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 approximately 26,236 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 1,671 people, an increase of 6.8% since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 24,565. The change is inferred from ABS estimates showing an ERP of 25,305 in June 2024 and an additional 764 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 404 persons per square kilometer. Goulburn's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (5.1%) and Rest of NSW, making it a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, 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. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is projected to increase by 5,661 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 18.0% over the 17-year period.

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-25912 homes were approved, with an additional 124 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 1.1 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average construction value for new properties is $254,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $190.2 million, reflecting high local commercial activity. When compared to the Rest of NSW, Goulburn's building activity per person is comparable, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. However, construction activity has recently eased.

Recent developments comprise 61.0% detached dwellings and 39.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 85.0% houses. This change indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects evolving lifestyles and the need for diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Goulburn is 348 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Goulburn is projected to grow by 4,729 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favorable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Goulburn has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 17 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Goulburn Water and Sewer Infrastructure Upgrades, Waterway Improvement Strategy and River Walkway Development, Goulburn Rail Trail, and CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Goulburn recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Goulburn's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 4.1%. There were 11,820 residents employed at this time, an unemployment rate of 0.3% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation was lower at 59.4%.

According to Census responses, only 7.8% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. The area specializes in public administration & safety with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.8%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.3% and employment declined by 5.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Goulburn's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Goulburn SA2 has a median taxpayer income of $54,417 and an average income of $64,452 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than average nationally, contrasting with Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,238 (median) and $70,162 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Goulburn, between the 30th and 38th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 31.5% of residents (8,264 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, which is consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.8% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

In Goulburn, as recorded in the latest Census, 84.6% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 15.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is comparable to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goulburn stood at 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.5% and rented ones at 34.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,636, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Goulburn was $320, compared to Non-Metro 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 comprise the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households at 2.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (30.3%). Educational participation is high, with 29.0% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.8% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, 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. Transport accessibility is excellent with residents typically located 150 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward; car remains dominant at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. In 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, only 7.8% of residents worked from home.

Service frequency averages 213 trips daily across all routes, equating to about four weekly trips per stop. The map accompanying the analysis shows the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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, with private health cover at approximately 51% of the total population (around 13,432 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (9.6%), while 60.5% of residents claim to have no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 20.4% of residents aged 65 and over (5,362 people), lower than the 23.0% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, 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 showed low cultural diversity, with 87.9% being citizens, 88.5% born in Australia, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 62.5%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (31.7%), English (31.5%), and Irish (10.0%).

Some ethnic groups had notable differences: Australian Aboriginal were higher at 3.5% in Goulburn versus 4.6% regionally, Maltese remained the same at 0.4%, and Korean rose to 0.2% from 0.1%.

Goulburn's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Goulburn is 40 years, which is slightly below the Rest of NSW average of 43 but above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 25-34 age group is notably higher at 14.8% in Goulburn, while the 65-74 age group is lower at 10.6%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.8% to 14.8%, whereas the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 11.8% to 11.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Goulburn. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 1,054 people (27%), reaching 4,937 from the current 3,882. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age group is expected to grow by 5%, adding 132 residents.