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 10,406 people as of the 2021 Census. By November 2025, it had increased to around 10,571, reflecting a growth of 165 people (1.6%) since the Census date. This increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,444 in June 2024 and an additional 49 validated new addresses since then. This results in a population density ratio of 397 persons per square kilometer. Golden Grove's growth of 1.6% since the Census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of its SA3 area (4.5%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver for this population increase.

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 by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead with current demographic trends, Golden Grove is expected to grow by approximately the median rate for statistical areas nationally. By 2041, its population is projected to increase by 645 persons, reflecting an overall growth of 4.9% over the 17-year period, based on the 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 has recorded approximately 12 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 63 homes. As of FY-26, no approvals have been recorded yet. The population decline in recent years indicates that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice while new homes are constructed at an average value of $325,000. This financial year, $31.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Golden Grove records significantly lower building activity, with 75.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, although development activity has increased recently. Nationally, this is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in recent periods has been comprised of detached houses, maintaining Golden Grove's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 2728 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Golden Grove is forecasted to gain 518 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include 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%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.5%. As of September 2025, 5,714 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 2.1% below Greater Adelaide's rate. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Notably, public administration & safety shows a concentration 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. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide where employment grew by 3.0% and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-2025 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. National forecasts from 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Golden Grove SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $56,940 and an average of $67,464. These figures are higher than the national averages of $52,592 and $64,886 respectively for Greater Adelaide. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest approximately $64,245 (median) and $76,120 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Golden Grove rank modestly between the 45th and 48th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 29.5% of the population (3,118 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 31.8% occupy this range. After housing costs, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Golden Grove's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's figures of 88.6% houses and 11.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Golden Grove stood at 35.9%, aligning with Adelaide metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (44.6%) or rented (19.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,688, exceeding the Adelaide metro average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure for Golden Grove was $320, compared to Adelaide metro's $330. Nationally, Golden Grove's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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 make up the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 1.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches 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 residents aged 15+ have lower university degree holders (22.0%) than the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.0% of residents holding them: advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (24.9%). Educational participation is high, with 27.7% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (9.9%), secondary (7.8%), and tertiary (5.4%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Golden Grove has 76 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 28 unique routes that collectively facilitate 2,652 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Golden Grove is rated as good, with residents typically located 204 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On average, there are 378 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 34 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, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 53% of its total population (~5,644 people) has private health cover, compared to 50.0% across Greater Adelaide.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.4 and 8.3% of residents respectively. 65.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.3% across Greater Adelaide. As of 2016, 22.4% of Golden Grove's residents are aged 65 and over (2,365 people), higher than the 21.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 10.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 24.6% born overseas. The predominant religion in Golden Grove was Christianity, accounting for 47.3% of the population. However, the most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 1.0% of the population compared to Greater Adelaide's 2.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.7%), Australian (26.1%), and Scottish (6.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Polish was overrepresented at 1.5%, German at 5.2%, and Welsh at 0.7%.

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 people aged 55-64 (14.9% locally) but a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (9.6%). Between the 2021 Census and the current period, the population share of those aged 75 to 84 has increased from 7.3% to 8.3%, while the share of those aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 13.7% to 12.0%. By 2041, Golden Grove's population is projected to see significant growth in the 85+ age cohort, expanding by 282 people (an 80% increase) from 353 to 636. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 71% of this projected growth. Conversely, the populations of those aged 15-24 and 5-14 are expected to decline.