Goonellabah

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

The population of Goonellabah was estimated at 13,862 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census count of 13,351 people, marking a growth of 511 individuals (3.8%). This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 13,794, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 211 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density stands at 599 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential for further development. Goonellabah's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (0%) and SA4 region during this period. Overseas migration contributed approximately 44% to the overall population gains, with other factors such as interstate migration and natural growth also being positive drivers.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections indicate that the suburb is expected to increase its population by 744 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 4.9% over the 16-year period.

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

Goonellabah has seen approximately 55 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 277 homes were approved, with an additional 42 approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.5 new residents have arrived per new home over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average construction value of new homes is $412,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. This year, $3.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting limited commercial development focus compared to residential growth. In comparison to the rest of NSW, Goonellabah has recorded elevated construction activity, with 44.0% more approvals per person over the past five years.

However, development activity has moderated recently, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. Recent construction comprises 81.0% detached dwellings and 19.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population density is 373 people per dwelling approval, reflecting Goonellabah's quiet and low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain 676 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favorable 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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 22 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are 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 projects that are likely to be most relevant.

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

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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 is 3.7%. Employment stability has been relative over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 6,352 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is 58.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. A low 12.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Health care & social assistance has notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 2.7% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, 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 suggest potential future demand within Goonellabah. National employment is forecast to expand by 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.

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

The suburb of Goonellabah had a median taxpayer income of $46,242 and an average income of $59,190 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are below the national averages for median and average incomes, which were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively during the same period. By March 2026, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $51,014 (median) and $65,298 (average). The Census 2021 income data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Goonellabah all rank modestly, between the 21st and 29th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 31.4% of individuals in Goonellabah earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range (4,352 individuals), which is similar to the broader area where 29.9% fall into this income band. 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 data, 77.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 22.2% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goonellabah stood at 37.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.0% and rented ones at 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Goonellabah was $320, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Goonellabah's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 aligns with the Regional NSW average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 21.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – 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

Goonellabah has 346 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 45 different routes that together provide 751 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's home to the nearest transport stop is 111 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility. Most residents commute outward from Goonellabah, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 96%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in Goonellabah, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 12.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 107 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per 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 significant health challenges as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 50% of Goonellabah's total population (~6,982 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 11.2% of residents, while asthma impacts 10.0%. 59.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population health challenges are notable due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 22.5% of residents aged 65 and over (3,118 people). Senior health outcomes present some challenges, generally in line with national rankings.

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 conducted on 9 August 2016, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens (91.3%), born in Australia (89.8%), and spoke English at home exclusively (93.5%). Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 55.2% of Goonellabah residents.

Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 1.6%, higher than Regional NSW's 0.8%. In terms of ancestry, Australians were the largest group at 30.1%, followed by English (30.0%) and Irish (9.3%). However, Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented in Goonellabah at 5.3% compared to 4.6% regionally, while Scottish representation was equal at 8.0%. Italian representation stood at 3.2%, higher than Regional NSW's 2.1%.

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 exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 0-4 age group comprises 6.5%, higher than Regional NSW's figure. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort represents 11.4%. Post-Census data from 2021 shows that the 35-44 age group grew from 11.8% to 12.6%. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort decreased from 12.3% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Goonellabah's age profile. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 62%, adding 292 residents to reach 764. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 55-64 cohorts.