Goonellabah

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

As of Feb 2026, the population of Goonellabah is estimated at around 13,796, reflecting an increase of 445 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 13,351. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 13,693 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 199 validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb has a population density ratio of 597 persons per square kilometer. Goonellabah's growth rate of 3.3% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area at 0.6%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 44.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable with a base year of 2021.

Based on these aggregations, the suburb is expected to increase by 899 persons to reach 15,695 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 5.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Goonellabah has seen around 55 new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 277 homes were approved, with an additional 33 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 1.9 new residents have arrived per new home over these five financial years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average construction cost of new homes is $412,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY26, $3.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential growth. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Goonellabah records elevated construction activity, with 45.0% more per person over the five-year period.

This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values, although development activity has moderated in recent periods. Recent construction comprises 81.0% detached dwellings and 19.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Goonellabah's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 375 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate that Goonellabah will gain approximately 796 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Goonellabah has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 22 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Platypus Park Residential Development, Invercauld Road Subdivision at 226 Invercauld Road, Goonellabah Urban Release Area at 1055 Bruxner Highway, and Points North Estate. The following list details those considered most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Goonellabah maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Goonellabah has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.7% as of the latest data point. Over the past year, employment stability was relative.

As of December 2025, 6,385 residents were in work, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 12.5% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Health care & social assistance had notably high concentration, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 2.7% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in the latest data point, employment increased by 0.4%, while labour force decreased by 0.3%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Goonellabah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The suburb of Goonellabah has a median taxpayer income of $46,242 and an average income of $59,190 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $50,339 (median) and $64,434 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Goonellabah rank modestly, between the 21st and 29th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 31.4% of individuals in Goonellabah earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, reflecting a pattern seen in the broader area where 29.9% similarly fall into this income range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Goonellabah, with only 83.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 21st percentile.

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

In Goonellabah, as per the latest Census, 77.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 22.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goonellabah stood at 37.1%, with mortgaged properties at 33.0% and rented ones at 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Goonellabah was $320, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Goonellabah's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,560 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $320 compared to the national figure of $375.

Goonellabah features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 65.3% of all households, including 24.1% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the Regional NSW average.

Educational outcomes in Goonellabah fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has lower university qualification rates at 21.3%, compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (28.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis indicates 346 active transport stops operating within Goonellabah. These are served by a mix of buses along 45 individual routes, offering 751 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 111 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuting in this primarily residential area is outward-bound, with car being the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 12.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 107 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Goonellabah is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Goonellabah faces substantial health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably high prevalence of common health conditions is observed across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 50% of the total population (~6,949 people), lower than the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.2 and 10.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 22.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,076 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

Goonellabah is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Goonellabah, as per the census on 27th June 2016, had a cultural diversity index of 59.4, indicating below average diversity. Its population was predominantly Australian-born citizens with English spoken exclusively at home: 91.3% were citizens, 89.8% were born in Australia, and 93.5% spoke only English at home. Christianity was the major religion, practiced by 55.2% of the population.

The 'Other' religious category had a higher representation in Goonellabah than Regional NSW, with 1.6% compared to 0.8%. In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 30.1%, English 30.0%, and Irish 9.3% of the population. Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were overrepresented at 5.3% (compared to 4.6% regionally), Scottish at 8.0% (same as regionally), and Italian at 3.2% (compared to 2.1% regionally).

Goonellabah's median age exceeds the national pattern

Goonellabah's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. The 0-4 age group constitutes 7.0% of Goonellabah's population, compared to Regional NSW, while the 55-64 cohort makes up 11.3%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 0-4 age group has increased from 5.9% to 7.0%, and the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.3% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Goonellabah's age profile. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 60%, adding 282 residents and reaching a total of 752. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts.