Goolwa North

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of Goolwa North as of February 2026 is around 1,632. This reflects a growth of 325 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,307. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,585 in June 2024 and an additional 106 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 181 persons per square kilometer. Goolwa North's growth rate of 24.9% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the Rest of SA (7.6%) and the SA4 region, indicating significant population expansion. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for Goolwa North are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 using 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. According to these projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 153 persons to reach a total population of around 1,785 by 2041, reflecting an overall reduction of 3.8% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Goolwa North when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Goolwa North shows approximately 50 residential properties approved annually. Over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), around 254 homes were approved, with an additional 19 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.7 new residents arrive per year for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25.

This suggests that new construction is keeping pace with demand or even exceeding it, providing more options for buyers and facilitating population growth. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $401,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, there have been $2.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development activity compared to residential. Compared to the Rest of SA, Goolwa North has recorded 201.0% more new home approvals per person since FY-21, offering greater choice for buyers but with a slowdown in building activity in recent years. This high level of developer confidence is also reflected nationally.

The area consists predominantly of standalone homes (97.0%) and a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (3.0%), maintaining its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 41 people per approval, Goolwa North is considered a developing area. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which may reduce housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Goolwa North has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

No changes were identified by AreaSearch that could impact the region. Key projects include Goolwa Secondary College, Lakeside Lifestyle Resort Goolwa, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts.

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The employment landscape in Goolwa North shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Goolwa North has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 3.3% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.8%. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025382 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.1% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation in Goolwa North lagged significantly at 27.3%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%.

According to Census responses, only 8.9% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction was particularly prominent, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 4.2% of Goolwa North's workforce compared to 14.5% in Rest of SA. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.8% while labour force increased by 1.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA experienced employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a 1.9 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Goolwa North. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Goolwa North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Goolwa North had a lower income level than average nationally in the financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $36,530 and the average income stood at $49,050. These figures compared to Rest of SA's median income of $48,920 and average income of $58,933. By September 2025, estimates based on an 8.8% Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $39,745 for the median and $53,366 for the average in Goolwa North. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Goolwa North fell between the 2nd and 4th percentiles nationally. Income analysis showed that 37.7% of the population (615 individuals) had incomes within the $800 - $1,499 range, unlike regional trends where 27.5% fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing costs were modest with 90.0% of income retained, but total disposable income ranked at just the 5th percentile nationally.

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

In Goolwa North, as per the latest Census evaluation, 97.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.3% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro SA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goolwa North stood at 66.2%, with mortgaged properties making up 19.4% and rented ones 14.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,246, exceeding Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in Goolwa North was $270, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Goolwa North's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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% couples with children, 49.3% couples without children, and 4.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.4%, consisting of 30.1% lone person households and 2.6% group households. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 17.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This 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%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 14.7% and certificates for 27.3%.

School and university attendance makes up 15.4% of the community, including 7.5% in primary education, 4.5% in secondary education, and 1.3% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Goolwa North's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Goolwa North. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~757 people), compared to 48.9% across Rest of SA, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis (15.6%) and mental health issues (8.2%). 51.7% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Rest of SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of 2021, the area has 57.9% of residents aged 65 and over (944 people), which is higher than the 27.1% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 77.7% of its population born in Australia, 93.3% being citizens, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 49.2%. This figure is slightly higher than the regional average of 45.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (39.2%), Australian (27.6%), and Scottish (9.1%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented at 2.3% compared to the regional average of 1.3%, while German ancestry was underrepresented at 6.5% versus 8.2%. French ancestry was also slightly higher than the region's average, at 0.5% versus 0.3%.

Goolwa North ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Goolwa North has a median age of 66, which is significantly higher than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and well above the national average of 38. The population aged 65-74 comprises 32.0%, compared to Rest of SA's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort makes up only 4.4%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is notably higher than the national figure of 9.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 19.3% to 22.1%, and the 85+ cohort has risen from 2.3% to 3.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 13.7% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial shifts in Goolwa North's age structure. Notably, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 100%, reaching 124 people from its current 62. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 93% of population growth, reinforcing trends towards demographic aging. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are expected to decrease in number.