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 25,622 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,659 people (6.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,963 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 24,698, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 753 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 461 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Goulburn's 6.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.2%), along with the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 5,555 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Goulburn recorded approximately 180 residential properties granted approval annually between FY21 and FY25. This totals an estimated 903 homes over these five financial years. By the end of FY26135 approvals had been recorded. On average, one new resident arrived per year for each new home constructed during this period.

The average construction value was $401,000. In FY26, commercial approvals amounted to $187.8 million. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Goulburn has similar development levels per capita, indicating market stability in line with regional patterns. Recent construction comprised 61.0% detached houses and 39.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 84.0% houses.

The location had approximately 287 people per dwelling approval as of recent data. Population forecasts suggest Goulburn will gain 4,631 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects expected to impact the region. Notable initiatives include Goulburn Water and Sewer Infrastructure Upgrades, Waterway Improvement Strategy and River Walkway Development, Goulburn Rail Trail, and CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project. The following list details those 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.

While Goulburn retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Goulburn has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.8% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 11,501 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.1% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 58.8%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. A low 7.7% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. The area had particular specialization in public administration & safety with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 1.8% compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. Many residents appeared to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.4% alongside a 4.1% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested potential future demand within Goulburn. These projections estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Goulburn's employment mix indicated local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Goulburn's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers is $52,033 and the average income stands at $62,988. This compares to Regional NSW's figures of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,643 (median) and $68,569 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Goulburn, between the 29th and 38th percentiles. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.5% of the community (8,070 individuals), mirroring the region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. 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

In Goulburn, as per the latest Census, 84.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.8% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% 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 was $1,625, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Goulburn was $320, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Goulburn's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 comprise 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 make up 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 held by 41.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 30.4%. Educational participation is 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 are covered by 54 routes providing 1,497 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 148 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area, with cars being the dominant mode at 94%. The average vehicle ownership is 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 7.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 213 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Several health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 52% of the total population (around 13,287 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.1 and 9.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 60.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. The area has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (5,278 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 census conducted on 9 August 2016, exhibited lower cultural diversity compared to the national average. The population composition was predominantly Australian citizens at 87.7%, born in Australia at 88.6%, and speaking English only at home at 92.8%. Christianity emerged as the dominant religion, with 62.4% of Goulburn's population identifying with it, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry, Australians comprised 31.7%, followed by English at 31.6%, and Irish at 10.0%. Notably, Australian Aboriginal individuals were overrepresented in Goulburn at 3.6% (regional average: 4.6%), Maltese also showed similar representation at 0.4%, and Korean individuals were slightly higher than the regional average at 0.2%.

Goulburn's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Goulburn is 40 years, which is slightly below the Regional NSW average of 43 but above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 25-34 cohort makes up 15.1% of Goulburn's population, a notable overrepresentation, while those aged 65-74 constitute only 10.5%, indicating underrepresentation. Between the 2021 Census and present, the percentage of people aged 25 to 34 has increased from 14.0% to 15.1%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 11.8% to 10.8%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic shifts in Goulburn. The 25-34 age group is projected to expand by 1,008 people (26%), growing from 3,868 to 4,877 residents. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is expected to grow modestly at 5%, adding only 134 residents.