Goonellabah
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Goonellabah reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Goonellabah's population was approximately 14,105 as of November 2025, indicating a growth of 514 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 3.8% rise from the previous count of 13,591. The change is inferred from ABS estimates; the population was 14,026 in June 2024, with an additional 253 validated new addresses since the Census date. Population density stands at 559 persons per square kilometer. Goonellabah's growth rate of 3.8% exceeded both its SA3 area (0.5%) and SA4 region during this period. Overseas migration contributed approximately 43.8% to overall population gains, with interstate migration and natural growth also being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Goonellabah is expected to increase by approximately 928 persons to reach a total population of around 15,033 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of about 6.0% over the seventeen-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Goonellabah when compared nationally

Goonellabah has recorded approximately 74 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 373 homes. As of FY26, 35 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.4 new residents arrive per year for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, suggesting a balance between supply and demand. The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $263,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options.

In the current financial year, there have been $5.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Goonellabah shows 91.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, construction activity has eased recently. Recent construction comprises 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The location has approximately 250 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts indicate Goonellabah will gain 848 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Goonellabah has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Platypus Park Residential Development, Invercauld Road Subdivision at 226 Invercauld Road, Goonellabah Urban Release Area at 1055 Bruxner Highway, and Points North Estate. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, Goonellabah has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Goonellabah has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%.

As of June 2025, there are 6,284 residents employed, which is 0.2% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Goonellabah is similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 2.7% of local workers compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

Over the year ending June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.8%, and employment declined by 3.6%, causing unemployment to fall by 1.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, project an increase of approximately 6.7% over five years and 14.2% over ten years for Goonellabah's employment mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Goonellabah's median taxpayer income was $46,374 and average income was $59,358 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below the national average of $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average) for Rest of NSW. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $52,222 and average income $66,843, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. In Goonellabah, household incomes ranked between the 22nd and 30th percentiles according to 2021 Census figures. The largest income segment comprised 31.4% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 4,428 residents in this range. This pattern is similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% occupy this income range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 23rd percentile.

Goonellabah is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Goonellabah, as per the latest Census, 78.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 21.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 86.8% houses and 13.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goonellabah stood at 37.3%, lower than Non-Metro NSW's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 33.2% and rented ones for 29.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,452. Median weekly rent in Goonellabah was $320, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Goonellabah's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,560 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $320 compared to the national figure of $375.

Goonellabah features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 65.5% of all households, including 24.4% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households making up 3.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Rest of NSW average.

Educational outcomes in Goonellabah fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has university qualification rates at 21.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (28.0%).

Educational participation is high at 28.2%, including 9.8% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education. Goonellabah's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,331 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 953) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 1 primary, 1 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents stand at 9.5, below the regional average of 15.3, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

The transport analysis indicates that Goonellabah has 304 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 44 different routes, collectively providing 685 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 111 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On average, there are 97 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Goonellabah is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Goonellabah faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Private health cover is relatively low, with approximately 49% of Goonellabah's total population (~6,925 people) having it, compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (11.1%) and asthma (9.9%), while 59.8% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW's 61.9%. Goonellabah has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 21.9% (3,090 people) compared to the general population. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges similar to those faced by the general population.

Goonellabah is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Goonellabah, as per the data from 2016 Census, had a lower cultural diversity with 89.7% of its population born in Australia and 91.4% being Australian citizens. The majority spoke English at home, totaling 93.6%. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 55.5% of Goonellabah's population.

There was an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, comprising 1.6% compared to Rest of NSW's 1.1%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.1%), English (30.0%), and Irish (9.3%). Notable differences existed for Australian Aboriginal (5.2% vs regional 4.6%), Scottish (8.0% vs 8.5%) and Italian (3.2% vs 2.6%).

Goonellabah hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Goonellabah's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but older than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 0-4 are prominent at 6.8%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 11.1% compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 0-4 age group has grown from 5.8% to 6.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 11.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Goonellabah. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 17%, adding 298 residents to reach 2,059. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts.