Goondiwindi

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

Goondiwindi's population was approximately 6,251 as of May 2026. This represents an increase of 21 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,230. The change is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses. As of June 2025, the estimated resident population was 6,251 with an additional 92 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 7.5 persons per square kilometer.

Natural growth contributed approximately 62.3% of overall population gains during recent periods. 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; thus proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilised. Population projections indicate a decline of 148 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 group are anticipated to grow, with an increase of 159 people projected over this period.

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. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 64 homes were approved, with a further seven approved in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average cost of $282,000, below regional norms, offering affordable housing options. There have been $6.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Goondiwindi records elevated construction activity, with 25.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This has preserved reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, though development activity has moderated in recent periods.

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

Goondiwindi has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project that could impact this region: Goondiwindi Hydrogen, Yelarbon and Talwood water quality project, Queensland Southern Rez, and Queensland New South Wales Interconnector. These projects are detailed below as they are most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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. Its unemployment rate was 3.4% as of December 2025, which is 0.6% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.8%.

As of December 2025, 3,533 residents were in work and workforce participation was 73.7%, well beyond Regional Qld's 64.5%. Based on Census responses, 6.1% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 3.6 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 11.8% compared to 16.1% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 4.8% while labour force grew by 6.3%, causing 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%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data, released for financial year 2023, shows Goondiwindi SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,024 and an average of $63,061. This is lower than the national average. Regional Qld's median was $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $60,161 (median) and $70,225 (average). Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 60th percentile ($859 weekly), while household income is at the 43rd percentile. Income analysis shows that 36.1% of locals (2,256 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing costs, 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 evaluation, 87.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 13.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Goondiwindi was 31.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.9% and rented dwellings at 36.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, lower than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Goondiwindi was $295, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Goondiwindi's mortgage repayments were significantly lower 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% of all households, including 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 is 2.5 people, which matches the Regional Queensland average.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 17.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, 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. 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 shows six active transport stops operating within Goondiwindi. These stops are serviced by three individual routes, collectively providing thirty 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. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 94%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 6.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Goondiwindi's health indicators show below-average outcomes, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average in both younger and older age groups. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average.

Approximately 50% of Goondiwindi's total population (~3,150 people) has private health cover, compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are asthma (8.3%) and arthritis (8.1%). 69.5% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. 19.5% of Goondiwindi's population is aged 65 and over (1,217 people). Senior health outcomes 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.6% of its population being Australian citizens, 93.1% born in Australia, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Goondiwindi, accounting for 68.9% of people, compared to 52.2% across Regional Queensland. The top three ancestry groups in Goondiwindi are Australian (33.4%), English (29.6%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher than the regional average at 5.9%, while German and South Australian representations are slightly lower at 4.4% and 0.5% respectively.

Goondiwindi's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Goondiwindi is 38 years, which is slightly below Regional Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The 0-4 age group comprises 7.5% of the population, higher than Regional Queensland's percentage, while the 55-64 cohort makes up 10.7%, which is lower compared to Regional Queensland. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 25-34 age group has increased from 12.5% to 13.6% of the population, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 11.5% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 14.7% to 13.1%, and the 55-64 group has fallen from 12.1% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Goondiwindi, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 15 people (to 976 from 849), leading the demographic shift. Conversely, the 0-4 and 45-54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.