What is East Side known for?

East Side is a residential suburb of Alice Springs known for its outback character, diverse community, and proximity to the MacDonnell Ranges and various nature reserves. It has a mix of Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents with a strong community feel.

How far is East Side from Alice Springs town centre?

East Side is within the Alice Springs urban area, approximately 3-6 kilometres from the town centre, making it a short drive or cycle to the CBD's services and shops.

Does East Side have public transport?

East Side is served by local bus routes within Alice Springs. The Alice Springs Airport provides air connections to Darwin, Adelaide, and other capitals. A car is the most practical transport option.

What is the population of East Side?

According to the 2021 Census, East Side has a population of approximately 3,098 residents within the Alice Springs Town Council local government area.

Is East Side a good place to live?

East Side offers affordable residential living in Alice Springs with access to outback landscapes, the MacDonnell Ranges, and the unique cultural environment of the Red Centre. It suits families, community workers, and those who embrace the remote NT lifestyle.

What is the postcode for East Side?

The postcode for East Side is 870.

What is the average income in East Side?

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in East Side is about $1,227 per week (around $63,800 per year). The median household income is $2,225 per week and the median family income is $2,632 per week.

What is the age profile of East Side?

The median age in East Side is 34. The largest age group is 25–34 (685 residents, around 22%). Around 24% of residents are under 20 and about 10% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in East Side?

In East Side, the median weekly rent is $393, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,742 (2021 Census).

East Side

NT 870 • Rest of NT

3,098

Population (2021)

$115,700

Median Household Income

3.83 km²

Area

$393/wk

Median Rent

RegionalOutbackIndigenous CultureAffordableNature Access

About East Side

East Side is a residential suburb of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia, situated on the traditional Country of the Arrernte people. With a population of approximately 2,919 (2016 census), it is one of the larger residential suburbs in Alice Springs and is located east of the town centre. The suburb sits at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges and features a diverse community including long-term residents, professionals, and Indigenous Australians.

East Side offers a suburban lifestyle within easy reach of Alice Springs town centre, with access to local schools, parks, and sporting facilities. Residents enjoy proximity to the dramatic red-rock landscapes of the East MacDonnell Ranges, Trephina Gorge, and N'Dhala Gorge. The suburb has a mix of public housing and private residences, and the community benefits from Alice Springs' full range of amenities including the hospital, shopping centres, and the famous Todd Mall in the town centre.

East Side falls under postcode 870 and is governed by Alice Springs Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Braitling electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Northern Territory Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission 💰 Top 50 Suburbs in Northern Territory by Median Household Income

📍 Location

State

Northern Territory

Postcode

870

Urban Area

Ross

LGA / Council

Alice Springs

Federal Electorate

Lingiari

State Electorate

Braitling

Type

Urban

Timezone

Darwin (UTC+9:30)

Coordinates

-23.69°, 133.90°

Statistical Area

Rest of NT

Area

3.83 km²

Elevation

584m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)

$393

Median Mortgage (monthly)

$1,742

Avg Household Size

2.5 people

Median Age

34 years

Social Housing (% of dwellings)

5.1%

53 state housing + 4 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

Alice Springs Bus Route 400 — Alice Springs Town Centre 10–15 min
Alice Springs Bus Route 500 — Gap Road / Hospital 12 min

Commute to Alice Springs

Distance

3 km

By Train

N/A – no urban rail in Alice Springs

By Bus

10–15 min (Alice Springs Bus Network)

By Car (Peak)

8 min

By Car (Off-Peak)

6 min

🛣️ Alice Springs is a car-oriented regional city. The Ghan tourist train connects Alice Springs to Adelaide and Darwin but is not a commuter service.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot with local parks and schools nearby, but most shopping and services require a short car or bus trip to the town centre.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016

2,919

Census 2021

3,098

▲ 6.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016

$55,380

Personal Income 2021

$63,804

▲ 15.2% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal

$63,804 / yr

$1227/wk

Household

$115,700 / yr

$2225/wk

Family

$136,864 / yr

$2632/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,161

Born Overseas 779

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

1. England 110
2. United States 96
3. New Zealand 83
4. Nepal 63
5. India 42
6. Philippines 32
7. China 30
8. South Africa 22
9. Germany 19
10. Italy 15
11. France 13
12. Fiji 12
13. Ireland 12
14. Papua New Guinea 12
15. Indonesia 10

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,049

Australian 880

Australian Aboriginal 425

Irish 403

Scottish 313

German 202

Italian 93

Chinese 72

Dutch 67

Indian 48

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,607

Both parents born in Australia

895

Both parents born overseas

410

One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion

54.6%

Christianity

31.7%

Hinduism

2.4%

Buddhism

1.3%

Islam

0.8%

Sikhism

0.7%

Judaism

0.5%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years

199 (6.4%)

5-14 years

384 (12.4%)

15-19 years

149 (4.8%)

20-24 years

132 (4.3%)

25-34 years

685 (22.1%)

35-44 years

471 (15.2%)

45-54 years

381 (12.3%)

55-64 years

371 (12.0%)

65-74 years

232 (7.5%)

75-84 years

76 (2.5%)

85+ years

15 (0.5%)