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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
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Goolwa North has an estimated 1,804 residents, up from 1,307 at the 2021 Census — a change of 497 people, or 38.0%. Growth has averaged 7.5% a year over five years, faster than 96% of areas nationally. 109 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 83.0% of that increase. That puts 201 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Goolwa North's population is estimated at around 1,804 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 497 people (38.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,307 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,792, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 109 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 201 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development.
Goolwa North's 38.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of SA (5.9%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, issued in 2024 using 2022 as a baseline, are utilized for each SA2. For areas lacking this coverage and for periods extending past 2032, regional and local government projections by age brackets from the South Australian State Government (published in 2023 using 2021 data) are applied, adjusting via a weighted system that aggregates growth from LGA to SA2 divisions. Evaluating these anticipated demographic changes, the area is set to experience population expansion exceeding the median for regional parts of the nation, with aggregated SA2 calculations indicating Goolwa North will grow by 208 residents by 2041, representing a cumulative increase of 10.9% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
239 new dwellings have been approved in Goolwa North over the past five years, an average of 47 a year. That places the area in the 83rd percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 26 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 31 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 97% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 50, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Building approvals data from the ABS indicates that Goolwa North averaged approximately 47 residential permits annually, with a total of 239 dwellings approved during the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 46 during FY-26 so far. An average ratio of 2.3 people moving to Goolwa North per new dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 points to a healthy demand supporting local property values, with new construction showing an average valuation of $401,000 as builders target the upscale market with premium housing. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $2.8 million this financial year, which underscores the predominantly residential nature of Goolwa North.
Compared with the Rest of SA, Goolwa North generates 170.0% more new dwelling approvals per head of population, offering home buyers a broader selection of properties, even though construction momentum has slowed recently. This level of building permission remains well above the national rate, showing significant developer confidence in the area. Detached houses make up 97.0% of recent construction projects, while medium and high-density formats account for only 3.0%, maintaining a spacious, low-density neighborhood layout that appeals to purchasers seeking extra room. Spanning approximately 47 people for each approved permit, Goolwa North exhibits the hallmarks of a developing area. Forecasts indicate that the population of Goolwa North will rise by 196 residents by 2041, calculated from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch. Given the ongoing pace of construction, the supply of new housing is projected to easily satisfy demand, maintaining favorable purchasing conditions and potentially paving the way for expansion beyond current population estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Goolwa North
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 27 current infrastructure and development projects close to Goolwa North, worth an estimated $1.72 billion. 9 are already under construction and 8 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Regional development and planning schemes play a crucial role in shaping an area's trajectory. AreaSearch has identified no projects that are expected to influence this locality. Prominent initiatives under review include Goolwa Secondary College, Lakeside Lifestyle Resort Goolwa, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28, and the SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program, with details provided below for the most significant undertakings.
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
Riverhaven Estate
Residential land development by AVJennings in Goolwa North, providing new homes. Stage 3 land is currently available for sale. Total of 27 new homes.
Lakeside Lifestyle Resort Goolwa
An established over-50s lifestyle community with world-class facilities including a swimming pool, gym, and bowling green. Phase 1 is fully occupied, with a planned extension awaiting ministerial approval.
Coorong Quays Estate
Master-planned waterfront estate and marina on Hindmarsh Island with ongoing stages. Current activity includes the Riverview Release (Stage One) offering 30 allotments sized ~430-780 sqm, alongside continued marina, storage, and lifestyle village operations.
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.
Goolwa Oval Recreation Precinct
Creation of a modern, accessible, and adaptable sporting and community precinct with upgraded change rooms, toilets, playing surfaces, lighting, scoring, and storage. Includes sustainable features like solar panels, rainwater storage, recycled materials, and new stormwater infrastructure for irrigation.
Goolwa Wharf Precinct
Restoration and upgrade of the historic Goolwa Wharf area including Wharf, Wharf Shed and Signal Point Experience Centre with new public amenities, wayfinding and the Yuntulun Kuli-war exhibition. Works focused on heritage preservation, safety, accessibility and activation for events and local business, integrating First Nations stories.
Victor Harbor Baptist Church Expansion
Expansion of Victor Harbor Baptist Church to deliver a new main auditorium, children's ministry spaces, hospitality and kitchen facilities, upgraded amenities and expanded parking. Development approval was granted in 2021. The project remains approved but construction has been deferred while the church waits for construction costs to improve and fundraising capacity to increase. Church updates continue to describe the project as a live long-term priority.
Victor Retail Depot
Bulky goods retail development featuring two buildings accommodating four retail outlets with flexible tenancies ranging from 700sqm to 3,000sqm. Strategically positioned adjacent to national retailers including Aldi, Bunnings and Coles in Victor Harbor's primary retail corridor along Adelaide Road. The development is designed to accommodate a wide spectrum of commercial uses within South Australia's fastest growing coastal retail precinct on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
564 residents of Goolwa North are employed, from a labour force of 584. Unemployment sits at 3.4%, with participation at 35.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 1,595, about 88% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Goolwa North features a diverse labor force encompassing both white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a strong presence in essential services, a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, and an estimated employment expansion of 11.0% over the previous year, according to aggregated statistical data. In March 2026, the employed resident count stood at 564, with the local unemployment rate sitting 2.0% lower than the Regional SA average of 5.5%, though participation in the labor force is low at 35.9% compared to the 58.4% recorded across Regional SA. Census data reveals that a modest 8.9% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of Covid-19 restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local workers are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The local economy shows a high concentration in construction, with its employment share reaching 1.5 times the regional proportion. On the other hand, agricultural, forestry, and fishing activities are underrepresented, accounting for 4.2% of jobs compared to the regional benchmark of 14.5%. Comparing the number of active workers in the Census to the total resident population indicates that the area offers few local jobs. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year to March 2026, employment levels increased by 11.0% and labour force increased by 11.5%, resulting in unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. This compares to Regional SA, where employment grew by 1.2%, labour force expanded by 2.6%, and unemployment rose 1.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Goolwa North. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, 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 (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Goolwa North is $948 a week (about $49,000 a year), with median personal income at $520 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $36,530 a year against an average of $49,050. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of Goolwa North is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $36,530 while the average income stands at $49,050. This contrasts to Regional SA's figures of a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $40,245 (median) and $54,038 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Goolwa North all fall between the 2nd and 4th percentiles nationally.
The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 37.7% earning $800 - 1,499 weekly (680 residents), diverging from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 27.5%. While housing costs are modest with 90.0% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 5th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Goolwa North had 602 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 98% detached houses and 0% apartments. 19% are owned with a mortgage, 14% rented and 66% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $270 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,246 a month. Rent absorbs 28.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 30.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
An analysis of residential structures in Goolwa North during the most recent Census showed that standalone houses accounted for 97.7% of properties and alternative dwellings like townhouses and apartments made up 2.3%, whereas Regional SA recorded 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwelling types. Home ownership was significantly higher than the regional average, standing at 66.2% of residents owning their properties outright, while mortgaged homes accounted for 19.4% and rental properties represented 14.4%. The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was higher than the Regional SA average at $1,246, and the median weekly rent was $270, compared to regional figures of $1,153 and $220.
On a national level, housing costs in Goolwa North are comparatively low, with mortgages well under the Australian average of $1,863 and rents falling far below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Goolwa North counted 602 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 831 today, averaging 2.0 people each. 12% are couples with children, fewer than in 96% of areas nationally, against 49% couples without children. 30% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units make up the largest share of households at 66.6%, consisting of couples without children at 49.3%, couples living with children at 11.8%, and single-parent homes at 4.8%. The remaining 33.4% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 30.1% and shared group homes accounting for 2.6%. The typical household size of 2.0 people sits below the average of 2.3 observed across Regional SA.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
17.3% of adults in Goolwa North hold a university qualification, including 12.3% with a bachelor degree and 2.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 27.3% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational attainment in the area presents a mixed picture, with university completion rates at 17.3%, which is much lower than the national standard of 30.4%. This highlights a clear gap that could benefit from focused educational programs. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees represent the largest group at 12.3%, with postgraduate degrees at 2.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational and technical qualifications are common, as 42.0% of residents aged 15+ hold trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 14.7% and certificates at 27.3%. A total of 15.4% of the population is currently enrolled in educational institutions, including schools or universities.
This group is composed of 7.5% in primary school, 4.5% in high school, and 1.3% attending tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Goolwa North means driving: households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
51.7% of residents in Goolwa North report no long-term health condition. 7.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 2.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Residents of Goolwa North experience positive health outcomes overall, as shown by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the low occurrence of chronic conditions among both younger and older residents, though the proportion of people holding private health insurance is low at roughly 46% of the population (~837 people). This rate falls below the Regional SA average of 48.9% and the national rate of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health concerns in the locality, affecting 15.6% and 8.2% of the population respectively, while 51.7% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 62.5% in Regional SA.
The working-age population exhibits elevated rates of chronic illnesses, presenting specific health issues. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 53.5% of the local population (965 people), a share that is significantly higher than the Regional SA average of 27.1%. The health status of these older residents remains strong, with national indicators matching those of the broader Australian public.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Goolwa North is largely Australian-born, at 77.7% of residents, with 1.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (39.2%) and Australian (27.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The local population displays a lower level of cultural diversity than average, with 77.7% of residents born in Australia, 93.3% holding citizenship, and 98.3% using only English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 49.2% of the local community, which is higher than the 45.2% average across Regional SA. Regarding family backgrounds, the three most common ancestries in Goolwa North are English at 39.2% of the population (well above the regional average of 32.5%), Australian at 27.6%, and Scottish at 9.1%. Certain other European ancestries show distinct local concentrations: Dutch background is overrepresented at 2.3% of the community compared to 1.3% regionally, German ancestry represents 6.5% compared to 8.2% regionally, and French ancestry is recorded at 0.5% compared to 0.3% regionally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Goolwa North is 65, older than 99% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 11.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
With a median age of 65, Goolwa North is notably exceeding the Regional SA figure of 47 and is substantially exceeding Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional SA, Goolwa North has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (29.3%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (5.1%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.4%. Following the 2021 Census, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.2 years to 65. Specifically, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 4.2% to 6.0% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 2.3% to 3.9%.
Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 32.8% to 29.3% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 13.7% to 11.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Goolwa North's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 26%, adding 96 residents to reach 463. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 85% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, both 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Goolwa North
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 109 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,307 at the 2021 Census → 1,804 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL40523). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.