Goyder

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Goyder's population is around 4,181 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 102 people (2.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,079 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,147 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 286 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Goyder's 2.5% growth since the census positions it within 2.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. 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, as 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with 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, 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. See the age section for more details.

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

Goyder has averaged around 8 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 42 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded. With population declining over recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $202,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $3.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When measured against the Rest of SA, Goyder has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks within the 25th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low-density nature, with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 898 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Goyder may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Goyder Renewables Zone, Bundey BESS and Solar Project, Burra Township Master Plan, and Barrier Highway Safety Upgrades, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment drivers in Goyder are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Goyder has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 7.4%, and 1.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,818 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% above Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (55.7% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 9.8% of Goyder's workforce compared to 13.9% in Regional SA. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.2% while the labour force increased by 3.2%, resulting in unemployment rising by 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional SA experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 3.1%, with a 2.2 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Goyder. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Goyder's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.7% over five years and 10.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Goyder SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $42,060 while the average income stands at $51,129. This contrasts with Regional SA's figures of a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates 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 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) indicates 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

Dwelling structure within Goyder, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.3% houses and 3.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Goyder was well beyond that of Regional SA, at 52.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.5%) or rented (19.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional SA average at $867, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $190, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Goyder's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 64.0% of all households, comprising 22.8% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 34.2% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional SA 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 (12.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (30.7%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Goyder, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,927 people). This compares to 48.9% across Regional SA. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.3 and 9.4% of residents, respectively, while 60.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. The 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), which is higher than the 27.1% in Regional 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.1% of its population being citizens, 89.0% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Goyder is Christianity, which makes up 54.7% of the population, compared to 45.2% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Goyder are English, comprising 31.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 31.7% of the population, and German, comprising 13.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 8.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Dutch is represented at 1.2% of Goyder (vs 1.3% regionally) and Australian Aboriginal at 1.7% (vs 3.3%).

Goyder ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

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