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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Goulburn Surrounds's population is around 14,929 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,090 people (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,839 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,258 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 479 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.7 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Goulburn Surrounds's 7.9% 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 interstate migration, which contributed approximately 73.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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 regional areas nationally is projected, with the area expected to increase by 2,841 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 14.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Goulburn Surrounds has experienced around 87 dwellings receiving development approval annually, with 438 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 54 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $391,000. Additionally, $5.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Relative to the Rest of NSW, Goulburn Surrounds shows comparable construction activity (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. Recent construction comprises 97.0% detached houses and 3.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. At around 177 people per approval, Goulburn Surrounds reflects a developing area.

Future projections show Goulburn Surrounds adding 2,170 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 61 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Crookwell 3 Wind Farm, Mary's Mount Residential Subdivision (Blakelys Run), Homes NSW Social Housing Development - Crestwood, and Mistful Park Estate, 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.

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

Goulburn Surrounds has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. As of December 2025, 7,274 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.8% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 20.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.6 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 11.5% employment compared to 16.9% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 4.5% while employment declined by 4.5%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. 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 Surrounds. 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 Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.0% 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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Goulburn Surrounds SA2's median income among taxpayers is $50,765, with an average of $63,130. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $55,263 (median) and $68,723 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Goulburn Surrounds, between the 35th and 36th percentiles. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.2% of the community (4,508 individuals), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 88.0% retained, though disposable income sits 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

Dwelling structure within Goulburn Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.1% houses and 1.9% 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 Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 51.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.3%) or rented (13.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Regional NSW average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Goulburn Surrounds's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 73.0% of all households, comprising 28.3% couples with children, 36.6% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 25.3% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.8%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (32.3%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 723 active transport stops operating within Goulburn Surrounds, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 50 individual routes, collectively providing 1,019 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 254 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 20.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 145 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Goulburn Surrounds is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Goulburn Surrounds faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~7,539 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 12.1% and 7.8% of residents, respectively, while 62.8% 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 24.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,587 people), with national rankings 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 be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.5% of its population being citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Goulburn Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 66.7% of people in Goulburn Surrounds, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Goulburn Surrounds are Australian, comprising 32.2% of the population, English, comprising 31.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Goulburn Surrounds (vs 0.4% regionally), Scottish at 8.2% (vs 8.0%) and Lebanese at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

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

Goulburn Surrounds's median age of 48 years is materially older than Regional NSW's 43 and significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (16.6%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (8.8%) than in Regional NSW. This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.9% to 7.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 12.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Goulburn Surrounds's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 331 people (18%) from 1,849 to 2,181. In contrast, numbers in the 15 to 24 age range are expected to fall by 37.