Goulburn

Population growth drivers in Goulburn are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Goulburn is around 25,627, reflecting a 6.9% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 23,963. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 24,688, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 744 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 461 persons per square kilometer. Goulburn's growth exceeded that of its SA4 region (5.1%) and the non-metro area, making it a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting 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.

Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb is expected to grow by 5,537 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 17.9% 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 per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 900 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a further 89 approved in FY26 so far. On average, one new resident arrived per new home annually during these years, indicating balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new dwellings was $401,000, aligning with regional trends. Commercial approvals totalled $190.2 million in FY26, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Goulburn maintains similar construction rates per person relative to the Rest of NSW, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, although recent construction activity has eased slightly. In terms of dwelling types, 62.0% were detached dwellings and 38.0% medium and high-density housing in FY26, indicating a growing mix of townhouses and apartments.

This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 84.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. With approximately 290 people per dwelling approval, Goulburn has room for growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the location is expected to grow by 4,585 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are: 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.

The labour market performance in Goulburn lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Goulburn has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In June 2025, 11,515 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 1.0% higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was on par with the Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. The area specializes in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at 1.8% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between Jun-24 and Jul-25, labour force decreased by 3.6% alongside a 5.0% employment decline, causing unemployment rate to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Goulburn's employment mix suggests 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Goulburn's median income among taxpayers is $52,033. The average income in Goulburn during this period was $62,988. This places Goulburn's incomes just below the national average. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998 during the same financial year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Goulburn as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,594 (median) and $70,931 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Goulburn modestly, between the 29th and 38th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 31.5% of individuals in Goulburn earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 band (8,072 individuals), which aligns with regional levels where this cohort also represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Goulburn, with only 83.7% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 84.3% houses and 15.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 89.3% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goulburn was at 33.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.1% and rented ones at 35.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,694. Median weekly rent in Goulburn was $320, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $310. Nationally, Goulburn's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 versus 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 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, smaller than the Rest of 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 NSW's 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 prominent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (30.4%). Educational participation is high at 29.1%, with 10.8% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

There are 15 schools serving 4,656 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 970) and balanced educational opportunities. The school mix includes 10 primary, 3 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds residential needs (18.2 places per 100 residents vs 13.2 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Goulburn has 278 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 96 individual routes that collectively facilitate 1,635 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically situated 149 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 233 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per stop.

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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, slightly below the average SA2 area rate of around 60%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (9.7%). About 60.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 61.3% in Rest of NSW. Around 20.4% of Goulburn's population is aged 65 or over (5,227 people), lower than the 21.7% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's health profile.

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

Goulburn's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.7% of its population being citizens, 88.6% born in Australia, and 92.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Goulburn, comprising 62.4% of people, compared to 64.0% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (31.7%), English (31.6%), and Irish (10.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 3.6% in Goulburn versus 3.2% regionally, Maltese is lower at 0.4% compared to 0.5%, and Korean is slightly higher at 0.2%.

Goulburn's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Goulburn is 40 years, which is slightly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 but higher than the Australian median of 38. In comparison with the Rest of NSW average, the 25-34 age group is notably over-represented at 15.0% in Goulburn, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 10.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the current time, the proportion of the population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 14.0% to 15.0%, while the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 11.8% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Goulburn, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to expand by 1,023 people (27%) from 3,844 to 4,868. The 15-24 age group is expected to grow more modestly at 4%, adding only 124 residents.