Goulburn Surrounds

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

Goulburn Surrounds' population is approximately 14,599 as of May 2026. This figure represents a growth of 760 people (5.5%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 13,839. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,411 in June 2025 and an additional 505 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer. Goulburn Surrounds' growth rate of 5.5% since the 2021 census exceeds the SA4 region's 4.5%, as well as that of the Rest of NSW, indicating it is a leader in regional growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 68.8% to overall population gains recently, with all factors including overseas migration and natural growth being positive influences.

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, AreaSearch employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 using a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Population projections indicate that Goulburn Surrounds is expected to experience above median growth nationally, with an increase of 2,635 persons projected by 2041. This reflects a total increase of 16.8% over the 16-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Goulburn Surrounds among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Goulburn Surrounds has seen approximately 87 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 438 homes were approved, with an additional 73 approved so far in FY26. On average, about two people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years.

This balance between supply and demand has resulted in stable market conditions, while new homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $391,000. In terms of commercial development, approximately $5.5 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating a limited focus on commercial projects relative to residential ones. Compared to the rest of NSW, Goulburn Surrounds shows comparable construction activity per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns.

Recent construction primarily consists of detached houses (97.0%) and townhouses or apartments (3.0%), maintaining the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 177 people added per approval, Goulburn Surrounds reflects a low-density residential area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add approximately 2,447 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without significant price pressure.

Goulburn Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 61 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Mary's Mount Residential Subdivision (Blakelys Run), Crookwell 3 Wind Farm, Homes NSW Social Housing Development - Crestwood, and Mistful Park Estate. The following list details those 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Goulburn Surrounds well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Goulburn Surrounds has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.1%. In this month, 7,274 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.8% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Goulburn Surrounds is similar to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 20.5% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 3.6 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence at 11.5% compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison. Between December 2024 and November 2025, labour force decreased by 4.5% while employment declined by the same percentage, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.1%. In Regional NSW during this period, employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose to 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's 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 Goulburn Surrounds' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Goulburn Surrounds SA2 had a median income of $50,765 and an average income of $63,130 among taxpayers. These figures are below the national average. Regional NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $56,004 (median) and $69,645 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Goulburn Surrounds ranks modestly in household, family, and personal incomes, between the 35th and 36th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 30.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional patterns where 29.9% fall within this range. Housing costs are manageable with 88.0% retained. However, disposable income ranks below average at the 41st percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Goulburn Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Goulburn Surrounds' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.1% houses and 1.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This contrasts with Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goulburn Surrounds stood at 51.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.3% and rented ones at 13.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average, while the median weekly rent was $300, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Goulburn Surrounds' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Goulburn Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.0% of all households, including 28.3% couples with children, 36.6% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 25.3% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.8%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 43.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 32.3%. Educational participation is high, with 27.5% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.0% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Goulburn Surrounds has 723 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 50 individual routes that collectively facilitate 1,019 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good with residents typically located 254 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most residents commute outward using cars (92%), while 5% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, exceeding regional averages. According to the 2021 Census, 20.5% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 145 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly one weekly trip per stop. An accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health outcomes in Goulburn Surrounds are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Goulburn Surrounds' health indicators show below-average outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence data. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (7,372 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.1%) and asthma (7.8%). 62.8% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 24.9% (3,636 people), higher than Regional NSW's 23.4%. National rankings are broadly in line with the general population.

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

Goulburn Surrounds was found to have low cultural diversity, with 89.5% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (89.8%), and speaking English only at home (96.1%). Christianity is the dominant religion in Goulburn Surrounds, comprising 66.7%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.2%), English (31.5%), and Irish (11.0%).

Notably, Maltese (0.8%) and Scottish (8.2%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 8.0%, respectively. Lebanese people make up 0.3%, slightly higher than the regional average of 0.2%.

Goulburn Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Goulburn Surrounds' median age is 48 years, which is older than Regional NSW's median of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's median of 38. The age profile shows that individuals aged 55-64 make up a prominent 16.6%, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 8.2%. This concentration in the 55-64 group is notably higher than the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.9% to 8.3%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 9.8% to 10.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 13.6% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Goulburn Surrounds' age profile. The 45 to 54 age cohort is expected to grow steadily, increasing by 361 people (20%) from 1,789 to 2,151. Meanwhile, the number of individuals aged 15 to 24 is projected to fall by 8.