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

The suburb of Golden Grove's population was estimated at around 10,442 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 143 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,299. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population being 10,295 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 57 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 599 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, the suburb is expected to increase by 635 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 5.1% 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's analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 48 homes were approved, with one more approved in FY-26 so far. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has been keeping pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $343,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. This year, there have been $343,000 worth of commercial development approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Golden Grove shows significantly reduced construction activity, at 81.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings, although there has been a recent increase in construction activity. However, this activity remains under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining Golden Grove's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 482 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate suggest Golden Grove will add 533 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely to impact the area. Key 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:.

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

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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, 5645 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.1% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is equal to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, 10.7% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries of employment among residents are 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 locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.5% while labour force rose by 1.2%, decreasing unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide had employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Golden Grove's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, considering industry-specific growth rates differ significantly.

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

The suburb of Golden Grove has a median taxpayer income of $56,717 and an average income of $67,194 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is roughly on par with national averages, 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, current estimates would be approximately $61,708 (median) and $73,107 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Golden Grove all rank modestly, between the 45th and 47th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 29.4% of the population (3,069 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 costs, 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Golden Grove's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.2% houses and 14.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Golden Grove was at 36.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.4% and rented ones at 19.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,686, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,562. Median weekly rent was $320, matching Adelaide metro's figure. 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 constitute 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 make up the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 1.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches 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 regional benchmarks; 21.9% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the 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 9.8% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Golden Grove indicates that there are currently 75 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops primarily service buses, with a total of 29 individual routes providing collective weekly passenger trips amounting to 2,665. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 203 meters from their nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. The dominant mode of transportation remains the car at 88%, while bus usage stands at 10%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in Golden Grove.

According to the 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, around 10.7% of residents work from home. The service frequency averages approximately 380 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 35 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Golden Grove are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Golden Grove's health indicators show below-average results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 54% of the total population (~5,592 people), slightly leading the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.5 and 8.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 22.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,380 people), higher than Greater Adelaide's 19.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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, surveyed in June 2016, had 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 the predominant religion, comprising 47.5%. The most notable overrepresentation was in Other religions, at 1.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 1.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.7%), Australian (26.1%), and Scottish (6.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Polish at 1.5% (vs regional 1.0%), German at 5.2% (vs 5.1%), and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.6%).

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 Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, the 55-64 age group is notably more represented in Golden Grove at 14.5%, while the 25-34 age group is less represented at 9.7%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 7.4% to 8.3% of the population, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 13.6% to 11.9%. By 2041, Golden Grove's population is projected to see significant demographic changes. The 85+ age cohort is expected to grow by 267 people (an increase of 73%), from 365 to 633 individuals. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 69% of the total population growth, indicating a clear aging population trend. Conversely, the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.