Golden Point (Ballarat - Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Golden Point are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Golden Point (Ballarat - Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 2,245 people. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,217 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,202 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and validation of 15 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,213 persons per square kilometer, 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 is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Golden Point (Ballarat - Vic.) (SA2) is expected to increase its population by 768 persons to reach a total of 2,953 people by 2041. This reflects an overall increase of 35.5% 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

Golden Point has seen approximately four new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 23 homes were approved, with a further four approved in FY-26. This results in an average of about 3.8 people moving to the area per dwelling built over those five years.

Demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $356,000. There have been $25,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Relative to the rest of Victoria, Golden Point shows substantially reduced construction, with 83.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

The area's new development consists of 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving its suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 907 people per dwelling approval, Golden Point demonstrates an established market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates the location will grow by 796 residents through to 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 Point has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that could affect this region. Notable initiatives include 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. Below is a list of those most likely to be 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 reveals Golden Point recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Golden Point has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,219 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.9% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Golden Point was 61.5%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food.

Employment specialization in accommodation & food was notable, with a share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 0.4% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4%, and labour force increased by 1.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data from November 25 showed VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Golden Point's employment mix suggests local employment growth of 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Golden Point suburb had a median taxpayer income of $53,381 and an average of $68,674. These figures are slightly higher than national averages. Rest of Vic., meanwhile, had median and average incomes of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $57,785 (median) and $74,340 (average). According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 40th percentile ($757 weekly), while household income is at the 20th percentile. Income distribution shows that 28.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (642 people), aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 30.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 22nd percentile. The suburb'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

Golden Point's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.0% houses and 14.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 85.6% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Golden Point stood at 31.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.0% and rented ones at 39.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,499. The median weekly rent figure was $290, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $300. Nationally, Golden Point's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 56.3% of all households, consisting of 16.5% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 43.7%, with lone person households at 38.8% and group households comprising 5.2% of the total. 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 rate of 24.6%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 19.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 9.8%, while certificates account for 21.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 7.9% in primary education, 7.5% in tertiary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Golden Point has 25 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with three individual routes in total providing 505 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 177 meters away from their nearest transport stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes is 72 trips per day, equating to approximately 20 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

Health data shows significant issues in Golden Point, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover rate is high at approximately 54% (1,211 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of Vic.

Mental health issues affect 13.1% of residents, while asthma impacts 10.0%. 60.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.3% in Rest of Vic. Golden Point has 19.0% (426 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Rest of Vic.'s 17.8%. Seniors' health outcomes face challenges, generally aligning 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 had below average cultural diversity, with 87.1% citizens, 86.3% born in Australia, and 92.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 37.3%. The most notable overrepresentation was 'Other', at 2.0%, compared to 1.0% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (30.3%), Australian (23.9%), and Irish (13.8%). Scottish (10.3%) and Dutch (1.9%) were notably overrepresented, while French (0.6%) was slightly so compared to regional figures.

Golden Point's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Golden Point is 39 years, which is 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 proportion 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 increased from 16.9% to 18.6%, while the 35-44 cohort rose from 11.5% to 12.6%. 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. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 72%, adding 299 people and reaching a total of 717 from the current 417. Meanwhile, the 65-74 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 10%, increasing by 24 people.