Goulburn

Population growth drivers in Goulburn are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Goulburn's population is around 25,790 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,225 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,565 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 25,648 in June 2025 and an additional 799 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 398 persons per square kilometer. Goulburn's growth rate of 5.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.5%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, Goulburn is projected to increase by 5,303 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 20.0% in total over the 16 years.

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

Goulburn averaged approximately 182 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 912 homes were approved, with an additional 190 approved so far in FY-26. Over these five years, the area experienced an average of 1.1 people moving to the region for each dwelling built.

This balance between supply and demand supports stable market conditions. The average construction cost value for new properties was $254,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $190.2 million, reflecting high local commercial activity. Comparatively, Goulburn's building activity per person aligns with the Rest of NSW, suggesting stable market conditions in line with regional patterns.

However, recent construction activity has eased slightly. The current housing mix comprises 61.0% detached dwellings and 39.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 85.0% houses. This change may reflect decreasing availability of developable sites and evolving lifestyles that require more diverse and affordable housing options. As of now, there are an estimated 348 people in the region per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Goulburn is projected to grow by 5,160 residents by 2041. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, suggesting stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Goulburn has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 15 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Goulburn Water and Sewer Infrastructure Upgrades, the Waterway Improvement Strategy and River Walkway Development, the Goulburn Rail Trail, and the CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project. The following list details those projects deemed most relevant:.

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.

The employment landscape in Goulburn presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.8%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Goulburn has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%. As of December 2025, 11,812 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation stands at 58.3%, slightly below Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census data shows that 7.8% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Public administration & safety is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.8%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.4% while employment declined by 4.1%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment could expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Goulburn's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Goulburn SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $54,417 and an average of $64,452 in financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Regional NSW's median income being $52,390 and average income $65,215. By March 2026, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $60,033 and an average of $71,103, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Goulburn rank modestly, between the 30th and 38th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant, with 31.5% of residents (8,123 people), similar to broader area trends at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 30th percentile.

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

Goulburn's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 84.6% houses and 15.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goulburn was 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.5% and rented ones at 34.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,636, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Goulburn was $320, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Goulburn's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Goulburn features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.6% of all households, including 24.7% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

In the area, university qualification rates are significantly lower than the NSW average, standing at 17.5%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common type of university qualification in the area, with 11.6% of residents holding one. Postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas follow, with 3.6% and 2.3% respectively.

Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 41.2% holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 10.9%, while certificates make up 30.3%. Educational participation is high in the area, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Goulburn has 307 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 54 routes, providing 1,497 weekly passenger trips collectively. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 150 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily due to Goulburn's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7.8% of residents work from home, which might reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 213 trips per day, equating to approximately four weekly trips per stop on average. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to Goulburn's location centrepoint.

Health performance in Goulburn is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Goulburn faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Several health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 51% of the total population (around 13,204 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.1 and 9.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 60.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (5,325 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, largely aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Goulburn's population, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity: 87.9% were citizens, 88.5% born in Australia, and 92.7% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 62.5%, compared to Regional NSW's 55.9%. Ancestry wise, Australians comprised 31.7%, English 31.5%, and Irish 10.0%.

Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were overrepresented at 3.5% (vs regional 4.6%), Maltese was the same at 0.4%, and Koreans slightly higher at 0.2% (vs regional 0.1%).

Goulburn's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Goulburn is 40 years, which is slightly below Regional NSW's average of 43 but above the Australian median of 38. In comparison with Regional NSW, the 25-34 age group is notably higher at 14.6% locally, while the 65-74 age group is lower at 10.7%. As per the 2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 11.7% to 12.6% of Goulburn's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 11.8% to 11.0%. Population projections for 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts in Goulburn. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow by 1,050 people (28%), reaching a total of 4,806 residents from the current 3,755. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is projected to grow modestly by 6%, adding only 181 residents.