.9% to 12.1% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort rose from 16.4% to 18.5%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age range decreased from 16.1% to 14.3% and the 5 to 14 cohort fell from 13.0% to 11.7%.
Population modeling indicates the age structure of Desert Springs will shift by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort projected to increase by 112 people (48%) from 232 to 345, while the 0 to 4 group is expected to grow by a modest 6% (7 people).
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Desert Springs
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2026 last month all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 2 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,536 at the 2021 Census → 1,879 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL70078). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.