Golden Plains - North
Statistical Area - sa2

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. This figure reflects an increase of 203 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,894. The 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. This results in a population density ratio of 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, while overseas and interstate migration also played positive roles.

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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to increase its population by 1,848 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 34.4% over these 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 FY-26 to date, six approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents per year arrive for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $320,000.

This financial year has seen $2.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Golden Plains - North has similar development levels per capita, contributing to market stability aligned with regional patterns. All recent developments have been standalone homes, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The location currently has approximately 230 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, population forecasts indicate Golden Plains - North will gain 1,751 residents. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Golden Plains - North has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 18 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects 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 list details those projects likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Golden Plains - North maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Golden Plains - North has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notably prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.8% and an estimated employment growth of 7.8% over the past year as of June 2025.

There are 2,470 residents employed, with an unemployment rate matching Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%, and workforce participation at 57.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area specializes in construction, 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 may be limited, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 7.8%, while labour force rose by 7.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline by 0.9% and labour force decrease by 0.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Golden Plains - North's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0%% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Golden Plains - North had a median taxpayer income of $49,815 and an average of $59,438 in financial year 2022. This was below the national average, with Rest of Vic.'s median income being $48,741 and average income of $60,693. By September 2025, estimated incomes were approximately $55,873 (median) and $66,666 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. 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 (1,763 residents). 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

Dwelling structure in Golden Plains - North, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 93.8% houses and 6.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Golden Plains - North was 44.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (48.9%) or rented (6.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,387, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,127. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250 in Golden Plains - North, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $230. Nationally, 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, including 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%. 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (32.4%). Educational participation is high at 29.3%, comprising primary education (11.6%), secondary education (8.9%), and tertiary education (2.9%).

Golden Plains - North has 5 schools with a combined enrolment of 441 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 988) and offering balanced educational opportunities. These schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. Note: for schools marked 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Public transport analysis shows nine active stops operating within Golden Plains - North. These stops offer a mix of bus services. Seven routes serve these stops collectively providing 32 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated limited with residents typically located 1691 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, 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. Private health cover stands at approximately 50% (around 2,523 people), lower than Victoria's average of 47.0%, but above the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 10.8% of residents, while asthma impacts 10.0%.

Conversely, 61.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 56.8% in the rest of Victoria. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (21.2%, or 1,081 people), compared to 27.9% in the rest of Victoria. However, health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming general population 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 showed cultural diversity below average, with 90.5% citizens, 89.9% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 42.9%. This compares to 47.6% across Rest of Vic.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (33.9%), English (30.9%), and Irish (9.5%). Notably, Dutch (2.3%) and Maltese (1.3%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.6% and 0.6%, respectively. Hungarian was also slightly higher at 0.4%.

Golden Plains - North hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 those aged 45-54 are notably prominent 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 now, the proportion of people aged 75 to 84 has increased from 5.3% to 6.7%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 14.3% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant changes in Golden Plains - North's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is expected 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 cohort is projected to grow minimally by just 5%, with an increase of 31 people.