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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Golden Grove is around 10,486. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,299 people. The latest estimate comes from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 10,360. This increase equates to a density ratio of 601 persons per square kilometer. Golden Grove's growth rate since the Census, at 1.8%, is within 2.7 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 4.5%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Population projections indicate an increase just below the median of national areas, with Golden Grove expected to gain 639 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 4.7% over 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Golden Grove, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Golden Grove has received around 11 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data. Approximately 59 homes were approved in the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with one additional approval recorded so far in FY-26. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good choice for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new homes is around $342,000, aligning with regional patterns. This year, there have been $165,000 worth of commercial development approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity in the area. Comparatively, Golden Grove shows significantly reduced construction levels when measured against Greater Adelaide, with 76.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, recent construction activity has intensified recently, although it remains under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

The building activity in Golden Grove consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 391 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Golden Grove is projected to add 492 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 in the future.

Golden Grove has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones 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 an unemployment rate of 1.7% as of June 2025. This is below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Golden Grove is similar to Greater Adelaide's at 61.7%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has a significant specialization 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 may be limited as indicated by Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, while labour force increased by 1.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project a 6.6% increase 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.

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

Golden Grove had a median taxpayer income of $56,706 and an average of $67,173 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was slightly above the national average for that year. Greater Adelaide's median income was $52,592 with an average income of $64,886 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates based on a 12.83% Wage Price Index growth project Golden Grove's median income to be approximately $63,981 and the average at around $75,791. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Golden Grove rank modestly, between the 45th and 47th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 29.4% of Golden Grove's population (3,082 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends in the surrounding region at 31.8%. After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remains for other expenditures. 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 structure, 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 88.6% houses and 11.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Golden Grove was 36.0%, similar to Adelaide metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.4% and rented ones at 19.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,686, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was $320, compared to Adelaide metro's $330. Nationally, Golden Grove's mortgage repayments were lower than Australia's 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 account for 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 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 university degree holders aged 15+ stand at 21.9%, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees lead with 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 24.8%. Educational participation is high, with 27.6% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (9.8%), secondary (7.9%), tertiary (5.4%).

Golden Grove's five schools have a combined enrollment of 4,107 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1046). The educational mix includes one primary, two secondary, and two K-12 schools. The area functions as an education hub with 39.2 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 16.6, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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 28 different routes that together facilitate 2,652 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 203 meters from their nearest transport stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 378 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 35 weekly trips per individual bus 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. Approximately 54% of the total population (~5,615 people) have private health cover, compared to 50.0% across Greater Adelaide.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.5 and 8.4% of residents respectively. 65.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.3% across Greater Adelaide. As of June 2021, 22.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,359 people), which is 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.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Golden Grove was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Golden Grove's cultural diversity was above average, with 10.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 24.7% born overseas. Christianity dominated religiously, making up 47.5%. Notably, the 'Other' religion category comprised 1.0%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 2.1%.

In ancestry, English (34.7%), Australian (26.1%), and Scottish (6.8%) were the top groups. Polish was overrepresented at 1.5% compared to 1.2% regionally, German was at 5.2% versus 5.8%, and Welsh remained at 0.7%.

Golden Grove hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Golden Grove is 44 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also above Australia's median age of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 14.9% of the population in Golden Grove, significantly higher than the Greater Adelaide average. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up only 9.6%, which is lower compared to Greater Adelaide's average. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 7.4% to 8.3% of Golden Grove's population, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 13.6% to 12.0%. By 2041, projections indicate that the 85+ age cohort will grow significantly, increasing by 277 people (78%) from 356 to 634. The population aged 65 and above is expected to comprise 71% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are projected to experience population declines.