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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Golden Plains - North's population is around 5082 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 188 people, a 3.8% rise since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4894 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5002 in June 2024 and an additional 132 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 5.5 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Golden Plains - North has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 56.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 released in 2023, adjusted employing 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of Australia's regional areas, with Golden Plains - North expected to expand by 1848 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an increase of 34.8% in total 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. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, showing 133 dwellings approved over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with four approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 1.6 new residents per year arrive per new home over these five financial years, suggesting balanced supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics. The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $442,000.

This financial year has seen $2.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of Vic., Golden Plains - North has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. Recent development consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with approximately 230 people per dwelling approval.

Population forecasts indicate Golden Plains - North will gain 1,766 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Delacombe Town Centre Stage 2 Expansion, Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan, Federation University Health and Sports Precinct Stage 2, and Circular Economy Precinct. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

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% as of June 2025.

There was an estimated employment growth of 7.8% in the past year. In this period, 2470 residents were employed while the unemployment rate matched Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation also aligned with Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Notably, construction employs 1.3 times more residents than the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food services employ only 5.5% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 6.9%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 7.8%, labour force by 7.0%, reducing unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline by 0.9% and labour force by 0.4%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows VIC's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 income 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., however, had a median income of $48,741 and an average income of $60,693 during the same period. By March 2025, current estimates project these figures to be approximately $54,851 (median) and $65,447 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census figures rank household, family, and personal incomes in Golden Plains - North modestly, between the 22nd and 33rd percentiles. Income distribution data shows that the largest segment comprised 34.6% of residents earning $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 30.3% occupied this range. Housing costs are manageable with 88.2% retained, but disposable income sits 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 dwellings were 99.2% houses and 0.8% other types in the latest Census, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.8% houses and 6.2% others. Home ownership was at 44.8%, with mortgages at 48.9% and rentals at 6.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, and median weekly rent was $250. Nationally, mortgage repayments averaged $1,863 and rents were $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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

Golden Plains faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 17.0%, significantly lower than the Victorian average of 33.4%. This disparity 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%). 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's five schools have a combined enrollment of 441 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 988) with balanced educational opportunities. These five schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. Note that for schools marked 'n/a' regarding enrollments, 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

Analysis of public transport in Golden Plains - North shows nine active transport stops operating, all serving buses. These stops are covered by seven different routes that together offer 32 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically residing 1691 meters away from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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

Health data for Golden Plains - North indicates significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 50%, covering around 2,515 people, compared to Victoria's regional average of 47.0% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 10.8% and 10.0% of residents respectively.

About 61.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 56.8% in the rest of Victoria. The area has 21.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,077 people), lower than Rest of Vic.'s 27.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in various 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 showed cultural diversity levels below average, with 90.5% citizens, 89.9% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 42.9%. This figure is lower than the Rest of Vic's 47.6%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (33.9%), English (30.9%), and Irish (9.5%). Notable differences included Dutch representation at 2.3% (regional average: 1.6%), Maltese at 1.3% (regional average: 0.6%), and Hungarian at 0.4% (regional average: 0.3%).

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 the 85+ group is relatively smaller at 0.9% compared to Rest of Vic. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 5.3% to 6.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 age cohort has decreased from 14.3% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Golden Plains - North's age structure. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 79%, adding 435 people and reaching a total of 987 from the current figure of 551. In contrast, the 15-24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 6%, an increase of 32 individuals.