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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Goulburn's population is around 26,252 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,687 people (6.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,565 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 25,305 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 773 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 405 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Goulburn's 6.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.2%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 87.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth for national regional areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 5,661 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 17.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Goulburn has averaged around 182 new dwelling approvals each year, with 912 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 137 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.1 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $254,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $190.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Goulburn shows comparable building activity (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns, though construction activity has eased recently. Recent construction comprises 61.0% detached dwellings and 39.0% medium and high-density housing, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges, from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 85.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated count of 348 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Goulburn is expected to grow by 4,713 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 17 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Goulburn Water and Sewer Infrastructure Upgrades, Waterway Improvement Strategy and River Walkway Development, Goulburn Rail Trail, and the CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented and an unemployment rate of only 3.8%. As of December 2025, 11,812 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (59.0% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.8% versus the regional average of 5.3%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.4% while employment declined by 4.1%, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 0.4 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, the labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Goulburn. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Goulburn's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Goulburn SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $54,417 and an average of $64,452 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, 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 the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.5% of residents (8,269 people), 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, 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

Dwelling structure within Goulburn, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.6% houses and 15.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Goulburn lagged that of Regional NSW, at 34.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.5%) or rented (34.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional NSW average at $1,636, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Goulburn's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 64.6% of all households, comprising 24.7% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 2.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people 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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.5%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (30.3%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 307 active transport stops operating within Goulburn, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 54 individual routes, collectively providing 1,497 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 150 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 7.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 213 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the 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

Critical health challenges are evident across Goulburn, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~13,441 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.1 and 9.6% of residents, respectively, while 60.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 20.5% of residents aged 65 and over (5,389 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.9% of its population being citizens, 88.5% born in Australia, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Goulburn is Christianity, which makes up 62.5% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Goulburn are Australian, comprising 31.7% of the population, English, comprising 31.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 3.5% of Goulburn (vs 4.6% regionally), Maltese at 0.4% (vs 0.4%) and Korean at 0.2% (vs 0.1%).

Goulburn's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The 40-year median age in Goulburn is modestly under Regional NSW's average of 43 though slightly above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (14.9% locally), while 65 - 74 year-olds are under-represented (10.7%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.8% to 14.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Goulburn. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 1,012 people (26%) from 3,924 to 4,937. The 15 to 24 group displays more modest growth at 5%, adding only 133 residents.