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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Goolwa North lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends
As of May 2026, the population of Goolwa North is estimated to be around 1,804 people. This reflects a significant increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,307 people, marking an increase of 497 individuals (38.0%). The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, following examination of June 2025 ABS ERP data release and validation of new addresses since the Census date, is 1,792 people. This results in a density ratio of 201 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person with potential for further development. Comparatively, Goolwa North's population growth of 38.0% since the 2021 census exceeds that of both Rest of SA (5.9%) and the broader SA4 region. This notable growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 83.0% of overall population gains.
AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered 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. These projections indicate an above median population growth for national regional areas, with Goolwa North expected to expand by 208 persons to reach a total of 2,012 people by 2041. This reflects a gain of 10.9% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Goolwa North among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide
Goolwa North recorded approximately 49 residential properties granted approval per year, with an estimated 248 homes approved between FY-21 and FY-25. As of FY-26, around 28 homes have been approved so far. On average, about 1.6 new residents arrive annually per new home over the past five financial years.
The average construction value for new dwellings is approximately $401,000, indicating a focus on premium market properties. In FY-26, there have been around $2.8 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Rest of SA, Goolwa North has 181.0% more new home approvals per person. Recent construction primarily comprises standalone homes at 97.0%, with only 3.0% being medium or high-density housing. The population is estimated to grow by around 48 people per approval, and forecasts suggest Goolwa North will gain approximately 196 residents through to 2041.
Current development rates should comfortably meet demand for new housing supply.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Goolwa North
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Goolwa North has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally
No infrastructure changes have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area. Key projects include Goolwa Secondary College, Lakeside Lifestyle Resort Goolwa, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28, and SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Enabling Infrastructure for Hydrogen Production
A national program to coordinate and deploy the enabling infrastructure required to support large-scale renewable hydrogen production across Australia. Building on the 2024 National Hydrogen Strategy and the National Hydrogen Infrastructure Assessment (NHIA), the program aligns electricity transmission, water supply, transport corridors, port and storage infrastructure with Renewable Energy Zones and prospective hydrogen hubs (Bell Bay, Darwin, Eyre Peninsula, Gladstone, Latrobe Valley, Hunter Valley, Pilbara). Two key federal mechanisms underpin delivery. The Hydrogen Headstart program provides up to 4 billion AUD in long-term revenue support via production credits, with Round 2 (2 billion AUD administered by ARENA) opening for Expressions of Interest in October 2025 with EOIs closing 8 December 2025. The Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive (HPTI), legislated through the Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Act 2025 which received Royal Assent on 14 February 2025, provides an uncapped refundable tax offset of 2 AUD per kilogram of eligible renewable hydrogen for up to 10 years between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2040 for projects reaching final investment decision by 2030. The HPTI is jointly administered by the ATO and Clean Energy Regulator and requires certification under the Guarantee of Origin scheme. Round 1 of Hydrogen Headstart shortlisted six projects representing more than 3.5 GW of electrolyser capacity, with 814 million AUD ultimately awarded.
Enabling Digital Health Services for Regional and Remote Australia
A national digital infrastructure program under the Digital Health Blueprint 2023-2033 designed to provide equitable healthcare access for regional and remote Australians. The initiative is currently rolling out the 'Share by Default' legislative framework, which mandates the uploading of pathology and diagnostic imaging reports to My Health Record starting July 2026. Current 2026 milestones include the launch of the Digital Health Implementer Hub to accelerate software conformance and the implementation of the National Allied Health Digital Uplift Plan to integrate allied health practitioners into the national digital ecosystem.
SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28
SA Water's record $3.3 billion capital delivery program for the 2024-28 regulatory period, covering water and wastewater infrastructure across South Australia. The program targets water main replacements, sewerage network upgrades, dam upgrades, water tank refurbishments, and treatment process upgrades across metropolitan and regional areas. A central $1.5 billion component supports the South Australian Premier's Housing Roadmap, expanding network capacity to unlock up to 40,000 new allotments, with major focus on Adelaide's northern growth corridors including Angle Vale, Riverlea, and Roseworthy. Six major framework partners (Fulton Hogan Utilities, John Holland and Guidera O'Connor JV, McConnell Dowell and Diona JV, BMD, Diona, and Leed Engineering and Construction) are delivering works across approximately 120 projects. In Year 1 (to June 2025), $681.6 million in capital was invested. The program runs to June 2028.
SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program
Statewide maintenance and service contracts for SA Housing Trust public housing properties, covering reactive maintenance, vacancy restoration and minor works across metropolitan and regional South Australia. The program is delivered by Spotless Facility Services, RTC Facilities Maintenance and Torrens Facility Management. A 2024 SA Government review examined payment, timeliness, dispute resolution and contract performance issues, and the government provided additional funding to accelerate maintenance and upgrades on vacant public housing homes.
Bulk Water Supply Security
Nationwide program led by the National Water Grid Authority to improve bulk water security and reliability for non-potable and productive uses. Activities include strategic planning, science and business cases, and funding of state and territory projects such as storages, pipelines, dam upgrades, recycled water and efficiency upgrades to build drought resilience and support regional communities, industry and the environment.
National EV Charging Network (Highway Fast Charging)
Partnership between the Australian Government and NRMA to deliver a backbone EV fast charging network on national highways. Program funds and co-funds 117 DC fast charging sites at roughly 150 km intervals to connect all capital cities and regional routes, reducing range anxiety and supporting EV uptake.
Network Optimisation Program - Roads
A national program concept focused on improving congestion and reliability on urban road networks by using low-cost operational measures and technology (e.g., signal timing, intersection treatments, incident management) to optimise existing capacity across major city corridors.
Goolwa Secondary College
New public secondary school for Goolwa opened in Term 1 2022 following a full site redevelopment completed Dec 2021. The project delivered contemporary learning areas including science labs, a knowledge hub (library), arts facilities, and design & technology spaces. Designed for staged growth to Year 12 by 2026, with 2024 enrolment reported at 213 students.
Employment
Employment performance in Goolwa North has been broadly consistent with national averages
Goolwa North has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.5% in the past year, and employment grew by an estimated 10.5%. As of December 2025, there are 559 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, lower than Regional SA's 5.7%.
Workforce participation is lower at 35.6% compared to Regional SA's 58.3%. Only 8.9% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment is particularly high, with a share 1.5 times the regional level.
Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 4.2%, compared to the regional average of 14.5%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by the working population versus resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 10.5% while unemployment rose by 0.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Goolwa North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that Goolwa North has lower incomes compared to national averages. The median income is $36,530 and the average is $49,050. In contrast, Regional SA has a median income of $48,920 and an average of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% from financial year ending June 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $40,245 (median) and $54,038 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Goolwa North fall between the 2nd and 4th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 37.7% of residents earn between $800 - $1,499 weekly, differing from the surrounding region where 27.5% earn between $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 90.0% income retention, total disposable income ranks at the 5th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Goolwa North is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Dwelling structure in Goolwa North, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.7% houses and 2.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goolwa North stood at 66.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.4% and rented ones at 14.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,246, higher than Regional SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in Goolwa North was recorded at $270, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Goolwa North's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,246 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Goolwa North features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 66.6% of all households, including 11.8% that are couples with children, 49.3% that are couples without children, and 4.8% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 30.1% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
The educational profile of Goolwa North exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics
The area's university qualification rate is 17.3%, 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 the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (14.7%) and certificates (27.3%).
School and university attendance encompasses 15.4% of the community, including 7.5% in primary education, 4.5% in secondary education, and 1.3% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
No public transport data available for this catchment area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
The level of general health in Goolwa North is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions
Goolwa North exhibits above-average health outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence data. Both younger and older age groups show low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 837 people), compared to 48.9% in Regional SA and a national average of 55.7%.
The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 15.6% of residents, and mental health issues, impacting 8.2%. Notably, 51.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 62.5% in Regional SA. Working-age population faces significant health challenges with higher chronic condition rates. The area has a high proportion of seniors, with 53.5% of residents aged 65 and over (965 people), compared to 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Goolwa North is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Goolwa North, surveyed in June 2016, had a low cultural diversity with 77.7% born in Australia, 93.3% being citizens, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 49.2%. This is slightly higher than Regional SA's 45.2%.
In terms of ancestry, English comprised 39.2%, Australian 27.6%, and Scottish 9.1%. Dutch were overrepresented at 2.3% versus regional 1.3%, German at 6.5% versus 8.2%, and French at 0.5% versus 0.3%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Goolwa North ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide
Goolwa North has a median age of 65, which is higher than Regional SA's figure of 47 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to Regional SA, Goolwa North has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (29.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (5.1%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, younger residents have lowered the median age by 1.2 years to 65. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 4.2% to 6.0%, while those aged 85 and above have risen from 2.3% to 3.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has decreased from 32.8% to 29.3%, and those aged 55-64 have dropped from 13.7% to 11.7%. Demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Goolwa North's age profile by 2041. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow the most, with a 26% increase adding 96 residents and reaching a total of 463. This growth will be driven primarily by demographic aging, as residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 85% of the population growth. Conversely, both the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.