Goolwa

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

The population of the Goolwa statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at approximately 2,735 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 177 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,558. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,658 in June 2024, along with validation of 53 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 157 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Goolwa (SA2) has shown resilient growth patterns, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends project an above median growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Goolwa expected to grow by 629 persons to reach approximately 3,364 by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 24.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Goolwa among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Goolwa had approximately 33 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 169 homes. As of FY26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has added around 2.2 new residents annually between FY21 and FY25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $401,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upscale properties.

This financial year has seen $4.1 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating Goolwa's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of SA, Goolwa maintains similar development levels per capita, keeping market balance consistent with the broader area and significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest. Building activity shows 97% standalone homes and 3% attached dwellings, preserving Goolwa's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing that attracts space-seeking buyers. With around 79 people per dwelling approval, Goolwa exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

Latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects Goolwa to add approximately 680 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Goolwa has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are Riverhaven Estate, Airpark Estate, Goolwa Wharf Precinct, and Goolwa Secondary College. The following details the most relevant projects:.

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

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Employment drivers in Goolwa are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Goolwa's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 5.5% in September 2025, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

There were 759 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 0.1% higher than Rest of SA's 5.3%. Workforce participation was significantly lower at 28.5%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key employment sectors included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Health care & social assistance had particularly high representation, at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 3.9% compared to the regional average of 14.5%. Local employment opportunities appeared limited based on Census data comparison. In the year ending September 2025, labour force increased by 0.8%, while employment decreased by 0.9%, leading to a 1.6 percentage point rise in unemployment. This contrasted with Rest of SA's employment growth of 0.3% and labour force expansion of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Goolwa's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, the suburb of Goolwa had a median income among taxpayers of $34,633 with an average level standing at $46,503. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $48,920 for Rest of SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $37,681 (median) and $50,595 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Goolwa all fall between the 0th and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $400 - $799 earnings band captures 41.8% of the community (1,143 individuals), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 27.5%. The concentration of 50.4% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of the community. After housing costs, 86.3% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 3rd percentile nationally.

Goolwa is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Goolwa, as per the latest Census, 85.9% of dwellings were houses while 14.1% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Non-Metro SA's figures of 92.1% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goolwa stood at 55.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.7% and rented ones at 26.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Goolwa was $250, compared to Non-Metro SA's $280. Nationally, Goolwa's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,000 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Goolwa features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 53.2% of all households, including 8.3% couples with children, 36.7% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 46.8%, with lone person households at 45.1% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 1.8 people, smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.2.

Goolwa faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 15.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 27.0%.

School and university attendance comprises 16.9% of the community, including 5.7% in primary education, 5.2% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Goolwa is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Goolwa, with various health conditions impacting both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 45% of the total population (~1,243 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 17.2% and 9.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 45.5% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 58.3% across Rest of SA. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 56.0% (1,531 people), compared to the 37.0% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Goolwa's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 76.8% of its population born in Australia, 91.4% being citizens, and 96.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Goolwa, comprising 49.0% of people, compared to 42.7% across Rest of SA. The top three ancestry groups were English (40.5%), Australian (24.6%), and Scottish (8.9%).

Notably, German ethnicity was overrepresented at 7.0%, Welsh at 0.7%, and Dutch at 1.6%.

Goolwa ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Goolwa has a median age of 67 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of SA average of 47 and considerably older than the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 22.9% of Goolwa's population, compared to 12.0% in the Rest of SA and 6.0% nationally. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 3.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 21.4% to 22.9%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 5.0% to 6.1%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 15.1% to 12.5% and the 25-34 group dropped from 4.7% to 3.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Goolwa's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 141%, reaching 658 people from 273. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 91% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in number.