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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Goyder has an estimated 4,153 residents, up from 4,079 at the 2021 Census — a change of 74 people, or 1.8%. 290 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Analysis by AreaSearch indicates that the population of Goyder stands at approximately 4,153 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 74 individuals (1.8%) from the 4,079 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This population shift is deduced from the ABS June 2025 estimated resident population of 4,152 combined with 290 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 0.60 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low-density living environment. The 1.8% post-census growth rate of Goyder is within 1.3 percentage points of the broader SA3 region (3.1%), showing competitive expansion.
The main driver of this population growth was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 66.7% of the total population increase in recent times. Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For SA2 regions lacking this data, and for all years after 2032, regional and LGA projections by age bracket from the SA State Government (released in 2023 and based on 2021 statistics) are applied, using a weighted aggregation method of population growth from the LGA to the SA2 level. Looking at future demographic developments, these projections suggest a decrease in the overall population, with a forecast reduction of 46 persons by 2041. In contrast, specific age brackets are expected to expand, particularly the 75 to 84 age cohort, which is estimated to increase by 154 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
42 new dwellings have been approved in Goyder over the past five years, an average of 8 a year. That is 2.0 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 13, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
An average of approximately 8 new home approvals are registered in Goyder each year, amounting to 42 dwellings over the last 5 financial years. In FY-26 to date, 12 approvals have been documented. Because the population has decreased in recent years, the supply of housing has successfully met local demand, resulting in a balanced market offering solid options for buyers, with new homes constructed at an average cost of $202,000—a figure below regional averages—providing more economical choices for purchasers. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $3.8 million during this financial year, highlighting that the area is predominantly residential.
In comparison to the Rest of SA, the rate of new dwelling approvals per capita in Goyder is approximately two-thirds, placing it in the 25th percentile of areas evaluated nationwide, which limits buyer choices and directs interest toward established properties. This level of activity falls below the national average, reflecting a mature market and pointing to potential planning limitations. Recent construction consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the low-density profile of the area and appealing to buyers seeking extra space. The metric of 899 people per single dwelling approval highlights a quiet development sector with low construction activity. Faced with projections of a stable or contracting population, Goyder is likely to see reduced pressure on housing, establishing positive conditions for property buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Goyder
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 8 current infrastructure and development projects inside Goyder, worth an estimated $7.6 billion. A further 56 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $25.6 billion. 19 are already under construction and 28 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Changes to local infrastructure, major developments, and planning projects play a critical role in shaping regional performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 10 projects that are expected to impact the region. Principal developments include the Goyder Renewables Zone, the Bundey BESS and Solar Project, the Burra Township Master Plan, and the Barrier Highway Safety Upgrades, with the list below highlighting the most relevant initiatives.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Goyder Renewables Zone
Neoen's flagship hybrid renewable energy hub combining wind, solar, and battery storage. Goyder South Stage 1 (412 MW) is operational, supporting contracts with the ACT Government, Flow Power, and BHP's Olympic Dam. Goyder North and the Goyder Battery are advancing through construction and planning in 2026. The total project will represent up to 2000MW wind, 1000MW solar, and 1500MW battery storage.
Bundey BESS and Solar Project
A large scale renewable energy project northeast of Robertstown, SA, being progressed by Genaspi Energy Group. Current scope comprises a battery energy storage system of up to 1,200 MW / 3,900 MWh co located with a solar farm of up to 900 MW. The developer indicates the solar component has been lodged for development application while the BESS component proceeds under planning approval exemption pathways under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016. The project is intended to improve grid stability and support decarbonisation across South Australia and connected states.
Burra Township Master Plan
Council-led township master plan guiding Burra's growth over the next 20 years. Draft master plans were released for community consultation in March-April 2025 following 2024 engagement. The plan focuses on managing growth pressures linked to heritage and tourism while protecting township character, identifying land use opportunities including the showgrounds, employment zones and accommodation, and setting long-term strategies for infrastructure and amenity. Planning consultants Masterplan Town and Country Planners are engaged to administer the process on behalf of the council.
Barrier Highway Safety Upgrades
Upgrades to the Barrier Highway to improve safety and efficiency for all road users. The upgrades include pavement rehabilitation, shoulder widening, installation of safety barriers, and new line marking.
Project EnergyConnect
Project EnergyConnect is a new 900-kilometre electricity interconnector (transmission line) to enhance transfer capacity between South Australia and New South Wales, with a connection to Victoria. It is delivered in two stages: SA Section (Stage One, 206 km, 150 MW capacity) and NSW Section (Stage Two, 700 km, 800 MW capacity), including new substations, transmission lines, and upgrades.
Robertstown Solar Project
The Robertstown Solar Project in South Australia proposes a 636-MW solar PV farm and 250 MW battery storage, connecting to the National Electricity Market at the Robertstown Substation over 1,800 hectares.
Morgan Whyalla Pipeline Renewal
Replacement of up to 34 kilometres of the Morgan Whyalla Pipeline to ensure long-term water security.
Solar River Energy Project
The Solar River Energy Farm is a hybrid solar and battery project in South Australia with 210 MW solar capacity and battery storage, developed by ZEN Energy. The project is located between Burra and Morgan and will connect to the grid via the Bundey substation.
1,842 residents of Goyder are employed, from a labour force of 1,977. Unemployment sits at 6.8%, with participation at 55.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 4.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The workforce in Goyder is evenly divided between white and blue collar occupations across a range of industries, featuring an unemployment rate of 6.8% and an estimated annual job growth rate of 3.0%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,842, while the unemployment rate was 1.4% higher than the Regional SA average of 5.5%, and the participation rate of 55.9% was slightly lower than the Regional SA benchmark of 58.4%. Census data indicates that a moderate 18.4% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is heavily concentrated in the area, with an employment share that is 2.1 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance is underrepresented, employing only 9.8% of the Goyder workforce compared to 13.9% across Regional SA. The comparison between the Census working population and the resident population suggests that local job opportunities within the area are relatively scarce. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that during the 12 months ending March 2026, employment grew by 3.0% and the labor force expanded by 3.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Regional SA recorded employment growth of 1.2% and labor force growth of 2.6%, resulting in a 1.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 provide additional context for potential future labor demand in Goyder. These five-year and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these rates vary by sector. Projecting these industry trends onto the employment profile of Goyder suggests local employment could rise by 4.7% over five years and 10.8% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation for illustrative purposes that excludes localized population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Goyder is $917 a week (about $48,000 a year), with median personal income at $497 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $42,060 a year against an average of $51,129. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The latest postcode-level ATO data from AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year indicates that incomes in the Goyder SA2 are below the national benchmark, showing a median income of $42,060 and an average income of $51,129. In comparison, Regional SA recorded a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates stand at approximately $46,338 for the median and $56,329 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places household, family, and individual incomes in Goyder between the 1st and 3rd national percentiles.
Looking at income cohorts, the $400 - 799 weekly range represents the largest group at 34.6% of the population (1,436 people), whereas the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the largest regionally at 27.5%. The high proportion of lower-income residents, with 44.1% earning less than $800 weekly, points to tight household budgets throughout the Goyder region. Although housing costs are low, leaving residents with 89.8% of their income, total disposable income sits in the 4th national percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Goyder had 1,673 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 0% apartments. 29% are owned with a mortgage, 19% rented and 53% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $190 a week and the median mortgage repayment $867 a month. Rent absorbs 20.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the most recent Census, the distribution of housing types in Goyder was 96.3% detached houses and 3.7% other housing formats (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings in Regional SA. Home ownership in Goyder was notably higher than the Regional SA average at 52.5%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 28.5% and rental properties making up the remaining 19.0%. The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was recorded at $867, which is below the Regional SA average, while the median weekly rent was $190, compared to Regional SA averages of $1,153 and $220.
On a national scale, mortgage payments in Goyder are far below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Goyder counted 1,673 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 78% of areas nationally, against 33% couples without children. 34% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households constitute the majority of households at 64.0%, representing 22.8% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households making up 34.2% and group households representing 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 individuals, which is slightly below the Regional SA average of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
12.0% of adults in Goyder hold a university qualification, including 8.4% with a bachelor degree and 2.1% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 82% of areas nationally. A further 30.7% hold a vocational qualification. 5 schools serve the area, with 502 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 981 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The region presents educational challenges, with university attainment rates at 12.0%, which is well below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a difficulty and a focus area for targeted educational strategies. Bachelor degrees represent 8.4% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.1% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15 and over holding credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 30.7%. Enrolment in formal education is high, with 25.0% of residents actively participating. Within this group, 10.6% are in primary school, 8.4% are in secondary school, and 1.7% are studying at the tertiary level.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Goyder means driving: households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
60.3% of residents in Goyder report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 85% of areas nationally. 8.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators point to significant challenges in Goyder, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with common conditions observed across both younger and older cohorts, alongside a very low rate of private health insurance held by roughly 46% of the population (~1,914 individuals). This is lower than the 48.9% rate recorded across Regional SA and the national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health challenges were identified as the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 12.3% and 9.4% of the population, respectively, while 60.3% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 62.5% in Regional SA.
The working-age cohort experiences notable health difficulties, marked by elevated rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 31.8% of the local population (1,319 people), exceeding the 27.1% share in Regional SA. Senior residents show above-average health outcomes, with their national rankings surpassing those of the general local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Goyder is largely Australian-born, at 89.0% of residents, with 2.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.9%) and Australian (31.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Goyder shows lower levels of cultural diversity relative to averages, with citizens accounting for 90.1% of the population, 89.0% of residents born in Australia, and 97.6% using only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, representing 54.7% of the local population, compared to 45.2% across Regional SA. Regarding parental country of birth, the three most common ancestries in Goyder are English at 31.9%, Australian at 31.7%, and German at 13.6%, which is notably higher than the regional average of 8.2%. Other ethnic cohorts show distinct differences in representation: Dutch ancestry is represented at 1.2% in Goyder (compared to 1.3% regionally), while Australian Aboriginal ancestry stands at 1.7% (compared to 3.3% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Goyder is 51, older than 92% of areas nationally. 17.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in Goyder is 51 years, which is higher than the Regional SA average of 47 and the national average of 38. The age distribution reveals a high concentration of residents in the 65 - 74 age group (19.0%), whereas the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller (7.4%) than the regional benchmark. The proportion of 65 - 74 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 65 to 74 age bracket has risen from 16.3% to 19.0% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 8.2% to 10.2%.
In contrast, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 18.2% to 15.8%, and the 45 to 54 group declined from 12.2% to 10.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic models project major changes in the age profile, with the 75 to 84 age cohort expected to grow by 141 individuals (33%), rising from 422 to 564. This aging trend is driven by residents aged 65 and older, who represent 98% of the projected growth, while declines are anticipated in the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 age brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Goyder
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 8 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 290 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,079 at the 2021 Census → 4,153 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (405021118). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.