Golden Grove

An assessment of population growth drivers in Golden Grove reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Golden Grove's population was approximately 10,569 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 163 people from the 2021 Census count of 10,406. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data showing 10,444 in June 2024 and validated new addresses totalling 49 since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 397 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver of recent population growth in the area.

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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends suggest the area will grow by approximately 645 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of around 4.9% over the 17-year period based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Golden Grove, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Golden Grove recorded approximately 12 residential properties approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 63 homes. As of FY-26, one approval has been recorded so far. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely met demand, providing good options for buyers with an average new home construction value of $325,000. This year, Golden Grove registered $31.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating high local commercial activity.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Golden Grove's building activity is 75.0% lower per person. This constrained development typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, although recent periods have seen increased activity. Nationally, construction levels are also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new constructions in the area since FY-21 have been detached houses, maintaining Golden Grove's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 2728 people.

By 2041, AreaSearch forecasts a gain of 520 residents. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Golden Grove has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects potentially impacting the area. Notable ones are Golden Grove Master Planned Stage 2, Golden Grove Neighbourhood Code Amendment (Stage 1), Sunnybrook Estate, and Golden Grove Park & Ride Facility. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Golden Grove ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Golden Grove has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.8% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.5%.

There are 5,714 residents currently employed, with a workforce participation rate similar to Greater Adelaide's 66.5%. Only 10.8% of residents work from home, according to Census responses. Key industries of employment among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Public administration & safety shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 15.3% compared to the regional average of 17.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points in Golden Grove. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide where employment grew by 3.0% and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Golden Grove's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

In financial year 2023, Golden Grove SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $59,418 and an average income of $69,718. Nationally, the median was $54,808 and the average was $66,852. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median would be approximately $64,647 and the average $75,853, based on an 8.8% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Golden Grove ranked modestly, between the 45th and 48th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution showed 29.5% (3,117 individuals) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional levels at 31.8%. After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remained for other costs. Golden Grove's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Golden Grove is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Golden Grove's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Golden Grove stood at 35.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.6% and rented ones at 19.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,688, exceeding Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Weekly rent in Golden Grove was $320, matching Adelaide metro's figure but substantially lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Golden Grove's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863.

Golden Grove has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 74.5% of all households, including 34.0% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 1.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

Golden Grove performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Golden Grove's educational qualifications trail Australian benchmarks, with 22.0% of residents aged 15+ having university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement in the region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 24.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Golden Grove indicates that there are 76 active transport stops currently operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 29 individual routes providing service to the community. The collective weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 2,665. The accessibility of public transport in Golden Grove is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 204 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The car remains the primary mode of transportation for commuting, used by 88% of residents, while 10% opt for public buses.

On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in Golden Grove. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low percentage of residents, specifically 10.8%, work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 380 trips per day, equating to approximately 35 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Golden Grove faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is higher than average at approximately 54% of the total population (~5,696 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.4%) and mental health issues (8.3%). Conversely, 65.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.4% (2,365 people), compared to 19.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Golden Grove records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Golden Grove, surveyed in 2016, had above average cultural diversity with 10.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 24.6% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 47.3%. The 'Other' religious category comprised 1.0%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 1.8%.

In ancestry, Golden Grove had notably high percentages of English (34.7%), Australian (26.1%), and Scottish (6.8%) heritage compared to regional averages. Polish (1.5% vs 1.0%), German (5.2% vs 5.1%), and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.6%) ethnic groups were also notably present in Golden Grove relative to Greater Adelaide.

Golden Grove hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Golden Grove is 44 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Golden Grove has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 55-64 (14.9%) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (9.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75 to 84 grew from 7.3% to 8.3%, while the 45 to 54 age group decreased from 13.7% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant growth in the 85+ age cohort, with an increase of 282 people (from 353 to 636), and those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 71% of this projected population growth. Conversely, the populations aged 15-24 and 5-14 are forecasted to decline.