Goulburn

Population growth drivers in Goulburn are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Goulburn's population is estimated at around 25,139 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,176 people (4.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,963 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 25,000 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 778 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 452 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area which exceeded the SA4 region's 4.5% growth rate since the 2021 census, marking Goulburn as a growth leader in the region. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year for each SA2 area covered by this data, and utilising NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year for areas not covered.

Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to population projections moving forward, an above median growth of regional areas across the nation is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 5,198 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 20.1% in total over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers derived from statistical area data, Goulburn averaged approximately 180 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 903 homes were approved, with a further 187 approved in FY-26 to date. This indicates an average of about 1 new resident per year arriving per new home over the past five financial years, suggesting balanced supply and demand dynamics.

The average value of new dwellings developed was approximately $401,000, slightly above the regional average, implying a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $187.8 million, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Goulburn maintains similar development levels per capita, indicating market balance consistent with the broader area, although recent periods have seen some moderation in development activity. New building activity comprised 61.0% detached houses and 39.0% townhouses or apartments, demonstrating an expanding range of medium-density options that cater to diverse price brackets.

This shift from the existing housing stock (currently 84.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles requiring more affordable and diverse housing options. Goulburn's population density is around 287 people per approval, indicating a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the city is projected to grow by 5,059 residents by 2041. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, suggesting stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Goulburn has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 15 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Goulburn Water and Sewer Infrastructure Upgrades, Waterway Improvement Strategy and River Walkway Development, Goulburn Rail Trail, and Mistful Park Estate. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, Goulburn has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Goulburn has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.8% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 11,497 residents were employed at an unemployment rate of 0.1% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Goulburn was somewhat lower than the regional average (58.2% compared to 60.5%). Census responses showed that a low 7.7% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Notably, employment levels in public administration & safety are at 1.5 times the regional average.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 1.8% employment compared to 5.3% regionally. Many residents appear to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.4%, while employment declined by 4.1%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Goulburn. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Goulburn's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Goulburn's suburb income level is below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Goulburn is $52,033 and the average income stands at $62,988. This compares to figures for Regional NSW of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,403 (median) and $69,488 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Goulburn, between the 29th and 38th percentiles. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 31.5% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (7,918 residents), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th percentile.

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

Goulburn's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.3% houses and 15.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This is compared to Regional NSW's 84.2% houses and 15.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goulburn stood at 33.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.1% and rented ones at 35.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,625, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Goulburn was $320, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Goulburn's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Goulburn features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.1% of all households, including 24.3% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.9%, with lone person households at 33.1% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (30.4%). Educational participation is high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.8% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Goulburn has 294 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 54 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,497 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 148 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Goulburn's predominantly residential nature. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 213 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map illustrates the 100 nearest stops to Goulburn's location centrepoint.

Health performance in Goulburn is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Goulburn faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (around 13,037 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.1% and 9.7% of residents respectively. However, 60.4% of residents claim to have no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. Goulburn has 20.7% of its population aged 65 and over (around 5,203 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly similar to those of the general population.

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

Goulburn, as per the 2016 Census, had a population with 87.7% being Australian citizens, 88.6% born in Australia, and 92.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 62.4%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.7%), English (31.6%), and Irish (10.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation in Goulburn was higher at 3.6% (regional average: 4.6%), Maltese remained the same at 0.4%, and Korean was slightly higher at 0.2% (regional average: 0.1%).

Goulburn's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Goulburn is 40 years, which is slightly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but higher than the Australian median of 38. In comparison with Regional NSW, the 25-34 age group is more prevalent in Goulburn at 14.7%, while the 65-74 cohort is less so at 10.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35 to 44 has increased from 11.7% to 12.6%, while the 45 to 54 group has decreased from 11.8% to 11.0%. By 2041, significant demographic shifts are projected for Goulburn. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to expand by 1,049 people (28%) from 3,695 to 4,745. Meanwhile, the 15-24 group is forecast to grow more moderately at 7%, adding only 198 residents.