Goyder

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

Goyder's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 4,181 people. This represents an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 4,079 people, a rise of 102 individuals (2.5%). The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 4,147 in June 2024 and an additional 286 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer. Goyder's growth rate of 2.5% places it within 2.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.5%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of 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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted; these were released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. Future population trends indicate a decline overall, with Goyder's population expected to decrease by 62 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is anticipated to increase 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 8 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 42 homes. As of FY26 so far, 8 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $202,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers.

This financial year, $3.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of SA, Goyder has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 25th percentile nationally, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This activity is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving Goyder's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 898 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. With stable or declining population forecasts, Goyder may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Goyder has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Goyder Renewables Zone, Bundey BESS and Solar Project, Burra Township Master Plan, and Barrier Highway Safety Upgrades. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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

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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. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 7.1%. The unemployment rate in Goyder is 1.8% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation in Goyder is lower at 55.2%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census responses, 18.4% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Goyder specialises in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 9.8% of workforce compared to Rest of SA's 13.9%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.9%, while employment declined by 0.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment rise by 0.3% and labour force grow by 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Goyder. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Goyder's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 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 2023 shows that income in Goyder SA2 is below the national average. The median assessed income is $42,060 and the average income stands at $51,129. In contrast, Rest of SA has a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Goyder would be approximately $45,761 (median) and $55,628 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Goyder all fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 34.6% of the community (1,446 individuals), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 27.5%. The prevalence of lower-income residents (44.1% under $800/week) suggests constrained household budgets across much of Goyder. While housing costs are modest with 89.8% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 4th 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% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goyder stood at 52.5%, with mortgaged properties at 28.5% and rented ones at 19.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in Goyder was recorded as $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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 34.2% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are common, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 8.8% and certificates for 30.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Goyder is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Goyder faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,927 people), compared to 48.9% in Rest of SA and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 12.3% of residents) and mental health issues (9.4%). 60.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% in Rest of SA. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 32.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,345 people), higher than the 27.1% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 its population comprising 90.1% citizens, 89.0% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Goyder, accounting for 54.7% of people, compared to 45.2% across the Rest of SA. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.9%), Australian (31.7%), and German (13.6%), with German being significantly higher than the regional average of 8.2%.

Notably, Dutch representation was overrepresented at 1.2%, compared to the regional average of 1.3%, while Australian Aboriginal representation was lower at 1.7% versus the regional average of 3.3%.

Goyder ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Goyder's median age is 51 years, which is considerably higher than the Rest of SA average of 47 years and significantly older than the national norm of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, comprising 19.4% of the population, while the 25-34 group is comparatively smaller at 7.3%, compared to the Rest of SA average. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has grown from 16.3% to 19.4%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 8.2% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 18.2% to 16.0%, and the 25-34 group has dropped from 8.7% to 7.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Goyder's age structure. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to increase solidly by 140 people (32%), from 439 to 580. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 98% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 45-54 cohorts.