Golden Grove

An assessment of population growth drivers in Golden Grove reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Golden Grove's population is estimated at around 10,420 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 121 people (1.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,299 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,295, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 597 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the Golden Grove statistical area (Lv2) was primarily driven by overseas migration 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected for Golden Grove (SA2), with an expected increase of 637 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Golden Grove has seen approximately 9 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 48 homes were approved, with one additional approval in FY-26. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

The average construction value of new homes is $343,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. In terms of commercial development, $343,000 worth of approvals have been recorded in FY-26, suggesting minimal activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Golden Grove shows significantly reduced construction, with 81.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, recent construction activity has increased recently.

Detached dwellings dominate recent building activity, maintaining Golden Grove's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space in family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 482 people, reflecting the area's quiet development environment. Future projections estimate an increase of 556 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Golden Grove has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Golden Grove Master Planned Stage 2, Golden Grove Neighbourhood Code Amendment (Stage 1), Sunnybrook Estate, and Golden Grove Park & Ride Facility. The following list details those most relevant.

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Employment performance in Golden Grove ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Golden Grove has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5%.

As of September 2025, 5647 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.1% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area specializes in public administration & safety with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 15.4% compared to Greater Adelaide's 17.7%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data analysis. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, labour force by 1.2%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide had employment growth of 3.0% and a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. State-level data from 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, outperforming the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, with local growth rates varying between industries. Applying these projections to Golden Grove's mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The suburb of Golden Grove had a median taxpayer income of $56,717 and an average income of $67,194 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is approximately national average, contrasting with Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,708 (median) and $73,107 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Golden Grove rank modestly, between the 45th and 47th percentiles. Income distribution data indicates that 29.4% of the population (3,063 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.8% in the same category. After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Golden Grove is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Golden Grove's dwelling structures, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 85.2% houses and 14.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 88.6% houses and 11.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Golden Grove stood at 36.0%, similar to Adelaide metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (44.4%) or rented (19.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,686, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Adelaide metro's $330. Nationally, Golden Grove's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Golden Grove has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 74.5% of all households, including 33.9% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 1.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

Golden Grove performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Golden Grove's educational qualifications trail Australian benchmarks; 21.9% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them; advanced diplomas account for 12.2% and certificates for 24.8%. Educational participation is high at 27.6%, including primary education (9.8%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (5.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Golden Grove has 75 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 29 different routes that together facilitate 2665 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Golden Grove is rated as good, with residents on average being located 203 meters from the nearest stop.

On an average day, there are 380 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 35 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Golden Grove is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Golden Grove faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~5,580 people), compared to 50.5% across Greater Adelaide.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.5%) and mental health issues (8.4%). Approximately 65.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.3% in Greater Adelaide. As of the latest data (2016), 22.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,344 people), higher than the 21.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Golden Grove 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 Grove, as per the findings, exhibited above-average cultural diversity with 10.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 24.7% born overseas. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion in Golden Grove, accounting for 47.5% of the population. Notably, the category 'Other' comprised 1.0% of the population, which is higher compared to Greater Adelaide's 2.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.7%), Australian (26.1%), and Scottish (6.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Polish was overrepresented at 1.5% in Golden Grove compared to 1.2% regionally, German at 5.2% vs 5.8%, and Welsh at 0.7% vs 0.7%.

Golden Grove hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Golden Grove is 44 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Comparing with Greater Adelaide, the cohort aged 55-64 is notably over-represented at 14.9% in Golden Grove, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 9.6%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 7.4% to 8.3%, while the cohort aged 45 to 54 has declined from 13.6% to 11.9%. By 2041, the population aged 85 and above is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 279 people (79%) from 354 to 634. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 69% of the projected growth. Conversely, the cohorts aged 5-14 and 35-44 are expected to experience population declines.