Area profile · Rest of NSW
Goonellabah has an estimated 14,280 residents, up 5.1% since the 2021 Census, with 15 projects tracked in Goonellabah.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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Situated 153 kilometres south from Brisbane CBD, the Goonellabah Statistical Area (Lv2) is a peaceful and scenic New South Wales community known for its leafy neighbourhoods, green hills, and relaxed lifestyle. Demographic estimates as of Aug 2026 indicate an Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of approximately 14,280, up by 689 people (5.1%) from the 13,591 residents counted at the 2021 Census. This ongoing expansion is derived from an ABS Estimated Resident Population of 14,177 recorded as of June 2025, alongside an additional 320 validated new addresses added since the Census date. Overall, the locality demonstrates moderate expansion patterns, supported by active housing turnover with sales volumes that track significantly above average relative to population size.
Goonellabah combines an appealing lifestyle with strong service amenity and notable employment bases in healthcare and retail trade.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Situated 153 kilometres south from Brisbane CBD, the Goonellabah Statistical Area (Lv2) is a peaceful and scenic New South Wales community known for its leafy neighbourhoods, green hills, and relaxed lifestyle. Demographic estimates as of Aug 2026 indicate an Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of approximately 14,280, up by 689 people (5.1%) from the 13,591 residents counted at the 2021 Census. This ongoing expansion is derived from an ABS Estimated Resident Population of 14,177 recorded as of June 2025, alongside an additional 320 validated new addresses added since the Census date. Overall, the locality demonstrates moderate expansion patterns, supported by active housing turnover with sales volumes that track significantly above average relative to population size.
Goonellabah combines an appealing lifestyle with strong service amenity and notable employment bases in healthcare and retail trade.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 12,199 in 2001 and 14,177 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 14,280 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 35 to 44, 12.5%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 31.4%.
Goonellabah ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for amenities and the 83rd for sales activity.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Goonellabah is $568 a week, up 6.3% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 2% below Regional NSW. The gross rental yield across all dwellings is 4.0%.
2% below Regional NSW on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $377 in 2017, $630 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $263 in 2017, $436 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Some rents are estimated from nearby areas.
Yield is indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools.
| Address | Sale price | Settled | Address type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Shearman Drive, Goonellabah NSW 2480 | $520,000 | 1 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 3 Shearman Drive, Goonellabah NSW 2480 | $400,000 | 30 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 462 Ballina Road, Goonellabah NSW 2480 | $610,000 | 28 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 19 William Blair Avenue, Goonellabah NSW 2480 | $589,000 | 28 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 6 Spring Valley Drive, Goonellabah NSW 2480 | $1,225,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 2/15 Waratah Way, Goonellabah NSW 2480 | $665,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 808 Ballina Road, Goonellabah NSW 2480 | $879,420 | 24 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 6 Sovereign Place, Goonellabah NSW 2480 | $645,000 | 24 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 11 Trinity Drive, Goonellabah NSW 2480 | $696,260 | 21 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 9 Corella Court, Goonellabah NSW 2480 | $860,000 | 18 Sep 2026 | Street address |
The 10 most recent of the 46 residential sales recorded since 27 Jul 2026 (the latest settled 1 Oct 2026), newest first. The median of these 46, houses and units together, was $763,300 (a different set from the medians above). Source: NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch, to October 2026. Commercial, vacant land and nominal sales are left out. Unit means the address has a unit number; a street address has none.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $568 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +6.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, all dwellings | 4.0% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median house price | $760k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date | |
| Median unit price | $610k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median price, latest residential sales | $763,300 | Median of the 46 most recent residential sales, settled 27 Jul 2026 to 1 Oct 2026, NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch | |
| Median rent, houses | $630 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +5.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, units | $436 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +3.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, houses | 4.3% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Gross rental yield, units | 3.8% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median rent, Richmond - Tweed | $754 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Richmond - Tweed, over 12 months | +6.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Regional NSW | $580 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Regional NSW, over 12 months | +6.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, NSW | $715 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, NSW, over 12 months | +5.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 166 tracked applications: 45 approved, 20 under assessment, 101 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 15 projects in Goonellabah (2 under construction) and 109 more in the surrounding area.
A DA approved residential subdivision development on 73.9 hectares in the Northern Ridges of Goonellabah. The estate will offer 65 dwellings with breathtaking northerly views and is strategically located near shopping centres, schools, sporting facilities and amenities. The project includes an existing 3-bedroom home.
A 75-hectare master-planned community and mixed-use development on the flood-free fringe of Goonellabah. The project will deliver over 400 residential dwellings, alongside 100 commercial and industrial lots across R1, R3, MU1, and E4 zones. Rezoned in July 2025, the site addresses the urgent need for elevated housing and employment lands in Lismore.
Delivery of 56 affordable rental townhouses across two Goonellabah sites: 16 homes at 44 Bristol Circuit (DA lodged and on public exhibition to 19 August 2025) and 40 homes at 69 Cynthia Wilson Drive (DA to follow). Partnership between Landcom and Lismore City Council, with a community housing provider to be appointed in late 2025.
Relocation of Service NSW to a new $2.56 million purpose-built facility in The Village Shopping Centre, Goonellabah. The permanent centre will provide the full suite of government services, including driver testing, replacing the temporary Molesworth Street location.
Residential community developed by McCloy Group, offering 312 homesites across 57 hectares in Goonellabah near Lismore. Features include mature street trees, public art installations, children's playgrounds, cycleways, and recreational areas.
A 176-lot residential subdivision by McCloy Group at 226 Invercauld Road, Goonellabah, expanding the Eastwood Estate. The proposal was approved by Lismore City Council on March 25, 2025, after lot numbers were revised down from a previously rejected proposal to address environmental and planning concerns.
A masterplanned residential subdivision developed by McCloy Group comprising 176 lots across Precinct 2 of the Eastwood Estate in Goonellabah. Approved by Lismore City Council following a redesign from 203 lots, the project delivers flood-free masterplanned housing supply with associated civil works, infrastructure, and open reserves.
Construction of a new industrial building containing two industrial units with associated civil works and strata subdivision on Lot 19 DP 262233 within the established Goonellabah Industrial Estate. Application lodged by Newton Denny Chapelle and publicly exhibited by Lismore City Council in November 2024 (DA24/287).
A $110 million seniors land-lease community proposed by Liven Communities (a joint venture between GreenFort Capital and Gaw Capital) on the former Platypus Park subdivision site.
The project involves identifying and preserving a preferred corridor for an upgrade of approximately eight kilometres of the Bruxner Highway between Sneaths Road, Wollongbar, and Kadina Street, Goonellabah. The upgrade aims to improve safety, efficiency, and resilience, supporting population and economic growth in the region.
Major infrastructure project extending Oliver Avenue to link with the Bruxner Highway, including a new 20-meter bridge over Tucki Tucki Creek, roundabouts, and earthworks to unlock flood-free industrial land in the Goonellabah Industrial Estate for investment and job creation. Project opened July 2023.
Comprehensive upgrade to the skate park incorporating new skate elements designed by Trinity Skateparks including new ramps, pier 7 ledge, manual pad, loading dock and hydrant, flat rail, and slappy kerb. Includes drainage improvements, floor repairs and fresh paint to enhance the facility for all ages and abilities.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 50 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 3, 2026 16, 2027 19, 2028 5, 2029 2, 2030 4, 2031 0, 2032 0, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 1. 44 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 166 substantial development applications lodged in and around Goonellabah over the past 5 years, 115 in the last 12 months; 20 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 2, 2022 14, 2023 8, 2024 19, 2025 8, 2026 (to Oct) 115.
Key application 805 Ballina Road, Goonellabah Aged Care | $110m | 200 dwellings | 2 storeys Under Assessment
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 166 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 115 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 4.6 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 57th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 63 | ABS building approvals | 66th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 45 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 20 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Goonellabah SA2 include: Eastwood Estate Goonellabah (Construction); Points North Estate (Approved); Mount Pleasant Estate Resilient Lands Program (Construction); Service NSW Customer Service Centre Relocation Goonellabah (Dev. Application); and Invercauld Road Subdivision - 226 Invercauld Road (Approved). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the Goonellabah SA2 spans multiple sectors including Communities, Residential Development, and Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, among others.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, recent residential development output has been above average within Goonellabah when compared nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the Goonellabah SA2 area has seen 112 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Goonellabah SA2's current population of 14,280 has been supported by 63 approvals on average over recent years.
The Goonellabah SA2 has seen 4.5 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 5.7 approvals in Regional NSW. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 252 people in the Goonellabah SA2, compared to one for every 183 in Regional NSW.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Goonellabah SA2's approval levels have been significantly below the yearly average of 63, showing a notable downturn in recent development.
Over the past five years, the population in the Goonellabah SA2 has grown by approximately 617 people, while 313 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 2.0 people added for each new dwelling approval. This suggests a balanced relationship between population growth and housing supply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
An assessment of population growth drivers in Goonellabah reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 14,280 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +5.1% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 40th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 566 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 43rd percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.9% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +0.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 13,591 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 689 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +1.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +1.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 25.23 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Goonellabah SA2 was estimated to be approximately 14,280 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 14,177 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The goonellabah sa2 has added approximately 689 people and shown a 5.07% increase from the 13,591 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Goonellabah SA2 is estimated at 566 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Goonellabah SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.6% per annum.
Population growth in the Goonellabah SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (45.0%), Interstate migration (39.8%), Natural increase (15.2%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 45.0% of overall population gains.
Goonellabah's median age exceeds the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 42 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 65th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 22.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 18.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 23.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 47.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 42 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 6.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 12.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 11.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 11.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 12.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 11.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 11.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 11.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 7.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 3.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Goonellabah SA2 at 42 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 42 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 42 years as at August 2026, Goonellabah is comparable to the Regional NSW 2021 Census average (43 years) yet 4 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Goonellabah SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 0 - 4 group, making up 6.4% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Goonellabah SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 55 - 64 group, making up 11.5% of the population.
No, the age distribution in the Goonellabah SA2 is broadly in line with Regional NSW.
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 18.6% of the population in the Goonellabah SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 22.6% of the population in the Goonellabah SA2 as at August 2026.
Income figures position the area below 79% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $52,695 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 23rd percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $62,833 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,325 | 2021 Census, weekly | 21st percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $707 | 2021 Census, weekly | 29th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 12.4% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,733 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 29.7% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Goonellabah SA2 is approximately $56,057. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $52,695.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Goonellabah SA2 is approximately $66,842. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $62,833.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Goonellabah SA2 is approximately $56,057 compared to $59,289 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $52,695 and $55,733 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Goonellabah SA2 is approximately $66,842 compared to $73,521 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $62,833 and $69,112 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Goonellabah SA2's households (~31.4% / 1,681 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Goonellabah SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 31.4% of households. In comparison, Regional NSW's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 29.9% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Goonellabah SA2 is $1,325/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Goonellabah SA2 is $1,733/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Goonellabah SA2 is $707/wk.
The Goonellabah SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $52,695 and an average of $62,833 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. This is below the national average, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $55,733 and average income of $69,112. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.38% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $56,057 (median) and $66,842 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Goonellabah SA2 is $4,813 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The goonellabah sa2's disposable income is $4,813 compared to $5,252 for Regional NSW, based on AreaSearch analysis.
Employment performance in Goonellabah has been broadly consistent with national averages.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 60.1% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 6,698 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 12,299 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 6,962 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Goonellabah SA2 has approximately 6,698 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 3.8%. This healthy unemployment rate suggests a well-functioning labour market. Employment indicators are below the national average, suggesting room for improvement.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Goonellabah SA2 stands at 3.8%, which is broadly in line with Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Goonellabah SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (23.3% of employment), retail trade (13.4%), and education & training (10.9%). Other significant employers include construction and accommodation & food.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Goonellabah SA2 has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decreased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the Goonellabah SA2 is 60.1%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate trailing the Regional NSW average of 60.6%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Regional NSW.
The goonellabah sa2 shows notable specialisation in health care & social assistance, which employs 23.3% of the local workforce compared to 16.9% across Regional NSW. This moderate specialisation indicates some local strength in the sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 1 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The goonellabah sa2's employment market shows below-average performance in national comparisons. While employment opportunities exist, the area faces more challenges than many other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 7.7% growth, ranking 9th out of 37 regions nationally.
Education in Goonellabah: university qualifications 21.3%, school advantage index (ICSEA) 953.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 14.7% | 2021 Census | 40th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 3.9% | 2021 Census | 40th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 21.3% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 28.0% | 2021 Census | 61st percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 2.7% | 2021 Census | 59th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 10.0% | 2021 Census | 35th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 40.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 28.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 3.9% | 2021 Census | 41st percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 9.8% | 2021 Census | 42nd percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 7.6% | 2021 Census | 39th percentile nationally |
21.3% of people aged 15 and over in the Goonellabah SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in Regional NSW.
40.6% of people aged 15 and over in the Goonellabah SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.1% in Regional NSW.
The goonellabah sa2 ranks in the 30th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Goonellabah SA2 are: Certificate (28.0%), Bachelor Degree (14.7%), Advanced Diploma (10.0%).
28.2% of the population in the Goonellabah SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 9.8% in primary school, 7.6% in secondary school, 3.9% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Goonellabah SA2 is 953, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 4 schools within the Goonellabah SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 1,331 students.
The goonellabah sa2 includes 1 primary school, 1 secondary school, 2 combined schools.
Goonellabah features high concentrations of single parent families and lone person households but relatively few family households, with an average household size in line with Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.4 people | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 31.0% | 2021 Census | 75th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 24.4% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 25.7% | 2021 Census | 39th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 14.2% | 2021 Census | 84th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 3.6% | 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 5,355 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 5,626 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 65.5% | 2021 Census | 27th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.9 per family | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Goonellabah SA2 had 5,355 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 5.1% to an estimated 5,626 households today.
The average household size in the Goonellabah SA2 is 2.4 people. This compares to 2.4 in Regional NSW and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 65.5% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (31.0%), group households (3.6%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 3,508 family households, couples with children account for 24.4% of all households, couples without children at home 25.7%, and single parent families 14.2%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional NSW, the Goonellabah SA2 shows distinct household patterns. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the Goonellabah SA2 have an average of 1.9 children, slightly above the Regional NSW average of 1.8. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 40.8% of the adult population are currently married, while 37.4% have never married. This compares to 45.6% married and 34.3% never married across Regional NSW.
Single-person households represent 31.0% of all households in the Goonellabah SA2, similar to the average for Regional NSW of 27.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 3.6% of households, slightly above the Regional NSW average of 3.3%.
Goonellabah is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 10.3% | 2021 Census | 13th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 6.4% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 93.6% | 2021 Census | 70th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 91.4% | 2021 Census | 86th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 89.7% | 2021 Census | 86th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 5.2% | 2021 Census | 89th percentile nationally |
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 was found to be Christianity, which makes up 55.5% of people in Goonellabah. 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% across Regional NSW), Scottish at 8.0% (vs 8.0%) and Italian at 3.2% (vs 2.1%).
10.3% of the Goonellabah SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 13.0% across Regional NSW.
6.4% of the population in the Goonellabah SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.1% in Regional NSW.
5.2% of the Goonellabah SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 4.6% in Regional NSW.
91.4% of the Goonellabah SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 89.2% in Regional NSW.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Goonellabah is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 29.6% | 2021 Census | 55th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 37.3% | 2021 Census | 61st percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 78.0% | 2021 Census | 35th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,560 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 32nd percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 33.2% | 2021 Census | 43rd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 17.7% | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $320 | 2021 Census, weekly | 32nd percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 24.2% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 77th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 27.2% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 76th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.7 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 12th percentile nationally |
In the Goonellabah SA2, 37.3% of homes are owned outright, 33.2% are owned with a mortgage, and 29.6% are rented.
According to the latest data, 78.0% of dwellings in the Goonellabah SA2 are houses.
In the Goonellabah SA2, 4.2% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 17.7% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Goonellabah SA2 stands at 37.3%, compared to 39.6% in Regional NSW.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Goonellabah SA2 is $1,560, compared to $1,733 in Regional NSW.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Goonellabah SA2 is $928, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Goonellabah SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 27.2% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 24.2% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Goonellabah SA2 is 0.7, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Goonellabah SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 27.2% of income on repayments (vs 27.9% in Regional NSW), while renters spend 24.2% of income on rent (vs 23.0% in Regional NSW).
The dwelling mix in the Goonellabah SA2 consists of 78.0% detached houses, 17.7% semi-detached dwellings, 4.2% apartments, and 0.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Goonellabah consumes approximately 16.2% of median household income ($5,737 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Goonellabah show attached dwellings contributing 29% of approvals compared to 22% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 71% of applications versus 78% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. Housing density growth is around the national average.
Health performance in Goonellabah is well below the national average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 49.3% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 24th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 59.8% | 2021 Census | 8th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 8.6% | 2021 Census | 90th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 68.2% | 2021 Census | 5th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 2.4% | 2021 Census | 84th percentile nationally |
Around 49.3% of people in the Goonellabah SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 52.2% in Regional NSW.
In the Goonellabah SA2, 8.6% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.8% of people in Regional NSW require similar assistance.
9.9% of people in the Goonellabah SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.4% of the population across Regional NSW is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 4.6% of the Goonellabah SA2 population, while in Regional NSW, 4.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
4.8% of people in the Goonellabah SA2 have heart disease. Across Regional NSW,4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Goonellabah SA2, 49.3% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional NSW sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 52.2%.
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 54 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 54th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 361 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 97th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 896 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 33rd percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 40 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 61 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.3 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 12.4% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 361 public transport stops within the Goonellabah SA2.
The Goonellabah SA2 has 896 weekly trips across 61 routes, averaging 128 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 107 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 613 m away and the nearest school 873 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 361 stops nearby, 896 weekly trips, access rating 54 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 95 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 95th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 613 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 873 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 967 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 1.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest supermarket | 1.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 1.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 1.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 1.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 3.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 4.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 5.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 5 long day care centres with 328 places in Goonellabah, about 2.8 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Goonellabah is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Goonellabah.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, recent residential development output has been above average within Goonellabah when compared nationally.
Goonellabah ranks in the 51st percentile nationally for infrastructure.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Goonellabah's affordable property market has recorded 383 sales in the 12 months to June 2026, comprising 91% residential, 2% commercial and 8% vacant land transactions.
An assessment of population growth drivers in Goonellabah reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends.
Goonellabah's median age exceeds the national pattern.
Income figures position the area below 79% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch.
Employment performance in Goonellabah has been broadly consistent with national averages.
Education in Goonellabah: university qualifications 21.3%, school advantage index (ICSEA) 953.
Goonellabah features high concentrations of single parent families and lone person households but relatively few family households, with an average household size in line with Regional NSW.
Goonellabah is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics.
Goonellabah is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Regional NSW.
Health performance in Goonellabah is well below the national average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts.
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Goonellabah has an estimated 14,280 residents, up 5.1% since the 2021 Census, with 15 projects tracked in Goonellabah.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Goonellabah.
Data currency
Refreshed . Sales to Oct 2026, rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Aug 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (112021246). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Goonellabah from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Goonellabah with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
