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 of November 2025, The Gap's population is estimated at around 2,320 people. This reflects a growth of 375 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,945. This increase represents a 19.3% change from the previous census figure. AreaSearch validated this estimate using the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and six new addresses identified since the Census date. The estimated resident population (ERP) is 2,314 people, resulting in a density ratio of 1,406 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the national average assessed by AreaSearch. The Gap's population growth rate surpassed both the state and national averages between censuses, with overseas migration contributing approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimates, AreaSearch applies age cohort-based growth rates provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023 based on 2022 data). Considering these projected demographic shifts, The Gap is expected to experience above median population growth in Australia's regional areas. By 2041, the suburb is projected to grow by 463 persons, reflecting an 18.7% increase over the seventeen-year period.

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 using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, The Gap has seen approximately six new homes approved each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 31 homes. So far in FY26, zero approvals have been recorded. Historically, there has been an average of 8.9 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed annually between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly outpacing supply.

The average construction value of these dwellings is $205,000, which is below regional norms, suggesting more affordable housing options for purchasers. In the current financial year, $22.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, signifying balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NT, The Gap shows 80.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, construction activity has eased recently and remains below the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. Recent development in The Gap has been entirely comprised of townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 33.0% houses). This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 2257 people per dwelling approval, The Gap reflects a highly mature market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain approximately 433 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

The Gap has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects include Melanka Accelerated Accommodation Development, St Mary's Hostel Social and Affordable Housing Project, Lasseters Hotel Casino Extension And Redevelopment, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia. Below is a list detailing 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.

Employment conditions in The Gap rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

The Gap has a highly educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.0%.

This rate is 4.9% below Rest of NT's rate of 5.9%, and workforce participation is at 69.7%, compared to Rest of NT's 50.7%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Notably, health care & social assistance has employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average, while education & training shows lower representation at 5.7% versus the regional average of 12.4%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Between Jun-24 and Jul-25, labour force decreased by 1.8% while employment declined by 1.8%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within The Gap. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with local employment projected to increase by 8.1% over five years and 16.8% over ten years based on industry-specific projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Gap shows a median taxpayer income of $67,674 and an average of $75,756 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with Rest of NT's median income of $51,655 and average income of $61,577. As of September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.01% suggest a median income of approximately $75,802 and an average of $84,854. According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings at the 90th percentile nationally are $1,189 weekly, but household income ranks lower at the 62nd percentile. Income analysis reveals that 42.4% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (983 residents), reflecting a pattern seen in the broader area where 33.6% occupy this range. 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The Gap's dwelling structure, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 33.3% houses and 66.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro NT's 67.8% houses and 32.2% 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, below Non-Metro NT's average of $1,800. Weekly rent in the area was $350, compared to Non-Metro NT's $280. 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 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 making up 7.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NT average of 2.8.

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

Educational attainment in The Gap shows a significant advantage with 44.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 20.1% in the SA4 region and 20.1% in the Rest of NT. Bachelor degrees are most common 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+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 18.0%. Educational participation is high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.9% in primary, 6.3% in tertiary, and 5.2% pursuing secondary education.

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic College serves The Gap, with an enrollment of 761 students as of a recent date. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1018) and balanced educational opportunities. All schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. As of a specific year, the area functions as an education hub with 32.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 15.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The Gap has ten active public transport stops currently operating. These stops are served by a mix of buses along three different routes. Together, these routes facilitate 88 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is considered good, with residents typically located approximately 209 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, services run 12 times per day across all routes, which equates to roughly eight weekly trips per individual stop.

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 with younger cohorts seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions. Specifically, as of May 2021, approximately 67.9% of residents under 45 years old were reported to be in excellent or good health, compared to the Northern Territory average of 63.8%.

The rate of private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,315 people) as of June 2020, compared to 53.7% across Rest of NT. The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and asthma, impacting 6.6 and 5.7% of residents respectively, as per data from December 2020. Meanwhile, 78.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments as of January 2021, compared to 76.9% across Rest of NT. As of March 2021, the area has 7.8% of residents aged 65 and over (180 people), which is lower than the 9.3% in Rest of NT. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population, with 54.5% reporting fair or poor health as of June 2020.

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, making up 47.8% of its people. However, there is an overrepresentation of 'Other' religions, which comprise 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 in The Gap are English at 17.3%, Other at 16.4%, and Australian at 15.9%. Notably, Filipino representation is higher than average at 4.5% compared to 1.7% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal representation is lower at 12.4% versus the regional average of 28.9%. Maori representation is also slightly higher than average at 1.5% compared to 1.1%.

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

The Gap has a median age of 34, slightly higher than the Rest of NT's figure of 31 but lower than Australia's median of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 25.4%, while the 5-14 group is smaller at 8.2% compared to the Rest of NT. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is above the national figure of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35-44 age group has grown from 18.0% to 20.3%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 8.3% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 27.5% to 25.4%, and the 0-4 group dropped from 7.2% to 5.8%. By 2041, The Gap is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to rise substantially by 135 people (51%) from 264 to 400. In contrast, the 85+ cohort shows minimal growth of just 0% (0 people).