Golden Bay

Golden Bay lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Golden Bay's population is estimated at around 7,159 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,478 people (26.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,681 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,107 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 184 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,623 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Golden Bay's 26.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 37.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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 to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national areas is projected. The Golden Bay statistical area (Lv2) is expected to increase by 1,507 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 12.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Golden Bay among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Golden Bay has seen approximately 111 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY21 and FY25, around 559 homes were approved, with an additional 52 in FY26 so far. Each dwelling built attracts about 1.6 people annually over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost for new homes is $392,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. This year has seen $16.4 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady investment activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Golden Bay exhibits 113.0% higher building activity per person. The area's development comprises 98.0% detached houses and 2.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining its suburban identity. There are roughly 77 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.

Population forecasts estimate Golden Bay to gain 890 residents by 2041. Current development rates should comfortably meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond projections.

Golden Bay has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Lakelands Town Centre, Golden Bay Estate - Miramar Park, Lakelands Arterial Road Upgrade, and Golden Bay Local Centre. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Golden Bay maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Golden Bay has a balanced workforce consisting of both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area.

The unemployment rate is 4.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.2% over the past year as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 3,915 residents employed, with an unemployment rate matching Greater Perth's at 4.0%. Workforce participation is higher than standard at 71.5%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Construction employment levels are particularly high, at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 4.5% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 8.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.2%, while labour force grew by 4.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. State-level data from WA as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.27%, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3% and national employment growth of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Golden Bay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 reports Golden Bay's median income among taxpayers at $60,590, with an average of $75,404. Nationally, these figures are high, compared to Greater Perth's median of $58,380 and average of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Golden Bay as of September 2025 would be approximately $69,194 (median) and $86,111 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Golden Bay cluster around the 62nd percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 38.8% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, reflecting broader area patterns where 32.0% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 17.6% of income, leaving disposable income at the 57th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Golden Bay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Golden Bay's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 90.5% houses and 9.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Golden Bay was at 15.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 59.3% and rented ones at 25.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,777, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Golden Bay was $350, compared to Perth metro's $330. Nationally, Golden Bay's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Golden Bay has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.8% of all households, including 36.6% couples with children, 21.1% couples without children, and 17.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 23.2%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Golden Bay fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 14.7%, 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 most common at 11.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 48.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (37.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 34.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (13.2%), secondary education (10.2%), and tertiary education (3.9%).

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Golden Bay has 14 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. There is one route serving these stops, offering a total of 412 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest stop is 298 meters.

On average, there are 58 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Golden Bay's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Golden Bay, with both young and elderly cohorts experiencing low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 47% of residents have private health cover (around 3,520 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.4% and 7.7% of residents respectively. Around 74.2% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 68.5% across Greater Perth. Golden Bay has 8.7% of its population aged 65 and over (622 people), lower than the 15.6% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, largely aligning with the overall population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Golden Bay records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Golden Bay's population was found to align roughly with the broader regional averages in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.9% being citizens, 73.2% born in Australia, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion in Golden Bay, comprising 38.6% of its population. Notably, Judaism showed an overrepresentation in Golden Bay, making up 0.1% compared to none across Greater Perth.

The top three represented ancestry groups were English (35.3%), Australian (27.7%), and Scottish (7.4%). Some ethnic groups exhibited notable differences: Maori was overrepresented at 1.7% in Golden Bay compared to the regional average of 2.0%, South African representation was slightly higher at 1.2% versus 1.1%, and New Zealand's representation remained similar at 1.2%.

Golden Bay hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Golden Bay's median age at 30 years is significantly younger than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and is substantially below Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Golden Bay has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (16.2%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (5.4%). Post-2021 Census data indicates the 55 to 64 age group increased from 8.3% to 9.7% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 17.1% to 15.8% and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 13.1% to 11.8%. Demographic projections suggest Golden Bay's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 65 to 74 age cohort projected to expand by 266 people (69%), from 386 to 653. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 age cohorts.