Suburb profile · Rest of NSW
Goulburn has an estimated 25,309 residents, up 5.6% since the 2021 Census, with 13 projects tracked in Goulburn.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Situated 80 kilometres northeast from Canberra CBD, the suburb of Goulburn serves as Australia's first inland city, combining an illustrious colonial past with picturesque countryside, rich cultural heritage, and contemporary regional appeal. Natural assets such as the iconic Wollondilly River, expansive gardens, parks, and reserves complement prominent landmarks like the majestic Goulburn Cathedral, while local studios, museums, and galleries support an active community arts scene. From an economic perspective, employment demonstrates a notable public administration employment base alongside elevated healthcare employment, a pronounced retail trade employment presence, and a substantial hospitality employment focus. Residential turnover remains exceptionally brisk, marked by exceptionally high sales activity relative to its population size.
Demographically, the suburb of Goulburn displays a fairly standard age composition centered around a median age 40, with households largely consisting of lone person households.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 20,610 in 2006 and 25,002 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 25,309 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 25 to 34, 14.4%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 31.5%.
Goulburn ranks in the 89th percentile nationally for sales activity and the 78th for development activity.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Goulburn is $500 a week, up 5.1% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 14% below Regional NSW. The gross rental yield across all dwellings is 3.8%.
14% below Regional NSW on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $350 in 2017, $512 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $238 in 2017, $404 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Some rents are estimated from nearby areas.
Yield is indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools.
| Address | Sale price | Settled | Address type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51 Sanctuary Drive, Goulburn NSW 2580 | $1,400,000 | 1 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 41 Monastery Drive, Goulburn NSW 2580 | $899,000 | 1 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 80 Gibson Street, Goulburn NSW 2580 | $667,000 | 1 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 19 Sanctuary Drive, Goulburn NSW 2580 | $1,250,000 | 30 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 48 Ruby Street, Goulburn NSW 2580 | $1,055,000 | 28 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 40 Clyde Street, Goulburn NSW 2580 | $1,750,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 17 Macalister Drive, Goulburn NSW 2580 | $1,040,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 46 Elizabeth Street, Goulburn NSW 2580 | $529,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 47 Montague Street, Goulburn NSW 2580 | $420,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 222 Rosemont Road, Goulburn NSW 2580 | $1,870,000 | 24 Sep 2026 | Street address |
The 10 most recent of the 41 residential sales recorded since 28 Aug 2026 (the latest settled 1 Oct 2026), newest first. The median of these 41, houses and units together, was $667,000 (a different set from the medians above). Source: NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch, to October 2026. Commercial, vacant land and nominal sales are left out. Unit means the address has a unit number; a street address has none.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $500 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +5.1% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, all dwellings | 3.8% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median house price | $695k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date | |
| Median unit price | $615k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median price, latest residential sales | $667,000 | Median of the 41 most recent residential sales, settled 28 Aug 2026 to 1 Oct 2026, NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch | |
| Median rent, houses | $512 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +3.2% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, units | $404 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +10.9% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, houses | 3.9% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Gross rental yield, units | 3.5% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median rent, Goulburn - Mulwaree | $496 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Goulburn - Mulwaree, over 12 months | +5.9% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Capital Region | $561 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Capital Region, over 12 months | +5.9% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Regional NSW | $580 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Regional NSW, over 12 months | +6.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 992 tracked applications: 271 approved, 92 under assessment, 629 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 13 projects in Goulburn (2 under construction) and 53 more in the surrounding area.
A residential subdivision development offering over 300 lots for building dream homes, with over 40% of the masterplan dedicated to a…
A 5-stage, 212-lot residential estate development by Ganter Constructions featuring residential blocks from 700-3700sqm, a commercial…
A multi-component program of water and sewer infrastructure upgrades across Goulburn and Marulan.
Proposed social housing development in the Crestwood area of Goulburn, featuring 20 one and two-bedroom units primarily designed for aged…
Development of a modern, sustainable, purpose-built civic space to serve as a central anchor for Goulburn Mulwaree Council's community…
Proposed regional museum and archive facility celebrating Goulburn's close ties to the wool industry and its identity as Australia's First…
A $165 million redevelopment of Goulburn Hospital including a new four-storey Clinical Services Building with emergency department…
A strategic planning framework to revitalise Goulburn's CBD by increasing residential density and housing diversity while preserving…
A proposed 25km rail trail repurposing the disused Goulburn-Crookwell railway corridor within the Goulburn Mulwaree LGA into an off-road…
Large-scale future housing development area in West Goulburn planned to accommodate up to 1,500 new dwellings over 20 years.
Upgrade of netball courts at Carr Confoy Park including resurfacing of 9 netball courts with safe asphalt and acrylic surface, installation…
A new $4.37 million purpose-built NSW State Emergency Service facility and Emergency Operations Centre.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 23 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 4, 2026 9, 2027 4, 2028 1, 2029 3, 2030 1, 2031 0, 2032 1. 28 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 992 substantial development applications lodged in and around Goulburn over the past 5 years, 367 in the last 12 months; 92 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 44, 2022 166, 2023 159, 2024 128, 2025 161, 2026 (to Oct) 334.
Key application 136 Hume Street, Goulburn Commercial | $27m Under Assessment
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 992 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 367 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 7.4 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 77th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 181 | ABS building approvals | 91st percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 271 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 92 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Goulburn include: Former St John of God Hospital Site Mixed-Use Redevelopment (Approved); Waterway Improvement Strategy and River Walkways (Planning); Goulburn Active Transport Shared Pathway Expansion (Construction); Goulburn Mulwaree Water and Sewer Infrastructure Upgrades (Planning); and Mistful Park Estate (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Goulburn spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Environmental & Disaster Management, and Sports & Recreation, among others.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking positions Goulburn among the top 22% of areas assessed nationwide.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of Goulburn area has seen 391 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Goulburn's current population of 25,309 has been supported by 181 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of Goulburn has seen 7.4 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 5.7 approvals in Regional NSW. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 127 people in the suburb of Goulburn, compared to one for every 183 in Regional NSW.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Goulburn's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 181, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of Goulburn has grown by approximately 961 people, while 905 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 1.1 people added for each new dwelling approval. This suggests a balanced relationship between population growth and housing supply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Population growth drivers in Goulburn are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 25,309 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +5.6% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 44th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 455 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 42nd percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.8% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +1.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 23,963 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 1,346 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +1.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +1.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 55.58 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Goulburn was estimated to be approximately 25,309 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 25,002 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of Goulburn has added approximately 1,346 people and shown a 5.62% increase from the 23,963 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Goulburn is estimated at 455 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Goulburn has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.0% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Goulburn is driven by: Overseas migration (88.0%), Natural increase (12.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 88.0% of overall population gains.
Goulburn's population is slightly older than the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 40 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 56th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 20.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 17.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 25.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 50.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 40 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 6.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 11.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 11.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 14.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 12.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 11.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 12.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 10.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 7.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 2.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Goulburn at 40 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 40 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 40 years as at August 2026, Goulburn is 3 years younger than the Regional NSW 2021 Census average (43 years) yet 2 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Goulburn compared to the Regional NSW region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 14.4% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Goulburn compared to the Regional NSW region is the 65 - 74 group, making up 10.5% of the population.
No, the age distribution in the suburb of Goulburn is broadly in line with Regional NSW.
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 17.9% of the population in the suburb of Goulburn as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 20.9% of the population in the suburb of Goulburn as at August 2026.
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $57,910 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 45th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $68,670 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,405 | 2021 Census, weekly | 29th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $747 | 2021 Census, weekly | 38th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 15.4% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,899 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 29.5% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Goulburn is approximately $61,605. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $57,910.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Goulburn is approximately $73,051. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $68,670.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Goulburn is approximately $61,605 compared to $59,289 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $57,910 and $55,733 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Goulburn is approximately $73,051 compared to $73,521 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $68,670 and $69,112 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Goulburn's households (~31.5% / 2,927 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Goulburn is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 31.5% of households. In comparison, Regional NSW's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 29.9% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Goulburn is $1,405/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Goulburn is $1,899/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Goulburn is $747/wk.
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-24 reveals that income in the suburb of Goulburn is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $57,910 while the average income stands at $68,670. This contrasts to Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $55,733 and an average income of $69,112. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.38% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $61,605 (median) and $73,051 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Goulburn is $5,096 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of Goulburn's disposable income is $5,096 compared to $5,252 for Regional NSW, based on AreaSearch analysis.
While Goulburn retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.9%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 58.7% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 11,617 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 24,811 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 12,086 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Goulburn has approximately 11,617 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. This healthy unemployment rate suggests a well-functioning labour market. Employment indicators are below the national average, suggesting room for improvement, though the very low unemployment rate of 3.9% indicates the ranking primarily reflects recent job losses rather than underlying labor market weakness.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Goulburn stands at 3.9%, which is broadly in line with Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Goulburn is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (18.0% of employment), public administration & safety (11.5%), and retail trade (11.0%). Other significant employers include construction and accommodation & food.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Goulburn has experienced a decline in employment, with total jobs decreasing while the labour force decreased. As a result, the unemployment rate has fallen. By comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decreased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Goulburn is 58.7%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This moderate participation rate suggests some residents may face barriers to workforce entry. The local rate trailing the Regional NSW average of 60.6%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Regional NSW.
The suburb of Goulburn shows notable specialisation in public administration & safety, which employs 11.5% of the local workforce compared to 7.5% across Regional NSW. This concentration suggests the area has developed competitive advantages in this sector.
The long-run outlook for employment is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
The suburb of Goulburn's employment market shows below-average performance in national comparisons. While employment opportunities exist, the area faces more challenges than many other regions. However, the low unemployment rate of 3.9% suggests the ranking is driven by recent job losses rather than structural weakness. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 2.2% growth, ranking 17th out of 37 regions nationally.
Education in Goulburn: university qualifications 17.4%, school advantage index (ICSEA) 970.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 11.6% | 2021 Census | 23rd percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 3.5% | 2021 Census | 37th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 17.4% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 30.4% | 2021 Census | 75th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 2.3% | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 10.8% | 2021 Census | 53rd percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 41.4% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 29.1% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 3.3% | 2021 Census | 32nd percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 10.8% | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 7.5% | 2021 Census | 38th percentile nationally |
17.4% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Goulburn have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in Regional NSW.
41.4% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Goulburn have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.1% in Regional NSW.
The suburb of Goulburn ranks in the 37th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Goulburn are: Certificate (30.4%), Bachelor Degree (11.6%), Advanced Diploma (10.8%).
29.1% of the population in the suburb of Goulburn is currently engaged in formal education, including 10.8% in primary school, 7.5% in secondary school, 3.3% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Goulburn is 970, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 15 schools within the suburb of Goulburn, with a combined enrollment of approximately 4,656 students.
The suburb of Goulburn includes 10 primary schools, 3 secondary schools, 2 combined schools.
Goulburn features high concentrations of lone person households and single parent families but relatively few family households, with a smaller average household size than Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.3 people | 2021 Census | 31st percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 33.1% | 2021 Census | 84th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 24.3% | 2021 Census | 28th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 25.9% | 2021 Census | 42nd percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 12.9% | 2021 Census | 75th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.8% | 2021 Census | 51st percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 9,283 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 9,804 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 64.1% | 2021 Census | 22nd percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.8 per family | 2021 Census | 74th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Goulburn had 9,283 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 5.6% to an estimated 9,804 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Goulburn is 2.3 people. This compares to 2.4 in Regional NSW and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 64.1% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (33.1%), group households (2.8%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 5,950 family households, couples with children account for 24.3% of all households, couples without children at home 25.9%, and single parent families 12.9%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional NSW, the suburb of Goulburn shows distinct household patterns. Lone person households are notably over-represented at 33.1% (versus 27.9% in Regional NSW). This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the suburb of Goulburn have an average of 1.8 children, matching the Regional NSW average of 1.8. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 41.2% of the adult population are currently married, while 37.5% have never married. This compares to 45.6% married and 34.3% never married across Regional NSW.
Single-person households represent 33.1% of all households in the suburb of Goulburn, higher than the average for Regional NSW of 27.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.8% of households, slightly below the Regional NSW average of 3.3%.
Goulburn is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 11.4% | 2021 Census | 17th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 7.2% | 2021 Census | 33rd percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 92.8% | 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 87.7% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 88.6% | 2021 Census | 83rd percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 3.6% | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
Goulburn was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.7% of its population being citizens, 88.6% born in Australia, and 92.8% speaking English only at home.
The main religion in Goulburn was found to be Christianity, which makes up 62.4% of people in Goulburn. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Goulburn are Australian, comprising 31.7% of the population, English, comprising 31.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 3.6% of Goulburn (vs 4.6% across Regional NSW), Maltese at 0.4% (vs 0.4%) and Korean at 0.2% (vs 0.1%).
11.4% of the suburb of Goulburn population was born overseas, compared to 13.0% across Regional NSW.
7.2% of the population in the suburb of Goulburn speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.1% in Regional NSW.
3.6% of the suburb of Goulburn population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 4.6% in Regional NSW.
87.7% of the suburb of Goulburn population holds citizenship, compared to 89.2% in Regional NSW.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Goulburn is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 35.1% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 33.8% | 2021 Census | 51st percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 84.3% | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,625 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 36th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 31.1% | 2021 Census | 35th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 11.1% | 2021 Census | 60th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $320 | 2021 Census, weekly | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 22.8% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 69th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 26.7% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 73rd percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.7 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 23rd percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Goulburn, 33.8% of homes are owned outright, 31.1% are owned with a mortgage, and 35.1% are rented.
According to the latest data, 84.3% of dwellings in the suburb of Goulburn are houses.
In the suburb of Goulburn, 3.9% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 11.1% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Goulburn stands at 33.8%, compared to 39.6% in Regional NSW.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Goulburn is $1,625, compared to $1,733 in Regional NSW.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Goulburn is $992, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Goulburn, households with mortgages typically spend 26.7% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 22.8% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Goulburn is 0.7, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Goulburn shows mortgage holders spending 26.7% of income on repayments (vs 27.9% in Regional NSW), while renters spend 22.8% of income on rent (vs 23.0% in Regional NSW).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Goulburn consists of 84.3% detached houses, 11.1% semi-detached dwellings, 3.9% apartments, and 0.8% other dwelling types.
Housing in Goulburn consumes approximately 16.3% of median household income ($6,084 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Goulburn show attached dwellings contributing 61% of approvals compared to 16% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 39% of applications versus 84% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. Housing density growth is around the national average.
Health performance in Goulburn is well below the national average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 52.3% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 43rd percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 60.4% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 7.9% | 2021 Census | 85th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 69.5% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 2.6% | 2021 Census | 87th percentile nationally |
Around 52.3% of people in the suburb of Goulburn are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 52.2% in Regional NSW.
In the suburb of Goulburn, 7.9% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.8% of people in Regional NSW require similar assistance.
9.1% of people in the suburb of Goulburn are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.4% of the population across Regional NSW is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 5.3% of the suburb of Goulburn population, while in Regional NSW, 4.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
4.5% of people in the suburb of Goulburn have heart disease. Across Regional NSW,4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Goulburn, 52.3% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional NSW sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 52.2%.
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 51 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 51st percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 298 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 96th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 1,573 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 44th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 84 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 54 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.3 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 7.7% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 298 public transport stops within the suburb of Goulburn.
The suburb of Goulburn has 1,573 weekly trips across 54 routes, averaging 224 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 148 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 588 m away and the nearest school 695 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 298 stops nearby, 1,573 weekly trips, access rating 51 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 64 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 64th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 588 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 695 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 1.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest pharmacy | 1.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 1.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 1.9 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 2.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 2.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 2.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 2.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 11 long day care centres with 696 places in Goulburn, about 2.2 children aged 0-4 per place.
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05Reports and tools
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06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking positions Goulburn among the top 22% of areas assessed nationwide.
Goulburn ranks in the 57th percentile nationally for infrastructure.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Goulburn's affordable property market has recorded 818 sales in the 12 months to June 2026, comprising 83% residential, 3% commercial and 14% vacant land transactions.
Population growth drivers in Goulburn are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
Goulburn's population is slightly older than the national pattern.
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment.
While Goulburn retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.9%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking.
Education in Goulburn: university qualifications 17.4%, school advantage index (ICSEA) 970.
Goulburn features high concentrations of lone person households and single parent families but relatively few family households, with a smaller average household size than Regional NSW.
Goulburn is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics.
Goulburn is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Regional NSW.
Health performance in Goulburn is well below the national average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts.
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Goulburn has an estimated 25,309 residents, up 5.6% since the 2021 Census, with 13 projects tracked in Goulburn.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Goulburn.
Data currency
Refreshed . Sales to Oct 2026, rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Aug 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
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 a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL11731). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Goulburn from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Goulburn with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.