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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Goolwa is around 2,749, reflecting a growth of 191 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 7.5% rise from the previous population count of 2,558. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,690, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 53 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 158 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Goolwa's growth rate of 7.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area (6.8%) and the state average. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the suburb.

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 and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of Australia's regional areas, with Goolwa expected to grow by 635 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 24.4% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Goolwa among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Goolwa had approximately 37 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 187 homes. As of FY-26, nine approvals have been recorded. Assuming an average of two new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, supply and demand appear balanced in Goolwa, with new properties averaging $401,000 in construction cost value. This financial year has seen $4.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's predominantly residential nature.

Compared to Rest of SA, Goolwa exhibits elevated construction activity, 12.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, supporting buyer choice and existing property values. However, development activity has moderated recently. This is significantly higher than the national average, suggesting robust developer interest in the area. New building activity comprises approximately 97.0% standalone homes and 3.0% attached dwellings, preserving Goolwa's low-density nature with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 93 people per dwelling approval, Goolwa exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Goolwa is projected to add approximately 672 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Goolwa has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely to impact the region. Notable ones are Riverhaven Estate, Airpark Estate, Goolwa Wharf Precinct, and Goolwa Secondary College. The following details these projects in order of relevance:.

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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 5.2% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in an unspecified period.

As of June 2025733 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.8%, 0.6% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is significantly lower at 28.5%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Health care & social assistance shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 3.9%, compared to the regional average of 14.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Between Jun-24 and Jul-25, labour force decreased by 3.5% and employment by 4.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of SA saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force expand by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 1.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's Sep-22 national employment forecasts project overall 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation 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, 2022, Goolwa had a median income among taxpayers of $34,633 with the average level standing at $46,503. This is lower than national averages of $46,889 and $56,582 across Rest of SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $39,076 (median) and $52,469 (average). From the 2021 Census data, household, family and personal incomes in Goolwa all fall between the 0th and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 41.8% of individuals earn within the $400 - $799 weekly bracket, compared to 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 expenses, 86.3% of income remains, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Goolwa, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 85.9% houses and 14.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro SA's 92.1% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goolwa was at 55.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.7% and rented dwellings at 26.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, below Non-Metro SA's average of $1,300 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Goolwa was $250, lower than Non-Metro SA's figure of $280 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 53.2 percent of all households, including 8.3 percent couples with children, 36.7 percent couples without children, and 7.8 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 46.8 percent, with lone person households at 45.1 percent and group households comprising 1.8 percent of the total. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is 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%, substantially lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 27.0%. School and university attendance encompasses 16.9% of the community, including 5.7% in primary education, 5.2% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational provision includes Goolwa Primary School and Goolwa Secondary College, serving a total of 466 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 957) with balanced educational opportunities. There is one primary and one secondary institution providing education in the area. It functions as an education hub with 16.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 11.1, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Goolwa faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 45% (1,249 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 17.2% of residents) and mental health issues (9.9%), while 45.5% report having no medical ailments, compared to 58.3% in the rest of South Australia. Residents aged 65 and over make up 55.9% (1,536 people), higher than the 37.0% in the rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors show 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. The predominant religion in Goolwa was Christianity, comprising 49.0% of the population, compared to 42.7% across the Rest of SA. The top three ancestry groups in Goolwa were English (40.5%), Australian (24.6%), and Scottish (8.9%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups had different representations: German was overrepresented at 7.0%, Welsh at 0.7%, and Dutch at 1.6%.

Goolwa ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

At 67 years, Goolwa's median age is significantly higher than the Rest of SA average of 47, and it is considerably older than the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group shows strong representation at 22.9%, compared to the Rest of SA, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 3.6%. This concentration in the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.0%. Since 2021, 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%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Goolwa's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 140% (386 people), reaching 661 from 274. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 91% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.