Goyder

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

Goyder's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was around 4,409 by November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 330 people (8.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,079. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,152 as of June 2024 and an additional 280 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.70 persons per square kilometer. Goyder's growth rate of 8.1% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (5.7%) and the non-metro area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during this period.

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, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends indicate a decline in overall population, 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 eight new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 42 homes. As of FY-26, six 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, which is 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 also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 898, 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 16thth 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. The following list details those projects considered 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with varied sector representation. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 7.1%.

Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable. As of that date, 1,807 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 1.8% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 51.6%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

The area specializes 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% compared to Rest of SA's 13.9%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the 12 months to 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 that over five years, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. 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

The latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Goyder SA2 has an income below the national average. The median income is $40,900 and the average income stands at $52,837. This contrasts with Rest of SA's figures where the median income is $46,889 and the average income is $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Goyder would be approximately $46,147 (median) and $59,616 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Goyder fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 34.6% of the community earns between $400 - $799 per week (1,525 individuals), contrasting with regional levels where the leading bracket is $1,500 - $2,999 at 27.5%. The prevalence of lower-income residents (44.1% earning under $800/week) suggests constrained household budgets across much of Goyder. Housing costs are modest with 89.8% of income retained, but 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 compares to Non-Metro SA's figures of 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goyder stood at 52.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.5% and rented ones at 19.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,081. The median weekly rent in Goyder was $190, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Goyder's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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%. 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 disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (8.4%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (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 a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Goyder faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 47%, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.3%) and mental health issues (9.4%). Sixty point three percent of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of SA's 60.9%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 30.9% (1,362 people), higher than the 27.7% in Rest of SA. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming 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 had a cultural diversity index below average, with 90.1% citizens, 89.0% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home as of 2016 Census data. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 54.7%, compared to 51.3% across Rest of SA. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.9%), Australian (31.7%), and German (13.6%).

Notably, Dutch ethnicity was overrepresented at 1.2%, compared to the regional average of 1.0%.

Goyder ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Goyder's median age is 51 years, higher than the Rest of SA average of 47 and significantly older than the national norm of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 18.4%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 7.6% compared to the Rest of SA. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has grown 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%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Goyder's age structure. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to increase by 130 people (29%), from 449 to 580. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent all of the anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 25-34 and 0-4 years.