Goondiwindi
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Goondiwindi's population, according to AreaSearch's analysis, is around 6,316 as of August 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 86 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,230. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 6,309 in June 2024 and an additional 93 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 7.6 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 75.4% 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 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; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligning with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population projections indicate a decline of 143 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group projected to increase by 190 people.

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

Goondiwindi has received approximately 12 dwelling approvals annually. According to ABS data on a financial year basis, 64 dwellings were approved between FY21 and FY25, with 1 approval so far in FY26. Despite population decline, housing supply has been adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $756,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

There have been $6.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting limited commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Goondiwindi has had elevated construction levels (25.0% above regional average per person over the past 5 years), maintaining 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 predominantly of detached houses (86.0%) with a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (14.0%), preserving the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 873 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. With stable or declining population projections, Goondiwindi should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Goondiwindi has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely to impact this area: Goondiwindi Hydrogen, Yelarbon and Talwood water quality project, Queensland Southern Rez, and Inland Rail - Border to Gowrie are some key projects. The following details those most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis reveals Goondiwindi significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Goondiwindi has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.7%.

Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 4.7%. There are 3,516 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 1.2% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is at 64.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a strong presence with an employment share 3.6 times the regional level. 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 analysis. Over the past year, employment increased by 4.7% alongside labour force increasing by 5.7%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.23%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National unemployment rate is 4.5%, with national employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's projections from May 2025 forecast national employment expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Goondiwindi's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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 ended 30 June 2022 indicates Goondiwindi's median income among taxpayers is $51,168 with an average of $62,213. This is lower than the national average and compares to Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year ended 30 June 2022, current estimates would be approximately $57,160 (median) and $69,498 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 61st percentile ($859 weekly), while household income sits at the 43rd percentile. Income analysis reveals that 36.1% of locals (2,280 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category. After housing costs, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses and Goondiwindi'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

Goondiwindi's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.1% houses and 13.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goondiwindi stood at 31.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (31.9%) or rented (36.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Weekly rent in Goondiwindi was recorded at $295, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $230. Nationally, Goondiwindi's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 30.1%, with lone person households at 26.6% and group households making up 3.7%. 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 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 at 1.9% and graduate diplomas at 1.7%. Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 8.5% and certificates at 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. Goondiwindi's five schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,392 students while Goondiwindi demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 968) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary, one secondary, and three K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (22.0 places per 100 residents vs 16.0 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Goondiwindi has six active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with three individual routes in total providing 30 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 842 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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, showing a typical distribution of common health conditions across different age groups.

Private health cover is slightly lower than the average SA2 area, at approximately 51% of the total population (around 3,227 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 8.3 and 8.1% of residents respectively. A total of 69.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. In terms of demographics, 18.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (around 1,179 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Goondiwindi exceed average standards, even outperforming those of the general population in health metrics.

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

Goondiwindi, as per the census conducted on 28 June 2016, had a below average cultural diversity. It was recorded that 88.6% of its population were citizens, with 93.1% born in Australia and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Goondiwindi, comprising 68.9% of the population, which is higher than the regional average of 64.6%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.4%), English (29.6%), and Irish (9.7%). Notable differences existed for certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 5.9% compared to the regional average of 6.7%, German at 4.4% versus 5.3%, and South African at 0.5% against a regional average of 0.3%.

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 median age of 38. The 0-4 age group constitutes 7.6%, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 55-64 cohort makes up 10.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group increased from 12.5% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 group decreased from 14.7% to 13.0%, and the 55 to 64 group fell from 12.1% to 10.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Goondiwindi. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 19%, reaching 1,023 people from 857. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 and 45 to 54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.