Overall score
Desert Springs
37.6/100
Ross
38.0/100
Desert Springs vs Ross, NT suburb comparison
Desert Springs for retirees; Ross for families and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Desert SpringsRoss
Nearby amenities
Desert Springs
66
Ross
5
Population
Desert Springs
1,536
Ross
806
Metric leadDesert Springs 6Ross 2across 8 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesDesert Springs
- Best for familiesRoss
- Best for investmentRoss
- Best for best valueRoss
- Best for best schoolsRoss
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Desert Springs | Ross |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 37.6/100 | 38.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 35.2/100 | 66.7/100 |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 3 | 2 |
| Walkability | 10.5/100 | 3.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 66 | 5 |
| Population | 1,536 | 806 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Desert Springs is a regional smaller community that feels self-contained without feeling remote, and Ross is a more rural smaller community that rewards people who want room to breathe.
Desert Springs tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and public transport access, while Ross stands out for housing affordability and overall desirability. Desert Springs generally means more sought-after housing, while Ross leans toward more mid-market housing value.
Choose Desert Springs if you are weighing retirees; lean toward Ross for investors and value-focused buyers.