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, as of February 2026, is approximately 10,591. This figure represents an increase of 185 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,406. The change can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,444 in June 2024 and the addition of 58 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 398 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver for population growth in 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, they adopt South Australian Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by approximately 645 persons, reflecting an increase of about 4.7% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers. This trend suggests demographic growth just below the median of statistical areas across Australia.

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 each year over the past five financial years, totalling 63 homes. In FY-2026 so far, one approval has been recorded. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost 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, 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. The area's development activity is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and potential development constraints. All new construction in the area has been comprised of detached houses, maintaining Golden Grove's traditional low density character with a focus 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's population is forecasted to gain 498 residents by 2041. Development in the area is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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 has identified 16 projects likely impacting the area. Notable 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 low unemployment. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year. This is below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. A low 10.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries 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.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 15.3% versus the regional average of 17.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, labour force by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 3.0% and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Golden Grove SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $59,418 during financial year 2023. The average income stood at $69,718 in the same period. These figures are slightly above national averages and compare to levels of $54,808 and $66,852 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $64,647. Estimated average income by the same period is around $75,853. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Golden Grove rank modestly, between the 45th and 48th percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 29.5% of the population (3,124 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 31.8% similarly 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Golden Grove's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Adelaide metro's figures of 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, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Golden Grove was recorded at $320, matching Adelaide metro's figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Golden Grove's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households making up 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 regional benchmarks, with 22.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (24.9%).

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

The analysis of public transportation in Golden Grove indicates that there are currently 76 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops primarily serve buses, with a total of 29 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes facilitate 2,665 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Golden Grove is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 204 meters from their nearest transport stop. As the area is predominantly residential, most commuting patterns involve outward travel. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation, 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 data (which may reflect COVID-19 conditions), a relatively low 10.8% of residents work from home. The service frequency across all routes averages approximately 380 trips per day, equating to roughly 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 according to 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 also higher than average at approximately 54% of the total population (~5,708 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.4% and 8.3% of residents respectively. 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 22.9% (2,420 people) compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings largely 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% speaking a language other than English at home and 24.6% born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion at 47.3%. The 'Other' religious category comprised 1.0%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 1.8%.

In ancestry, English (34.7%) and Australian (26.1%) were prominent, with Scottish at 6.8%. Polish (1.5%), German (5.2%), and Welsh (0.7%) groups showed notable representation compared to regional averages.

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, the percentage of people aged 55-64 in Golden Grove is notably higher at 14.6%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 9.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 7.3% to 8.3%, while the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 13.7% to 11.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Golden Grove. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 264 individuals (an increase of 71%) from 371 to 636. This growth reflects the aging population trend, with those aged 65 and above comprising 69% of the projected growth. Conversely, the populations aged 15-24 and 5-14 are expected to decrease.