Gillen

NT 870 • Rest of NT

4,466
Population (2021)
$113,152
Median Household Income
2.55 km²
Area
$400/wk
Median Rent
OutbackFamily-FriendlyDiverseRegional-Centre

About Gillen

Gillen is a residential suburb in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, located approximately 2 km south-west of the town centre at an elevation of 578 metres. With a population of around 4,470 and a median age of 33, it is one of Alice Springs' larger and more diverse suburbs. The area is named after Francis James Gillen, a renowned anthropologist who studied Central Australian Aboriginal culture.

The suburb is home to a mix of young families, professionals, and public servants working in Alice Springs' government and service sectors, reflected in its relatively high median income. Gillen has good access to amenities including the Alice Springs Aquatic & Leisure Centre, local shops along Larapinta Drive, and several parks. The nearby Alice Springs Golf Club and proximity to the MacDonnell Ranges provide excellent outdoor recreation opportunities.

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

📰 Featured In

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

📍 Location

Postcode
870
Urban Area
Flynn
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Darwin (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-23.71°, 133.87°
Statistical Area
Rest of NT
Area
2.55 km²
Elevation
578m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$400
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
33 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
8.9%

118 state housing + 15 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Route 3 — Alice Springs CBD 10 min
  • Route 3 — Larapinta 15 min

Commute to Alice Springs

Distance
2 km
By Bus
10 min
By Car (Peak)
5 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
5 min

🛣️ Alice Springs has a limited public bus service (Asbus). Most residents drive. No rail passenger service operates in Alice Springs.

Walkability Car-Dependent

While the suburb has footpaths and some shops along Larapinta Drive, most residents rely on cars for daily errands and commuting in Alice Springs.

🛒 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
4,278
Census 2021
4,466
4.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$50,596
Personal Income 2021
$57,356
13.4% 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
$57,356 / yr
$1103/wk
Household
$113,152 / yr
$2176/wk
Family
$124,332 / yr
$2391/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,889
Born Overseas 1,272

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. India 258
  • 2. New Zealand 168
  • 3. Philippines 120
  • 4. England 98
  • 5. Nepal 53
  • 6. China 31
  • 7. South Africa 30
  • 8. United States 28
  • 9. Zimbabwe 27
  • 10. Vietnam 24

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,239
English 1,139
Australian Aboriginal 819
Irish 392
Scottish 281
Indian 267
German 201
Filipino 137
Maori 105
Chinese 96

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,157
Both parents born in Australia
1,548
Both parents born overseas
459
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
41.1%
Christianity
40.3%
Hinduism
3.9%
Sikhism
2.0%
Buddhism
1.9%
Islam
1.3%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
307 (6.9%)
5-14 years
709 (15.9%)
15-19 years
286 (6.4%)
20-24 years
247 (5.5%)
25-34 years
856 (19.2%)
35-44 years
718 (16.1%)
45-54 years
555 (12.4%)
55-64 years
442 (9.9%)
65-74 years
224 (5.0%)
75-84 years
96 (2.1%)
85+ years
27 (0.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gillen known for? +

Gillen is a residential suburb in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, located approximately 2 km south-west of the town centre at an elevation of 578 metres. With a population of around 4,470 and a median age of 33, it is one of Alice Springs' larger and more diverse suburbs.

How far is Gillen from Darwin CBD? +

Gillen is approximately 2 km from Alice Springs. By car, the journey takes around 5 min off-peak and 5 min during peak hours.

Does Gillen have public transport? +

Gillen is served by bus routes connecting to Alice Springs CBD, though there is no direct rail service. A car is recommended for most journeys.

What is the population of Gillen? +

According to the 2021 Census, Gillen has a population of approximately 4,466 residents. It is a mid-sized suburb within the Alice Springs (Town).

Is Gillen a good place to live? +

Gillen suits those who value a quiet rural lifestyle with open spaces and natural surroundings. It is ideal for people seeking acreage, farming, or a secluded country retreat, with urban amenities accessible from nearby towns.

What is the postcode for Gillen? +

The postcode for Gillen, NT is 870.

What is the average income in Gillen? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Gillen is about $1,103 per week (around $57,400 per year). The median household income is $2,176 per week and the median family income is $2,391 per week.

What is the age profile of Gillen? +

The median age in Gillen is 33. The largest age group is 25–34 (856 residents, around 19%). Around 29% of residents are under 20 and about 8% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Gillen? +

In Gillen, the median weekly rent is $400, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).