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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
Sales Activity
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Sales Detail
Population
Population growth drivers in Gillen are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Gillen's population is estimated at around 5042 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 576 people (12.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4466 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5034 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional three validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1977 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Gillen's 12.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is applying growth rates by age cohort to each area, as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the Gillen statistical area (Lv2) expected to grow by 846 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 16.3% over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Gillen according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Gillen has experienced around 4 dwellings receiving development approval per year. An estimated 24 homes have been approved over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. This indicates that demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers.
New dwellings are developed at an average value of $419,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In addition, $2.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of NT, Gillen records about 58% of the building activity per person and places among the 19th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods.
New development consists of 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Gillen shows a mature, established area with around 832 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Gillen will gain 820 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Gillen has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Regional Skate and Play Precinct, Jim McConville Oval Lighting Upgrade, Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct, and Melanka Accelerated Accommodation Development. Below is a list of projects likely to be most relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Alice Springs Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment
Major redevelopment and expansion of the Alice Springs Hospital Emergency Department to deliver a larger facility with increased treatment spaces, a dedicated paediatric area, fast-track zone, and improved resuscitation capabilities. The project includes a state-of-the-art hybrid operating theatre, teaching and training facilities, and a new Intensive Care Unit. Works are staged to allow the hospital to remain fully operational while delivering critical acute care upgrades for Central Australia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia (ATSIAGA) project was a proposed world-class national gallery in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) intended to celebrate First Nations artistic traditions. Despite reaching a 50% design milestone in mid-2025, the Northern Territory Government formally abandoned the project in October 2025 citing a lack of secured federal funding and the risk of significant financial penalties and project blowouts. The project had evolved from the National Aboriginal Art Gallery concept into a scaled-back three-storey, 4,000 square meter facility with 1,300 square meters of exhibition space before being axed.
Central Alice Springs Area Plan
The Central Alice Springs Area Plan was finalised in 2021 and is now an active planning policy document under the Northern Territory Planning Scheme. It provides detailed land-use guidance and zoning for the central business district and surrounding precincts, supporting commercial, medical, tourism, cultural and residential development in Alice Springs.
Alice Springs Flood Mitigation Project
Major flood mitigation infrastructure project to reduce flooding impacts in Alice Springs through trunk drainage upgrades. Engineering feasibility assessment underway to inform concept design of key trunk drainage infrastructure to mitigate flooding from the Todd River and localized stormwater overflows. The project focuses on structural flood mitigation measures including upgrades to major drainage infrastructure and is expected to reduce flooding impacts on 386 properties, providing flood immunity for public roads and improved protection for residential areas in localised flooding events up to a 1 in 100 year event.
Alice Springs CBD Revitalisation Project
Northern Territory Government program to transform the Alice Springs CBD into a greener, cooler and safer town centre through shade structures and tree planting, lighting and CCTV upgrades including Billy Goat Hill, wayfinding, traffic calming and streetscape works. A River Activation Space opened in February 2022. Final road reseal and line marking works occurred April-May 2024 with the project marked complete in July 2024.
St Mary's Hostel Social and Affordable Housing Project
Redevelopment of the historic 8.2-hectare St Mary's Hostel site to deliver up to 120 social and affordable dwellings. The project, backed by $14 million in Australian Government funding for enabling infrastructure and site works, will honor the site's historical, cultural, and heritage significance through the preservation of the St Mary's Chapel and its heritage-listed mural, and community access for events. The site was acquired by the Northern Territory Government in early 2024 for $3.25 million, but there are no immediate plans for full redevelopment, with initial efforts focused on preservation, land studies, and consultation with the St Mary's Stolen Generation Group.
St Mary's Land Development
The NT Government acquired the historic 8.2-hectare St Mary's site in March 2024 for $3.25 million to develop up to 120 social and affordable housing dwellings. The Australian Government has committed $14 million for enabling infrastructure including power, water, sewerage, roads, site preparation, demolition and remediation. The development will preserve the heritage-listed St Mary's Chapel with its 1958 Robert Czako mural and other sites of cultural significance important to the Stolen Generations. The site, located on the Stuart Highway alongside the Todd River south of Heavitree Gap, operated as a boarding school for mainly Aboriginal children from 1947 to 1972. While there are no immediate plans for construction, the project is part of the Housing Australia Future Fund and National Infrastructure Facility programs, with the NT Government working closely with the St Mary's Stolen Generation Group to ensure development honors the legacy of former residents.
AIATSIS Central Australia Information and Exhibition Centre
New information and exhibition centre showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage in Central Australia. Opened in February 2024 as a significant cultural facility in the heart of Alice Springs' main shopping and tourism precinct.
Employment
AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Gillen performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia
Gillen's workforce is highly educated with prominent representation in essential services sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 1.6%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.
In this month, 3,799 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.3% lower than Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%. Workforce participation in Gillen is notably high at 72.1%, compared to Rest of NT's 50.7%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade.
Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 0.3% employment, significantly lower than the regional average of 5.0%. The predominantly residential area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the comparison between Census working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, Gillen's labour force decreased by 1.0% while employment declined by 1.1%, leaving unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, Rest of NT experienced an employment decline of 1.3%, a labour force decrease of 1.2%, and a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Gillen. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across different industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Gillen's employment mix indicates a potential local employment increase of 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Gillen had a median taxpayer income of $67,076 and an average income of $75,103. These figures are above national averages of $53,572 and $63,776 respectively in Rest of NT. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $72,737 (median) and $81,442 (average). The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Gillen rank between the 76th and 85th percentiles nationally. In Gillen, 39.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to metropolitan regions at 33.6%. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 76th percentile nationally. Gillen's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Gillen is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region
In Gillen, as per the latest Census evaluation, 70.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 29.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro NT's figures of 67.8% houses and 32.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gillen stood at 14.5%, similar to Non-Metro NT, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.1% and rented ones at 42.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Gillen was $1,733, lower than the Non-Metro NT average of $1,800. The median weekly rent figure in Gillen was recorded at $400, higher than the Non-Metro NT average of $280. Nationally, Gillen's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Gillen features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 70.5% of all households, including 30.7% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households comprising 6.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NT average of 2.8.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational outcomes in Gillen fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment
The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 29.3% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 20.1% and that of Rest of NT (20.1%). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.5% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Vocational credentials are held by 35.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 24.8%.
Educational participation is high, with 33.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.0% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Gillen has 12 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together offer 83 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 192 meters away from the nearest stop.
On average, there are 11 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately six weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Gillen's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions
Health outcomes data for Gillen shows excellent results, with younger cohorts experiencing very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 56% (~2,845 people) have private health cover, compared to 53.8% across the rest of NT.
The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.8 and 5.6% of residents respectively. 76.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 76.9% in the rest of NT. Gillen has 8.8% (443 people) aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Gillen was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics
Gillen's population showed high diversity, with 30.6% born overseas and 29.1% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Gillen, comprising 44.5%. The 'Other' category had a higher representation in Gillen at 2.8%, compared to 2.1% regionally.
For ancestry, Australians were the largest group (21.0%), followed by English (19.3%) and Australian Aboriginal (13.9%), which was lower than the regional average of 28.9%. Notably, Maori (1.8% vs 1.1%), Samoan (1.1% vs 0.4%), and New Zealand (1.1% vs 0.6%) groups were overrepresented in Gillen compared to regional averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Gillen's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide
Gillen's median age is 33 years, which is slightly higher than the Rest of NT average of 31 years but significantly lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NT, Gillen has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (17.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (16.9%). According to the 2021 Census, Gillen's population in the 15-24 age group increased from 11.9% to 14.0%, while the 25-34 age group decreased from 19.2% to 16.9%. The 5-14 age group also saw a decline, from 15.9% to 14.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Gillen. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 30%, adding 174 people and reaching 759 residents. The 55-64 age group is expected to grow more modestly, with an increase of 4% and an addition of 17 residents.