Goonellabah

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

As of November 2025, Goonellabah's population is approximately 14,105 people. This figure represents a growth of 514 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 13,591. The increase is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 14,026 in June 2024 and an additional 253 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 559 persons per square kilometer. Goonellabah's growth rate of 3.8% since the Census exceeded that of both its SA3 area (0.5%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 43.8% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Goonellabah's population is expected to increase by approximately 928 persons by 2041, reflecting a growth of around 6.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Goonellabah granted around 74 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 373 homes. As of FY26, 35 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.4 new residents arrived per year for each new home between FY21 and FY25. The average dwelling value was $412,000.

In FY26, $5.8 million in commercial approvals were granted. Compared to the rest of NSW, Goonellabah's building activity is 91.0% higher per person. Recent construction comprises 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% medium and high-density housing. The area has approximately 250 people per dwelling approval.

Population forecasts indicate a gain of 848 residents by 2041, with current development patterns suggesting supply will meet demand.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 22 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable among these are 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 projects that are most likely to be 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. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 3.5%, 0.2% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation is similar to the regional level at 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 2.7% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.8%, while employment declined by 3.6%, causing unemployment to fall by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a rise in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Goonellabah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

Goonellabah SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $46,374 and an average of $59,358 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average for that year. Rest of NSW's median income was $49,459 with an average of $62,998 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth suggest the median income in Goonellabah would be approximately $52,222 and the average $66,843. The 2021 Census figures placed household, family, and personal incomes in Goonellabah between the 21st and 29th percentiles. Income distribution showed that 31.4% of residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. This was similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% fell within this income range. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Goonellabah, with only 83.8% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 in Goonellabah, as per the latest Census, comprised 78.0% houses and 21.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 86.8% houses and 13.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goonellabah was at 37.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.2% and rented ones at 29.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area 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 significantly lower at $1,560 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 3.6%. 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's university qualification rate is 21.3%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (28.0%). Educational participation is high, with 28.2% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.8% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

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

Goonellabah has 304 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 44 different routes that together facilitate 685 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 111 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 97 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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 data showing high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% of Goonellabah's total population (~6,925 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.1 and 9.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.8% of Goonellabah residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 61.9%. The area has a notable elderly population, with 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,090 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Goonellabah generally align with those of the broader 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 2016 Census, had a low cultural diversity with 89.7% of its population born in Australia and 91.4% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 93.6%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 55.5%.

The 'Other' category showed an overrepresentation at 1.6%, compared to 1.1% regionally. In terms of ancestry, Australian (30.1%), English (30.0%), and Irish (9.3%) were the top groups. Notable divergences included Australian Aboriginal at 5.2% (vs regional 4.6%), Scottish at 8.0% (vs 8.5%), and Italian at 3.2% (vs 2.6%).

Goonellabah's median age exceeds the national pattern

Goonellabah's median age is 42 years, comparable to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but higher than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile reveals that those aged 0-4 are notably prevalent at 6.8%, while the 65-74 group is relatively smaller at 11.1% compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of 0-4 year-olds has increased from 5.8% to 6.8%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 55-64 has decreased from 12.4% to 11.6%. Population projections for 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts in Goonellabah. The 25-34 age group is forecasted to grow by 17%, adding 298 residents to reach a total of 2,059. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 55-64 age cohorts.