Goondiwindi

Goondiwindi has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Goondiwindi's population is around 6,320 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 90 people (1.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,230 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,308 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 7.6 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Goondiwindi's 1.4% growth since the census positions it within 2.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 75.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 143 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to increase by 190 people. See the age section for more details.

The level of residential development activity in Goondiwindi is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Goondiwindi has experienced around 12 dwellings receiving development approval annually, with 64 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 1 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $282,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. There have also been $6.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Goondiwindi records somewhat elevated construction (25.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 873 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Goondiwindi should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Goondiwindi 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, 1 single project has been identified by AreaSearch that is likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Goondiwindi Hydrogen, Yelarbon and Talwood water quality project, Queensland Southern Rez, and Queensland New South Wales Interconnector, 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 Goondiwindi well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Goondiwindi has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.4%, and 4.8% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,533 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.6% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (72.6% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong 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 11.8% employment compared to 16.1% regionally. 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, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 4.8% alongside the labour force increasing by 6.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.4 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, and unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Goondiwindi. 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 Goondiwindi's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Goondiwindi SA2's median income among taxpayers is $54,024, with an average of $63,061. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,378 (median) and $69,310 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 60th percentile ($859 weekly), while household income sits at the 43rd percentile. Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 36.1% of locals (2,281 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Goondiwindi, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.1% houses and 13.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Goondiwindi slightly lagged that of Regional Qld, at 31.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.9%) or rented (36.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $295, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Goondiwindi's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Goondiwindi has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 69.9% of all households, comprising 29.8% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.1%, with lone person households at 26.6% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional Qld average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.9%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (29.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.5% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 6 active transport stops operating within Goondiwindi, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 30 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 842 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 6.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 4 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

Goondiwindi's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Goondiwindi's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,185 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 8.3% and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 69.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,203 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Goondiwindi placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Goondiwindi was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.6% of its population being citizens, 93.1% born in Australia, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Goondiwindi is Christianity, which makes up 68.9% of people in Goondiwindi. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Goondiwindi are Australian, comprising 33.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 29.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.9% of Goondiwindi (vs 3.9% regionally), German at 4.4% (vs 4.7%) and South Australian at 0.5% (vs 0.5%).

Goondiwindi's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 38-year median age in Goondiwindi is marginally below Regional Qld's average of 41 while in line with Australia's 38 years. The 0 - 4 age group shows strong representation at 7.8% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 55 - 64 cohort is less prevalent at 10.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.5% to 14.1% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.5% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 12.4% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.1% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Goondiwindi. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 15% (130 people), reaching 1,023 from 892. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.