Golden Plains - North

Golden Plains - North lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Golden Plains - North's population is approximately 5,097 as of November 2025. From the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,894 people, there has been an increase of 203 individuals (4.1%). This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,001 in June 2024 and an additional 138 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 5.5 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Golden Plains - North has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outperforming its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 56.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all migration drivers were positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in regional areas is forecasted. By 2041, Golden Plains - North is expected to expand by 1,848 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 34.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Golden Plains - North recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Golden Plains - North has recorded approximately 26 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 133 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, seven approvals have been recorded to date. On average, 1.6 new residents per year arrive for each new home approved between FY-21 and FY-25. The average expected construction cost value of these dwellings is $320,000.

This year, there have also been $2.9 million in commercial approvals. The development levels in Golden Plains - North are similar to those in the rest of Victoria when compared on a per person basis, indicating stable market conditions aligned with regional patterns. All recent developments in the area have consisted of standalone homes, maintaining its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

There are approximately 230 people per dwelling approval in Golden Plains - North. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 1,751 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Golden Plains - North has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Delacombe Town Centre Stage 2 Expansion, Ballarat Link Road Stages 2 and 3, Federation University Health and Sports Precinct Stage 2, and Circular Economy Precinct. The following details projects of particular 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.

The employment landscape in Golden Plains - North shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Golden Plains - North has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.8% and estimated employment growth of 2.3% over the past year as of September 2025.

There are 2,481 residents employed, matching Rest of Vic.'s unemployment rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is at Rest of Vic.'s level of 57.4%. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while accommodation & food employs only 5.5% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 6.9%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison.

Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.3%, labour force by 1.8%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline of 0.7% and labour force decline of 0.6%. State-wide in VIC, as of 25-Nov, employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Golden Plains - North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Golden Plains - North SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $49,815 and an average of $59,438 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average for that year. Rest of Vic., on the other hand, had a median income of $48,741 and an average income of $60,693 in the same period. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16%, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,873 (median) and $66,666 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Golden Plains - North ranked modestly, between the 22nd and 33rd percentiles. The largest income segment comprised 34.6% earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly, with 1,763 residents falling into this range. Housing costs were manageable, with 88.2% retained, but disposable income was below average at the 38th percentile.

Golden Plains - North is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Golden Plains - North's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 93.8% houses and 6.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Golden Plains - North stood at 44.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.9% and rented ones at 6.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,127. The median weekly rent figure in the area was $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $230. Nationally, Golden Plains - North's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Golden Plains - North has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.3% of all households, consisting of 31.7% couples with children, 31.8% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.2.

Educational attainment in Golden Plains - North aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 17.0%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (3.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (32.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Golden Plains - North indicates nine active transport stops currently operating. These stops are serviced by seven different bus routes, collectively offering 32 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as limited, with residents typically residing 1691 meters away from the nearest transport stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes stands at four trips per day, equating to approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Golden Plains - North is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Golden Plains - North faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 50% (~2,523 people) have private health cover, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 47.0%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 10.8% and 10.0% respectively. Around 61.7% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 56.8%. The area has 21.2% (1,081 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 27.9%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Golden Plains - North placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Golden Plains - North, surveyed in 2016, had a culturally diverse population with 90.5% citizens, 89.9% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 42.9%. This is slightly lower than the regional average of 47.6%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.9%), English (30.9%), and Irish (9.5%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented at 2.3% compared to the regional 1.6%, Maltese at 1.3% versus 0.6%, and Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%.

Golden Plains - North's median age exceeds the national pattern

Golden Plains - North has a median age of 43, matching the Rest of Vic figure and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 45-54 are notably prevalent at 14.9%, while those aged 85 and above comprise only 0.9% of the population, which is smaller than in the Rest of Vic. Between the 2021 Census and present day, the proportion of people aged 75 to 84 has increased from 5.3% to 6.7%. Conversely, the percentage of individuals aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 14.3% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic projections anticipate significant shifts in Golden Plains - North's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 78%, adding 433 people and reaching a total of 987 from its current figure of 553. In contrast, the 15 to 24 age cohort is expected to exhibit minimal growth of just 5%, with an increase of only 31 individuals.