Goonellabah

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

AreaSearch indicates that Goonellabah's population stands at approximately 14,246 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 655 people (4.8%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 13,591 residents. This trend is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 14,177 from June 2025 and 273 validated new addresses confirmed since the Census. With this population level, the density ratio is 564 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and space for future projects. This 4.8% increase since the 2021 census was higher than the SA3 area (0.0%) and the SA4 region, establishing it as a local growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth, accounting for roughly 45.0% of population increases in recent times, though natural growth and interstate migration also made positive contributions.

For each SA2 locality, AreaSearch uses projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For SA2 areas where this dataset is unavailable, projections from the NSW State Government released in 2022 using a 2021 base year are adopted. Projections of growth rates by age bracket from these files are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future demographic forecasts suggest growth slightly below the median of national regional localities, with the population projected to grow by 771 persons by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP data, representing a rise of 4.9% over the 16 years.

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

Goonellabah averages approximately 74 residential building approvals each year, summing to 373 residential units over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26, 58 approvals have been registered. With an average of 1.6 new residents added per new dwelling over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), local supply and demand appear balanced, promoting market stability. Meanwhile, new houses are built at an average value of $263,000, which is below typical regional benchmarks, offering buyers more affordable options. Additionally, commercial approvals this financial year stand at $5.8 million, suggesting minor emphasis on commercial projects.

Goonellabah's building activity (per person) is 90.0% higher than the Rest of NSW, giving buyers a wider selection of properties, even though construction pace has slowed lately. Detached houses constitute 80.0% of recent construction, while medium and high-density dwellings make up 20.0%, preserving the traditional low-density neighborhood feel and emphasizing family homes. The area has approximately 253 people per dwelling approval, signifying a low-density market landscape.

Demographic projections indicate Goonellabah's population will rise by 702 residents by 2041 (starting from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current construction trends, new dwelling supply should easily accommodate this growth, creating favorable buyer conditions and potentially supporting expansion beyond these forecasts.

Goonellabah has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and development initiatives are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects expected to influence the locality. The most relevant projects include the Platypus Park Residential Development, the Invercauld Road Subdivision at 226 Invercauld Road, the Goonellabah Urban Release Area at 1055 Bruxner Highway, and the Points North Estate, with key details provided in the list below.

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 has a qualified workforce with a solid presence in essential services, an unemployment rate of just 4.0%, and estimated employment growth of 3.6% over the preceding year. As of March 2026, 6,656 residents are employed. The unemployment rate is 0.1% below the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is comparable to the Regional NSW average of 60.6%. Census data indicates that a low 12.4% of residents worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area is highly specialized in health care & social assistance, showing an employment share 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 2.7% of local jobs, which is lower than the 5.3% average for Regional NSW. A comparison of the Census working population to the resident population suggests a lack of local job opportunities.

According to AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS statistics, during the 12 months ending March 2026, employment grew by 3.6% and the labor force expanded by 3.9%, which raised the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. During the same timeframe, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 0.9% and the labor force contract by 0.4%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point increase. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 offer additional context on future demand in Goonellabah. These forecasts, spanning five and ten years, have been aligned with the local industry profile to estimate potential growth. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by sector. Applying these national projections to Goonellabah's workforce structure suggests local employment would rise by 6.7% over five years and 14.2% over ten years (note that this is a simple weighted calculation for illustration and does not incorporate local population projections).

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

Goonellabah SA2 has a median taxpayer income of $48,895 and an average of $58,456, based on the latest postcode-level ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures are below national benchmarks, contrasting with a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $53,941 for the median and $64,489 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Goonellabah are positioned modestly, falling between the 21st and 29th percentiles. Income distribution data shows that the largest group, comprising 31.4% of taxpayers (4,473 residents), earns between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, which aligns closely with the surrounding region where 29.9% are in this bracket. Housing costs present a heavy burden, with only 83.8% of income remaining after housing expenses, placing the area in the 22nd percentile.

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

In the latest Census, the housing stock in Goonellabah was made up of 78.0% houses and 21.9% other dwelling types (semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' structures), compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership in Goonellabah stood at 37.3%, slightly trailing the Regional NSW level, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgagors (33.2%) or tenants (29.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,560, below the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $320, compared to $330 in Regional NSW. Nationally, Goonellabah's mortgage costs are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are considerably below the national figure of $375.

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

Families make up 65.5% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 24.4%, couples without children at 25.7%, and single parents at 14.2%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 34.5%, with single-person households representing 31.0% and group households making up 3.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, matching the average for Regional NSW.

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

Educational attainment in the area is lower than average, with university graduation rates (21.3%) falling well short of the NSW average of 32.2%. This gap highlights a need for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational and technical skills are strong, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (28.0%).

School and study participation is high, with 28.2% of the population enrolled in an educational institution. This includes 9.8% in primary school, 7.6% in secondary school, and 3.9% studying at a tertiary level.

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

Analysis of the public transport network shows 353 active bus stops operating in Goonellabah. These stops are served by 45 different routes, which offer a combined 751 passenger trips each week. Transport access is excellent, with residents living an average of 111 meters from their nearest stop. The area is mainly residential, so 96% of commuters travel by car. Dwelling vehicle ownership averages 1.3, below the regional average. A low 12.4% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Service frequency averages 107 daily trips across all routes, translating to roughly 2 weekly trips per transit stop. The map highlights the 100 closest stops to the center of the location.

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

Health assessments indicate notable issues in Goonellabah, according to AreaSearch's analysis of mortality and chronic disease rates, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older residents. Additionally, the rate of private health insurance is low, covering approximately 48% of the population (~6,866 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health conditions and asthma are the most common medical issues, affecting 11.1% and 9.9% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 59.8% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The working-age cohort faces challenges with high rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 22.2% of the population (3,169 people), which is below the Regional NSW average of 23.4%. Seniors' health outcomes present challenges, with national rankings aligning closely 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 has lower cultural diversity than average, with 89.7% of residents born in Australia, 91.4% holding citizenship, and 93.6% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 55.5% of the population. The most notable difference is in the Other category, which represents 1.6% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

Regarding parental country of birth, the three largest ancestry groups are Australian (30.1%), English (30.0%), and Irish (9.3%). There are also notable differences in other groups: Australian Aboriginal people represent 5.2% of Goonellabah (compared to 4.6% regionally), Scottish ancestry stands at 8.0% (vs 8.0%), and Italian ancestry is at 3.2% (vs 2.1%).

Goonellabah's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Goonellabah is 42 years, similar to the Regional NSW average of 43 and older than the national median of 38 years. The demographic profile features a prominent cohort of 0 - 4 year-olds (6.4%), while the 65 - 74 age group is smaller (11.4%) than in Regional NSW. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age bracket has increased from 11.7% to 12.6% of the population, while the 55 to 64 group decreased from 12.4% to 11.6%. Population projections for 2041 point to significant demographic shifts, with the 85+ cohort expected to grow by 61%, adding 284 residents to reach 750. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 age groups.