Goolwa Beach

An assessment of population growth drivers in Goolwa Beach reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of the Goolwa Beach statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 2,321 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,222 people, representing a growth of 99 individuals or approximately 4.5%. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,236 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, combined with an additional three validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 574 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, the Goolwa Beach (SA2) has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outpacing the SA4 region. The primary driver of population growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 83.0% 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 and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a growth just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally. The Goolwa Beach (SA2) is expected to grow by 280 persons to reach 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall gain of 15.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Goolwa Beach recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Goolwa Beach has experienced around 4 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 20 homes. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. This results in an average of 12.2 new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25. Demand outpaces supply, putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

New homes are being built at an average value of $401,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $120,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of SA, Goolwa Beach has significantly less development activity, 87.0% below regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. However, recent periods have seen development activity pick up.

The area's level is also under the national average, indicating its established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent development in Goolwa Beach has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 398 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Goolwa Beach is expected to grow by 365 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that may impact the region. Key initiatives include Airpark Estate, Riverhaven Estate, Goolwa Wharf Precinct, and Goolwa Oval Recreation Precinct. The following details projects likely to have the most relevance.

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The labour market performance in Goolwa Beach lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Goolwa Beach's workforce spans various sectors with notable presence in lifestyle and retail jobs. Its unemployment rate was 5.2% as of September 2025.

Employment stability has been relative over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. As of September 2025884 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is 0.2% below Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation lags at 41.8%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 3.0% versus the regional average of 14.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment remained stable (0.0%) while labour force increased (1.6%), causing unemployment rate to rise by 1.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of SA where employment rose by 0.3%, labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment rose by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Goolwa Beach. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Goolwa Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 indicates median income among taxpayers in Goolwa Beach was $36,881. Average income stood at $49,522. Both figures are below national averages of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively for Rest of SA. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since June 2023, estimated median and average incomes in Goolwa Beach as of September 2025 would be approximately $40,127 and $53,880 respectively. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Goolwa Beach fall between the 1st and 5th percentiles nationally. Income brackets reveal that 34.4% of locals (798 people) predominantly earn within the $400 - $799 category, contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 27.5%. Notably, 41.5% of households earn below $800 weekly, indicating significant affordability pressures for many residents. Housing affordability pressures are severe; only 84.8% of income remains after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Goolwa Beach, as evaluated at the Census conducted in 2016, comprised 89.6% houses and 10.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 92.1% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goolwa Beach was 46.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.1%) or rented (21.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $275. Nationally, Goolwa Beach's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as reported in 2020, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 for the same year.

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

Family households constitute 63.9% of all households, including 16.8% couples with children, 37.3% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households at 34.3% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of South Africa average of 2.2.

The educational profile of Goolwa Beach exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 15.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas account for 10.7% and certificates for 31.6%. Currently, 20.0% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 8.4% in primary, 5.5% in secondary, and 1.4% in tertiary education.

A substantial 20.0% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary education, 5.5% in secondary education, and 1.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Goolwa Beach 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 Beach. A range of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,082 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.8 and 10.1% of residents respectively. In contrast, 53.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 58.3% across Rest of SA. The area has 40.6% of residents aged 65 and over (942 people), which is higher than 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 Beach is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Goolwa Beach, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 81.5% of residents born in Australia and 97.6% speaking English only at home. The majority religion was Christianity at 40.4%. Buddhism, while a small minority at 1.5%, was higher than the regional average of 0.7%.

Top ancestry groups were English (38.3%), Australian (28.5%), and Scottish (8.2%). Notably, German (7.2% vs 6.7%), Welsh (0.8% vs 0.6%), and Dutch (1.8% vs 1.6%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Goolwa Beach ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Goolwa Beach has a median age of 58 years, which is higher than the Rest of SA average of 47 years and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of SA, Goolwa Beach has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (15.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.5%). This 75-84 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 6.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 13.3% to 15.4%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 6.6% to 7.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 15.7% to 13.8%. By 2041, Goolwa Beach's population is expected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand dramatically by 182 people (158%), growing from 116 to 299 residents. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.