Desert Springs (NT)

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According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the broader region, combined with fresh locations verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Desert Springs has a population of approximately 1,879 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 343 residents (22.3%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,536 individuals. The calculation relies on the resident population of 1,879, calculated by Districts using the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) along with 2 validated new addresses registered since the Census date. This population level corresponds to a density ratio of 757 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical averages recorded across areas analyzed by Districts. The 22.3% growth rate in the suburb of Desert Springs since the 2021 census outpaced the national benchmark (9.3%) as well as the state average, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Population gains for the area were mostly fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly of the total population increases during recent periods.

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Desert Springs features a workforce with high levels of education and solid representation in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of only 0.6% and estimated job growth of 2.2% over the last year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area datasets. As of March 2026, 1,502 local citizens are employed, with the unemployment rate sitting 5.3% below the Regional NT level of 5.9%, and the workforce participation rate reaching an exceptional 97.9% compared to 69.9% in Regional NT. Census responses indicate that a minor 4.0% of workers operated from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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According to the latest ATO statistics compiled by Districts for financial year 2023, personal income levels in Desert Springs are exceptionally high compared to national figures. Taxpayers in this suburb record a median income of $82,757 and an average income of $92,640, compared to Regional NT figures of $53,572 and $63,776 respectively. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to roughly $90,544 (median) and $101,357 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows that household, family, and individual incomes in Desert Springs all rank in the 97th percentile nationally. Distribution metrics show that 35.1% of the population (659 residents) earn in the $4000+ bracket, contrasting with the wider region where the - range is most common at . The high proportion of top-tier earners ( making over /week) points to robust economic capacity throughout this suburb. After meeting housing expenses, residents retain of their income, indicating strong purchasing power, while the SEIFA index for income places the area in the th decile.

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Residential structures in Desert Springs at the time of the latest Census consisted of 67.5% detached houses and 32.5% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative housing), compared to Regional NT averages of 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Desert Springs stood well above the Regional NT average at 22.7%, with the remaining properties occupied by households with a mortgage (39.8%) or renters (37.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was recorded at $2,264, which is significantly higher than the Regional NT average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $500, compared to $150 in Regional NT. On a national level, mortgage commitments in Desert Springs are notably higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent levels are well above the national median of $375.

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Family households represent the vast majority of living arrangements at 77.1% of the total, consisting of 40.9% couples with children, 31.2% couples without children, and 5.0% single parent families. The remaining 22.9% are non-family households, with lone person households representing 18.7% and group households making up 3.4%. The median household size of 2.8 people is slightly below the Regional NT average of 3.1.

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Educational profiles in Desert Springs significantly exceed wider benchmarks, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 20.1% in the SA4 region and 20.1% in Rest of NT. This pronounced educational margin positions the community well for professional services and knowledge-based roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 24.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational and technical training is also highly represented, with 34.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (21.3%).

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Public transport connectivity includes 3 active transit stops in Desert Springs, providing bus services. These locations are served by 1 unique route, which offers 34 passenger journeys weekly. Transit accessibility is classified as limited, with residents living an average of 794 meters from the nearest stop. Because it is a residential suburb, the majority of workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport method at 87%, and 6% of commuters cycling. Car ownership stands at 1.7 vehicles per household, which is above the regional average. A low 4.0% of the workforce works from home (according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect the influence of COVID-19 rules).

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Health data reveals excellent overall outcomes in Desert Springs, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality indices and chronic illness rates, showing a very low incidence of common health issues across all demographics. Furthermore, the proportion of residents with private health insurance is exceptionally high at roughly 63% of the population (1,188 residents), compared to 51.6% across Regional NT and a national average of 55.7%.

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Desert Springs exhibits higher levels of cultural diversity than most regional areas, with 17.7% of the population speaking a non-English language in their homes and 37.0% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 42.9% of the population. The most prominent statistical divergence is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.9% of the local population compared to 5.2% across Regional NT.

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At 36 years, the median age in Desert Springs is older than the Regional NT average of 31, but slightly younger than the national median of 38. Compared to Regional NT, Desert Springs has a higher proportion of residents in the 35 - 44 age bracket (18.5%) but a lower share of 25 - 34 year-olds (14.3%). Post-2021 Census calculations indicate the 15 to 24 age group grew from 9.9% to 12.1% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort rose from 16.4% to 18.5%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age range decreased from 16.1% to 14.3% and the to cohort fell from to . Population modeling indicates the age structure of Desert Springs will shift by with the to cohort projected to increase by people () from to while the to group is expected to grow by a modest ( people).

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Desert Springs currently has an estimated 118 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 67 children aged 0-2 and 44 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 2% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 126 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 145. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.