The Gap (NT)

Population growth drivers in The Gap are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of The Gap (NT) is estimated at around 2,476 as of May 2026, reflecting an increase of 531 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 27.3% increase from the previous population count of 1,945 people. The latest resident population figure was estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2025 and validation of five new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,500 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. The Gap's growth rate since the 2021 Census surpassed both national (9.3%) and state averages, indicating it as a region with significant population expansion. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains in recent periods for the suburb.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimates, AreaSearch applies age cohort-specific growth rates provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on these projections, The Gap is expected to grow by 449 persons to reach a total population of 2,925 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 18.1% over the 16-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows The Gap had approximately 6 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 31 dwellings. As of FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. Historically, around 9.4 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outstripping supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and intensify competition among buyers. This financial year has seen $7.5 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential character.

Compared to Rest of NT, The Gap records 78.0% more new home approvals per capita. However, building activity has slowed in recent years, with all new construction comprising townhouses or apartments, suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and shifting lifestyles favouring diverse, affordable housing options. With around 2238 people per dwelling approval, The Gap reflects a highly mature market. Future projections estimate an addition of 449 residents by 2041, potentially leading to housing supply struggles in keeping pace with population growth, heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Future projections show The Gap adding 449 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

The Gap has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Melanka Accelerated Accommodation Development, St Mary's Hostel Social and Affordable Housing Project, Lasseters Hotel Casino Extension And Redevelopment, and Alice Springs Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment. The following list details those most 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.

The exceptional employment performance in The Gap places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

The Gap has an educated workforce with key services sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.0%, with estimated employment growth of 1.5% in the past year (AreaSearch data). As of December 2025, 2,033 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, below Regional NT's 6.1%.

Workforce participation is high at 96.0%, compared to Regional NT's 69.3%. Only 1.4% work from home (Census data). Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. The area specializes in health care & social assistance (2.1 times the regional level) but has lower representation in education & training (5.7% vs 12.4%).

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, while labour force grew by 1.7%, raising unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NT saw employment rise by 0.7% and unemployment increase by 0.4%. National employment forecasts (May-25) project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to The Gap's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 8.1% over five years and 16.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 shows median income in The Gap suburb is $67,674 and average income is $75,756. This compares to Regional NT's median income of $53,572 and average income of $63,776. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% from July 1, 2023 to March 31, 2026, estimated median income is approximately $74,042 and average income is $82,885 as of March 31, 2026. The 2021 Census data shows individual earnings at the 90th percentile nationally are $1,189 weekly, while household income ranks at the 62nd percentile. In The Gap, 42.4% of individuals (1,049 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region's 33.6%. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 62nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

The Gap displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The Gap's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 33.3% houses and 66.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional NT had 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in The Gap was at 10.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.0% and rented ones at 62.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,509, below Regional NT's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in the area was $350, compared to Regional NT's $150. Nationally, The Gap's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

The Gap features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 55.0% of all households, including 23.8% couples with children, 20.9% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 45.0%, with lone person households at 37.2% and group households comprising 7.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NT average of 3.1.

The educational profile of The Gap exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

In The Gap, the proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is 44.3%, which exceeds both the SA4 region's (20.1%) and the Rest of NT's (20.1%) rates. This high level of educational attainment indicates a strong position for knowledge-based opportunities in the area. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 31.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.6% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (18.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 6.3% in tertiary education, and 5.2% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The Gap has ten operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by three distinct routes, offering a total of 88 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is deemed good, with residents living an average of 209 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode at 74%, followed by walking at 16% and cycling at 6%. On average, there are 0.9 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 1.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages twelve trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly eight weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in The Gap is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

The Gap faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,403 people), compared to 51.6% across Regional NT. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 6.6 and 5.7% of residents respectively. 78.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 78.4% across Regional NT. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. As of the latest data (2021), 7.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (195 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The Gap is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

The Gap has a high cultural diversity, with 43.1% of its population born overseas and 41.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in The Gap, making up 47.8% of people there. However, the most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, comprising 3.5% of the population compared to 5.2% across Regional NT.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (17.3%), Other (16.4%), and Australian (15.9%). Notably, Filipino representation is higher at 4.5% in The Gap compared to 1.4% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal representation is lower at 12.4% versus the regional average of 43.6%. Maori representation is also lower at 1.5% compared to the regional average of 0.7%.

The Gap hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

The Gap's median age is 34, slightly higher than Regional NT's figure of 31 but lower than Australia's median of 38. The most prominent age group in The Gap is 25-34 year-olds at 26.0%, compared to 8.1% for the 5-14 group, which is smaller than in Regional NT. Nationally, this 25-34 concentration is higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows that from 2016 to 2021, the 35-44 age group grew from 18.0% to 20.2%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 8.3% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 0-4 cohort declined from 7.2% to 5.4%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 27.5% to 26.0%. By 2041, The Gap's age composition is expected to shift notably, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to rise substantially by 146 people (51%) from 284 to 431. In contrast, the 85+ cohort shows minimal growth of just 0% (5 people).