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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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Population
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) statistical area (Lv2), as estimated by AreaSearch, was around 2,271 as of Nov 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 326 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 1,945. The growth is inferred from the resident population estimate of 2,271 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,376 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Gap's population growth of 16.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.7%) and the state average, making it 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort to each area, based on the ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering these projections, an above median population growth is projected for Australia's regional areas, with The Gap expected to grow by 459 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 21.1% over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in The Gap 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, The Gap has seen around 6 new homes approved each year between FY-21 and FY-25. This totals an estimated 31 homes over the past five financial years. As of FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. On average, 8.9 new residents arrive per year per dwelling constructed during this period.
This indicates demand significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. Additionally, $7.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to The Rest of NT, The Gap records 80.0% more new home approvals per person. This creates greater choice for buyers, although building activity has slowed in recent years. Nationally, The Gap's level is lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction during this period comprised townhouses or apartments, indicating a focus on higher-density living that suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing, currently 33.0% houses.
With around 2257 people per dwelling approval, The Gap reflects a highly mature market. Future projections show The Gap adding 478 residents by 2041 (from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
The Gap has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally
AreaSearch has identified six infrastructure projects that could impact the local 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 most likely to be relevant.
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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 Future Grid - Roadmap to 2030
Three year whole of system initiative led by the Intyalheme Centre for Future Energy (a Desert Knowledge Australia project) to identify and remove barriers to achieving 50% renewable generation in Alice Springs by 2030. Concluded in 2024 with the Roadmap to 2030 and a suite of final reports after trials including a virtual power plant, an islandable microgrid at the Desert Knowledge Precinct, public housing solar and battery trial, and wind resource monitoring.
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.
Employment
The exceptional employment performance in The Gap places it among Australia's strongest labour markets
The Gap has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.0%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.
As of September 2025, 1,966 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate 4.9% lower than Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%. Workforce participation stands at 69.7%, higher than Rest of NT's 50.7%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level, but has lower representation in education & training at 5.7% compared to the regional average of 12.4%.
Labour force levels decreased by 0.8% over the 12 months to September 2025, with employment decreasing by 1.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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 weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis
AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows median income in The Gap suburb is $67,674 and average income is $75,756. This compares to Rest of NT's median income of $53,572 and average income of $63,776. Based on an 8.44% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $73,386 (median) and $82,150 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census reports individual earnings at the 90th percentile nationally ($1,189 weekly), with household income at the 62nd percentile. In The Gap, 42.4% of individuals fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range. This is consistent with broader trends across surrounding regions showing 33.6% in the same category. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
The Gap displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
The Gap's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 33.3% houses and 66.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NT had 67.8% houses and 32.2% 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 Non-Metro NT's average of $1,800. The median weekly rent in The Gap was $350, compared to Non-Metro NT's $280. Nationally, The Gap's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,509 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $350 than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
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 comprise the remaining 45.0%, with lone person households at 37.2% and group households making up 7.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NT average of 2.8.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
The educational profile of The Gap exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics
The Gap has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 44.3% holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the broader benchmarks of 20.1% in the SA4 region and 20.1% in the Rest of NT. The area's most common university qualification is bachelor degrees, at 31.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.
Advanced diplomas account for 9.6% of these, while certificates make up 18.0%. Educational participation is high in The Gap, 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.
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
The Gap has 10 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together offer 88 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 209 meters from the nearest stop.
On average, there are 12 trips per day across all routes, equating to about eight weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
The Gap's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions
Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout The Gap. Younger cohorts particularly have very low prevalence of common health conditions.
Private health cover rate is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (1,287 people), compared to 53.8% across 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. 78.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.9% across Rest of NT. The area has 7.8% of residents aged 65 and over (177 people), lower than the 9.3% in Rest of NT. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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 the population. There is an overrepresentation of 'Other' religions in The Gap, comprising 3.5% of the population compared to 2.1% across the rest of Northern Territory (NT).
In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English at 17.3%, Other at 16.4%, and Australian at 15.9%. Notably, Filipino ethnicity is overrepresented in The Gap at 4.5% compared to 1.7% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal is underrepresented at 12.4% versus the regional average of 28.9%. Maori ethnicity is also slightly overrepresented in The Gap at 1.5% compared to 1.1% regionally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
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 figure of 31 but significantly lower than the Australian median of 38. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 25-34 are particularly prominent, making up 25.5% of the population, while those aged 5-14 comprise a smaller proportion at 8.1%, compared to the Rest of NT. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has grown from 18.0% to 20.3%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 8.3% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 27.5% to 25.5%, and the 0-4 group has dropped from 7.2% to 5.8%. By 2041, The Gap's age composition is expected to experience notable shifts. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 140 people (54%) from 258 to 399. In contrast, the 85+ cohort shows minimal growth of just 0% (0 people).