Goonellabah

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Goonellabah's population is around 14,130 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 539 people (4.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,591 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,025 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 261 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 560 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Goonellabah's 4.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (0.6%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 43.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 928 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 5.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Goonellabah has recorded around 74 residential properties granted approval annually, totalling 373 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 41 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.4 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $263,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. There have also been $5.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Goonellabah shows 91.0% higher building activity (per person), offering buyers greater choice, though 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 823 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 22 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Platypus Park Residential Development, Invercauld Road Subdivision - 226 Invercauld Road, Goonellabah Urban Release Area - 1055 Bruxner Highway, and Points North Estate, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Goonellabah has been broadly consistent with national averages

Goonellabah features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.6%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,555 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Based on Census responses, a low 12.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 2.7% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.4% while the labour force decreased by 0.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Goonellabah. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Goonellabah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Goonellabah SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $48,895 and an average of $58,456 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is below the national average, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,227 (median) and $63,635 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Goonellabah, between the 21st and 29th percentiles. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 31.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,436 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 22nd percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Goonellabah, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 78.0% houses and 21.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Goonellabah slightly lagged that of Regional NSW, at 37.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.2%) or rented (29.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional NSW average at $1,560, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Goonellabah's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 65.5% of all households, comprising 24.4% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (21.3%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (28.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 353 active transport stops operating within Goonellabah, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 45 individual routes, collectively providing 751 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 111 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 12.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 107 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Goonellabah, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~6,810 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW, while the national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.1% and 9.9% of residents, respectively, while 59.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 22.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,105 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.7% of its population born in Australia, 91.4% being citizens, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Goonellabah is Christianity, which makes up 55.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.6% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Goonellabah are Australian, comprising 30.1% of the population, English, comprising 30.0% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.2% of Goonellabah (vs 4.6% regionally), Scottish at 8.0% (vs 8.0%) and Italian at 3.2% (vs 2.1%).

Goonellabah's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 42 years, Goonellabah's median age is similar to the Regional NSW average of 43 while considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (12.7%), while the 65 - 74 group is comparatively smaller (11.2%) than in Regional NSW. In the period since 2021, the 0 to 4 age group has grown from 5.8% to 6.8% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Goonellabah. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 62%, adding 284 residents to reach 742. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 cohorts.