Goondiwindi

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

Goondiwindi's population was 6,320 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 90 people from the 2021 Census total of 6,230. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 6,308 in June 2024 and validated new addresses since then. The population density was 7.6 persons per square kilometer. Goondiwindi's 1.4% growth since the census compares favorably with its SA3 area's 3.8%. Natural growth contributed approximately 75.4% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted. These state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population projections indicate a decline of 143 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 group are expected to grow, with an increase of 190 people projected.

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

Goondiwindi has experienced approximately 12 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, 64 homes were approved, with one additional approval in FY-26 so far. The population decline over recent years has maintained an adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost of $282,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers. In FY-26, there have been $6.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Goondiwindi records elevated construction activity, with 25.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This has preserved reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. Nationally, development activity is lower, reflecting market maturity and 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 population per dwelling approval is 873 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections indicate stability or decline in Goondiwindi, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to impact the region: Goondiwindi Hydrogen, Yelarbon and Talwood water quality project, Queensland Southern Rez, and Queensland New South Wales Interconnector are key projects, with those listed likely being most relevant.

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

Goondiwindi has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.8%. As of September 2025, 3,525 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.9% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was higher at 72.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 6.1% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had a particularly strong presence with an employment share 3.6 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance had limited presence at 11.8%, compared to the regional rate of 16.1%. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 4.8% while labour force grew by 6.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.8 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, and an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Goondiwindi's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for 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 on 1 July 2023 for financial year 2023, the Goondiwindi SA2's median income among taxpayers is $54,024. The average income is $63,061. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Goondiwindi's median income would be approximately $59,378 as of September 2025. The average income estimate for the same period is $69,310. Census data reveals that personal income ranks at the 60th percentile ($859 weekly), while household income sits at the 43rd percentile. Income analysis shows that 36.1% of locals (2,281 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. This pattern is similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing expenses, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses. 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

In Goondiwindi, as per the latest Census, 87.1% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 13.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goondiwindi stood at 31.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.9% and rented ones at 36.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Goondiwindi was $295, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Goondiwindi's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 69.9 percent of all households, including 29.8 percent that are couples with children, 28.2 percent consisting of couples without children, and 10.6 percent being single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.1 percent, with lone person households making up 26.6 percent and group households comprising 3.7 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Qld.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.5% and certificates at 29.7%. Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 13.5% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

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

Goondiwindi has six operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are served by three distinct routes, offering a combined total of 30 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed limited, with residents generally residing 842 meters away from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Goondiwindi residents commute outward. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 94%, while 5% walk. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 6.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages four trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly five 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 closely align with national benchmarks. AreaSearch assessed mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence as fairly standard across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,185 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were asthma (8.3%) and arthritis (8.1%), while 69.5% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,203 people), lower than Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings 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 had a cultural diversity score below average, with 88.6% of its population being citizens, 93.1% born in Australia, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 68.9%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.4%), English (29.6%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 5.9% vs regional average of 3.9%, German was 4.4% vs 4.7%, and South African remained the same at 0.5%.

Goondiwindi's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Goondiwindi is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's 38 years. The 0-4 age group makes up 7.8% of the population compared to Rest of Qld's percentage, while the 55-64 cohort comprises 10.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25-34 age group grew from 12.5% to 14.1%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.5% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 14.7% to 12.4%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 12.1% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Goondiwindi. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 15 people, reaching 1,023 from 892. Conversely, the 0-4 and 45-54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.