Goyder
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Goyder's population is around 4,304 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 225 people (5.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,079 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,155 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 231 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer. Goyder's 5.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.1%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with the area's population expected to shrink by 62 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 181 people.

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

Goyder has averaged approximately eight new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, totalling 42 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with four approved so far in FY-26. The area has experienced population decline, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $182,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers.

In FY-26, approximately $3.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of SA, Goyder records about 56% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 26th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. This is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population-to-dwelling-approval ratio is 898 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers in Goyder.

Goyder has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 11 such projects that are expected to influence the area. Notable projects include Goyder Renewables Zone, Burra Township Master Plan, Barrier Highway Safety Upgrades, and Bundey BESS and Solar Project, with further details provided below on those most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Goyder face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Goyder has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 6.6%.

By that date, 1800 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.0% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Goyder was somewhat below standard at 51.6%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 9.8% of Goyder's workforce compared to Rest of SA's 13.9%. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.1%, but employment declined by 2.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of SA where employment contracted by 1.2%, labour force grew by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 1.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May 2025, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Goyder's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.7% over five years and 10.8% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in Goyder is $40,900 and average income is $52,837. In comparison, Rest of SA has a median income of $46,889 and an average income of $56,582. By March 2025, estimated median income in Goyder would be approximately $45,329 and average income $58,559, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year ending June 2022. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from August 2021, incomes in Goyder fall between the 2nd and 4th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income brackets indicate that 34.6% of Goyder residents earn $400 - $799 per week (1,489 individuals), while regional levels are led by the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket at 27.5%. Lower-income residents prevail in Goyder, with 44.1% earning less than $800 per week, suggesting constrained household budgets. Despite modest housing costs allowing for retention of 89.8% of income, total disposable income ranks at just the 5th percentile nationally.

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

In Goyder, as per the latest Census evaluation, 96.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 3.7% comprising semi-detached units, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Non-Metro SA had 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goyder stood at 52.5%, with mortgaged properties at 28.5% and rented dwellings at 19.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,081. The median weekly rent in Goyder was $190, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Goyder's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $867 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Goyder features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.0% of all households, including 22.8% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 34.2% and group households making up 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of South Africa average of 2.3.

Goyder faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 12.0%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.1% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 30.7%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.6% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education. Goyder's 5 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 502 students, while demonstrating typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 981) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 3 primary and 2 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents at 11.7 fall below the regional average of 15.0, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Goyder is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Goyder, with a range of health conditions impacting both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,009 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.3 and 9.4% of residents respectively. In contrast, 60.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 60.9% across Rest of SA. Goyder has 30.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,329 people), which is higher than the 27.7% in Rest of SA. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Goyder placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Goyder's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.1% of its population being citizens, 89.0% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Goyder was Christianity, accounting for 54.7% of the population, compared to 51.3% across the rest of South Australia (SA). In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were English (31.9%), Australian (31.7%), and German (13.6%).

Notably, Dutch ethnicity was overrepresented in Goyder at 1.2%, compared to 1.0% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal representation remained similar at 1.7%.

Goyder ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Goyder's median age is 51 years, significantly higher than the Rest of SA average of 47 and national norm of 38. The age profile shows a prominent group aged 65-74 (18.4%), which is larger compared to Rest of SA and nationally (9.4%). The 25-34 group is smaller at 7.6%. From 2021 to present, the 65-74 age group grew from 16.3% to 18.4%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 8.2% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 18.2% to 16.5%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 12.2% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Goyder's age structure. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to increase by 141 people (32%), from 438 to 580. This growth is due entirely to residents aged 65 and older. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 0-4 cohorts.