Golden Point (Ballarat - Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Golden Point are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Golden Point (Ballarat - Vic.) is around 2,267 people. This reflects an increase of 50 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,217 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,223 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,225 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 81.0% of overall population gains 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 by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase its population by 771 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 34.3% in total over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Golden Point according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis indicates around 5 new homes approved annually in Golden Point. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 27 homes were approved, with 1 more approved so far in FY-26. Each year, about 3.2 people move to the area per dwelling built during these years.

This outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction cost of new dwellings is $356,000, reflecting relatively affordable housing options. In FY-26, $7,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Golden Point shows significantly reduced construction (80.0% below regional average per person), which may strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. This level is also below national averages, indicating maturity and possible planning constraints.

New developments consist of 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban nature. There are approximately 907 people per dwelling approval in Golden Point, suggesting an established market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates a population growth of 777 residents. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Golden Point has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, with key ones being Sovereign Hill Master Plan: Gold Vault, Urban Ripple: Restoring our Yarrowee River and its Little Creeks, Sebastopol Community Hub, and Delacombe Town Centre Stage 3.

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

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The employment landscape in Golden Point shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Golden Point has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.3% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 7.1%.

As of June 2025, 1,242 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is 61.5%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food, with a particular specialization in the latter at 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.4% versus the regional average of 7.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 7.1% and labour force increased by 6.7%, leading to a unemployment fall of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.9%, labour force decline of 0.4%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in Sep-22, project national employment growth by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Golden Point's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Golden Point had a median income among taxpayers of $53,381 and an average level of $68,674, both above the national averages of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively in Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Golden Point would be approximately $59,872 (median) and $77,025 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 40th percentile ($757 weekly), while household income sits at the 20th percentile. Distribution data shows that 28.6% of the community falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band (648 individuals), aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 30.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Golden Point, with only 84.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 22nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Golden Point, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.0% houses and 14.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 86.0% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Golden Point was at 31.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.0% and rented ones at 39.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,499. The median weekly rent figure in Golden Point was $290, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $300. Nationally, Golden Point's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 vs Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $290.

Golden Point features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 56.3% of all households, including 16.5% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.7%, with lone person households at 38.8% and group households comprising 5.2%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational achievement in Golden Point places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates of 31.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Vic average of 21.7% and the SA4 region's rate of 24.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 9.8% and certificates for 21.3%. Educational participation is high, at 29.2%, including 7.9% in primary education, 7.5% in tertiary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

Mount Clear College-G Place Campus and Sovereign Hill School collectively serve 0 students. Secondary education dominates with two schools, while primary students typically attend schools in adjacent catchments. Golden Point residents must travel to neighboring areas for educational services due to the absence of local schools. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Analysis of public transport in Golden Point indicates 25 active transport stops operating within the area, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are serviced by six individual routes that collectively facilitate 590 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 177 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 84 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Golden Point is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Golden Point faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Approximately 54% (~1,223 people) have private health cover, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 50.9%. Mental health issues affect 13.1%, while asthma impacts 10.0% of residents. Around 60.8% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of Vic.'s 62.3%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.1% (432 people), compared to Rest of Vic.'s 17.8%. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with the overall population's health profile.

Golden Point ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Golden Point's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.1% of its population being citizens and 86.3% born in Australia. The majority spoke English only at home, comprising 92.5%. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 37.3% of Golden Point's population.

Notably, those identifying as Other were overrepresented at 2.0%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Golden Point were English (30.3%), Australian (23.9%), and Irish (13.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Scottish was overrepresented at 10.3% compared to the regional average of 9.2%, Dutch at 1.9% versus 2.1%, and French at 0.6% against 0.3%.

Golden Point's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Golden Point is 39 years, significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Golden Point has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (18.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 16.9% to 18.6%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.5% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 10.0% to 8.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Golden Point's age structure, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 70%, reaching 718 people from its current total of 421.