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, as of Nov 2025, Goulburn's estimated population is around 25,606. This reflects an increase of 1,643 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,963. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 24,698 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 744 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 460 persons per square kilometer. Goulburn's growth rate of 6.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.1%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the Goulburn statistical area (Lv2) is expected to expand by 5,537 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 18.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Goulburn recorded around 180 residential properties granted approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 903 homes were approved, with an additional 122 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, one person moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years, indicating balanced supply and demand.

New homes were built at an average cost of $401,000. In FY-26, $187.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Goulburn shows comparable building activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. New development consists of 61.0% detached houses and 39.0% medium and high-density housing, shifting from the existing 84.0% houses.

At around 287 people per approval, Goulburn reflects a transitioning market. Future projections show Goulburn adding 4,606 residents by 2041, with new housing supply expected to meet demand based on current development patterns.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely impacting this region. Notable ones 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.

Goulburn shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Goulburn's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 4.1%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

There were 11,511 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 0.3% higher than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation was on par with Rest of NSW at 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. The area had a particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence, with 1.8% employment compared to 5.3% regionally. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census working population count to local population ratio. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.3% alongside a 5.7% employment decline, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Goulburn's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 14, 2023, Goulburn had a median income among taxpayers of $52,033 and an average income of $62,988. Both figures are lower than the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $56,643 and average income is around $68,569. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes are modest in Goulburn, ranking between the 29th and 38th percentiles. The earnings profile reveals that 31.5% of locals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, similar to regional levels at 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 in its latest Census evaluation showed 84.3% houses and 15.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 89.3% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Goulburn was at 33.8%, with the rest being mortgaged (31.1%) or rented (35.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, lower than 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 significantly 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 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 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 the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (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 295 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 54 different routes, collectively facilitating 1,497 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 148 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 213 trips per day across all routes, translating 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, as indicated by data showing varied impacts on both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 52% (~13,279 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (9.7%). Notably, 60.4% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW figure at 61.3%. Goulburn has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.4% (5,223 people), compared to the Rest of NSW average of 21.7%. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with those of the broader population.

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

Goulburn's population showed low cultural diversity, with 87.7% being citizens and 88.6% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 92.8%. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 62.4%, compared to 64.0% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.7%), English (31.6%), and Irish (10.0%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were overrepresented at 3.6% in Goulburn versus 3.2% regionally, while Maltese and Korean populations stood at 0.4% and 0.2%, respectively, differing slightly from regional figures of 0.5% and 0.1%.

Goulburn's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Goulburn is 40 years, which is slightly below the Rest of NSW average of 43 but above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 25-34 age group is notably higher at 15.0% in Goulburn, while the 65-74 age group is lower at 10.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 14.0% to 15.0%, while the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 11.8% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Goulburn, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to expand by 1,028 people (27%), from 3,840 to 4,869. The 15 to 24 age group is expected to grow more modestly at 4%, adding only 127 residents.