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

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of February 2026, the estimated population of The Gap (NT) is around 2,271. This figure represents an increase of 326 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,945. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of four new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,376 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Gap's growth rate of 16.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and the state average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 applies growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering these projections, an above median population growth is expected for Australia's regional areas. The suburb of The Gap is projected to grow by 459 persons to reach a total population of 2,730 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 21.0% over the 17-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 indicates that The Gap has seen approximately six new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 31 homes. As of FY-26, three approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of around eight residents arriving per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. In comparison to the Rest of NT, The Gap records about 80% more new home approvals per person.

Commercial development approvals this financial year amount to $7.5 million, suggesting a residential character for the area. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Notably, all new construction is comprised of townhouses or apartments, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. The Gap's population density is around 2257 people per dwelling approval, indicating a highly mature market. Future projections estimate an addition of 477 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth.

Future projections show The Gap adding 477 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 13thth percentile nationally

Six projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. These include Melanka Accelerated Accommodation Development, St Mary's Hostel Social and Affordable Housing Project, Lasseters Hotel Casino Extension And Redevelopment, Alice Springs Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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

The Gap has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.0%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation as of September 2025. There are 1,974 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 4.9% lower than Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%.

Workforce participation is high at 101.5% compared to Rest of NT's 70.4%. Census responses show that only 1.4% of residents work from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level, while education & training shows lower representation at 5.7% versus the regional average of 12.4%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7% with employment decreasing by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NT recorded an employment decline of 1.3% and a labour force decline of 1.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to The Gap's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 8.1% over five years and 16.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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 2023 shows that The Gap suburb has high national income levels. The median income is $67,674 and the average is $75,756. This contrasts with Rest of NT's figures: median income of $53,572 and average income of $63,776. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $73,386 (median) and $82,150 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows individual earnings at the 90th percentile nationally ($1,189 weekly), but household income ranks lower at the 62nd percentile. Income distribution reveals that 42.4% of the population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 range (962 individuals). This is consistent with surrounding regions' trends showing 33.6% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 62nd percentile. 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

In The Gap, as per the latest Census evaluation, 33.3% of dwellings were houses while 66.7% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro NT's figures of 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in The Gap stood at 10.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.0% and rented ones at 62.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,509, lower than Non-Metro NT's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in the area was recorded at $350, compared to Non-Metro NT's $150 and the national average of $375. Nationally, The Gap's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 Rest of 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, educational attainment is notably high with 44.3% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications, compared to the SA4 region's 20.1% and the Rest of NT's 20.1%. This area has a significant educational advantage, with bachelor degrees being 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 aged 15 years and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (18.0%). Educational participation is high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.9% in primary education, 6.3% in tertiary education, and 5.2% pursuing secondary education.

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 combined total of 88 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average situated 209 meters from their nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward; cars remain the primary mode at 74%, with walking and cycling accounting for 16% and 6% respectively. On average, there are 0.9 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 1.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 12 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 8 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts in The Gap.

Private health cover is found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population, which is around 1,287 people. This compares to a rate of 51.6% across the Rest of NT. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 6.6 and 5.7% of residents respectively. A total of 78.1% of residents declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 78.4% across the Rest of NT. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes in The Gap. As of June 2021, 8.2% of residents are aged 65 and over, which is approximately 186 people. Health outcomes among seniors in The Gap 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 level of cultural diversity, with 43.1% of its population born overseas and 41.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in The Gap, accounting for 47.8% of its people. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 3.5% of The Gap's population, compared to 5.2% across the rest of Northern Territory (NT).

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in The Gap are English at 17.3%, Other at 16.4%, and Australian at 15.9%. Comparing these figures with regional averages shows that 'Other' ancestry is substantially higher in The Gap than across NT as a whole (6.9%). Additionally, there are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Filipino people make up 4.5% of The Gap's population compared to 1.4% regionally, Australian Aboriginal people account for 12.4% versus 43.6%, and Maori people represent 1.5% versus 0.7%.

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

The Gap has a median age of 34, which is slightly higher than the Rest of NT's figure of 31 but considerably lower than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 25-34 years are particularly prominent, making up 24.2% of the population, while those aged 5-14 years comprise a smaller proportion (8.2%) compared to the Rest of NT. This concentration of individuals aged 25-34 is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 18.0% to 20.8%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 8.3% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 27.5% to 24.2%, and the 0 to 4 age group has dropped from 7.2% to 6.0%. By 2041, The Gap is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition, with the 45 to 54 age cohort projected to rise substantially by 141 people (55%), from 258 to 400 individuals. In contrast, the 85+ age cohort shows minimal growth of just 0% (0 people).