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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Golden Bay is around 7,138, reflecting an increase of 1,457 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 5,681 in Golden Bay. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,956 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024), along with an additional 305 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density in Golden Bay stands at 1,618 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Since the 2021 Census, Golden Bay has seen a growth of 25.6%, exceeding both the national average (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 37.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Golden Bay is expected to increase by 1,491 persons to reach a total population of 8,629 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 12.5% over the 17-year period.

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

Golden Bay has seen approximately 107 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 536 homes received approval, with another 70 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each new dwelling accommodates about 1.7 residents per year over the past five financial years, indicating a balanced supply and demand. However, this figure has increased to 4.3 people per dwelling over the last two years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average construction value of new properties is $392,000, reflecting developers' focus on the premium market. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $18.6 million, indicating steady investment activity in Golden Bay. Compared to Greater Perth, Golden Bay has 105.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers more choice. However, development activity has moderated recently. The area's construction primarily comprises detached houses (98.0%) and medium/high-density housing (2.0%), maintaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes.

There are approximately 123 people per dwelling approval in Golden Bay, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the location is projected to gain 895 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Golden Bay has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Lakelands Town Centre, Golden Bay Estate - Miramar Park, Lakelands Arterial Road Upgrade, and Golden Bay Local Centre. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

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

Golden Bay has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.3%. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 3,924 residents were employed. The unemployment rate was in line with Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation was fairly standard at 75.9% compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%.

According to Census responses, a low 6.7% of residents worked from home. Employment among residents is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction employment levels were particularly notable, at 1.4 times the regional average. In contrast, professional & technical services employed only 4.5% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 8.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.3%, while labour force increased 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%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Golden Bay. These projections suggest that national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant variations between 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.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Golden Bay suburb's median income among taxpayers is $60,590. The average income in the same period is $75,404. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $66,419 and average income is around $82,658. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data for 2021, incomes in Golden Bay cluster around the 62nd percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 38.8% of the community (2,769 individuals). This is similar to the broader area where 32.0% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 17.6% of income. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 57th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fourth decile.

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

Golden Bay's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Golden Bay stood at 15.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 59.3% and rented ones at 25.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,777, lower than Perth metro's $1,907. The median weekly rent was $350, matching Perth metro's figure. Nationally, Golden Bay's mortgage repayments were below the 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 constitute 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 account for 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 48.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (37.7%). Educational participation is high at 34.5%, with 13.2% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

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

Public transport analysis shows 14 active stops operating within Golden Bay. These are serviced by one route, providing a total of 415 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 298 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 84%, with trains used by 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 6.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 59 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Golden Bay's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Golden Bay's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions.

Common health issues affect both young and elderly residents similarly. Private health cover is high at approximately 57% (4,078 people). Mental health issues and asthma are most prevalent, affecting 9.4 and 7.7% respectively. About 74.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Under-65s have better-than-average health outcomes. Only 9.2% (656 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Perth's 16.3%. Senior health outcomes rank higher than the general population nationally.

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 cultural diversity mirrors the wider region's average, with 84.9% being citizens, 73.2% born in Australia, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Golden Bay, comprising 38.6%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, making up 0.1% versus 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (35.3%), Australian (27.7%), and Scottish (7.4%). Notably, Maori (1.7%) South African (1.2%), and New Zealand (1.2%) ethnicities show higher representation in Golden Bay compared to regional averages of 0.9%, 1.0%, and 0.8% respectively.

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

Golden Bay's median age at thirty years is notably younger than Greater Perth's average of thirty-seven and significantly below Australia's median of thirty-eight. Compared to Greater Perth, Golden Bay has a higher proportion of residents aged fifteen to twenty-four (16.5%) but fewer individuals aged sixty-five to seventy-four (5.7%). Post-2021 Census data indicates the fifty-five to sixty-four age group grew from 8.3% to 10.2%, while the sixty-five to seventy-four cohort increased from 4.5% to 5.7%. Conversely, the five to fourteen cohort declined from 17.1% to 15.6%, and the forty-five to fifty-four group decreased from 13.1% to 11.8%. Demographic projections suggest Golden Bay's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the sixty-five to seventy-four age cohort projected to expand considerably, growing by 244 people (60%) from 406 to 651. Conversely, population declines are projected for the five to fourteen and thirty-five to forty-four cohorts.