Golden Plains - South
Statistical Area - sa2

Golden Plains - South lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Golden Plains - South's population is approximately 9,054 as of August 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 943 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,111 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,762 in June 2024 and an additional 541 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6.1 persons per square kilometer. Golden Plains - South's growth rate of 11.6% since the 2021 census exceeds the non-metro area (5.5%) and the national average, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 49.4% 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. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 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 demographic trends and latest population numbers, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with an expected expansion of 5,702 persons by 2041, recording a total gain of 59.7%.

The level of residential development activity in Golden Plains - South was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Golden Plains - South has seen approximately 91 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 456 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY2021 to FY2025, and 14 approvals so far in FY2026. On average, around 2.6 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, indicating steady demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $534,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

There have been $8.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential. When measured against the Rest of Victoria, Golden Plains - South shows moderately higher development activity, with 15.0% more approvals per person over the five-year period, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. This activity is well above the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The location has approximately 108 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Golden Plains - South is projected to grow by 5,409 residents through to 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 25 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones are Tall Tree Wind Farm, Catalina Heights Estate, Lethbridge Structure Plan, and Lethbridge Recreation Reserve Upgrades. The following list details projects likely to be most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Golden Plains - South exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Golden Plains - South has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 3.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0% over the past year.

This rate is 0.6% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 65.6%, surpassing Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Construction employment levels are particularly high, at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 13.2% compared to the regional average of 16.8%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, while labour force increased by 2.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw a fall in employment by 0.9% and an increase in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Golden Plains - South's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.9%% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Golden Plains - South had a median income among taxpayers of $53,055 during financial year 2022. The average income level was $66,175. These figures are slightly above the national averages for Rest of Vic., which were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. By March 2025, considering a 10.11% increase in wages since financial year 2022, estimated median income would be approximately $58,419 and average income around $72,865. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Golden Plains - South cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 37.2% of residents (3,368 individuals) fall within the $1,500-$2,999 income range, which is similar to the regional average of 30.3%. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Golden Plains - South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Golden Plains - South's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consists of 99.4% houses and 0.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Golden Plains - South stands at 37.9%, similar to Non-Metro Vic., with mortgaged dwellings at 54.9% and rented ones at 7.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,800. Median weekly rent in the area is $308, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $330. Nationally, Golden Plains - South's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Golden Plains - South features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households make up 82.1% of all households, including 42.6% couples with children, 30.8% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 17.9%, with lone person households at 16.1% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.8.

Golden Plains - South performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 20.1%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 32.3%. Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 12.2% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Six schools operate within Golden Plains - South, educating approximately 678 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1007) and balanced educational opportunities. These six schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 7.5, below the regional average of 9.8, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Golden Plains - South has seven operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by eight distinct routes that together offer 36 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as limited, with residents situated an average of 4142 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are five trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

Golden Plains - South's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Golden Plains - South residents show positive health outcomes, with common conditions seen similarly across age groups.

Private health cover is higher at approximately 52% (~4,744 people), leading the average SA2 area. Asthma and mental health issues are most prevalent, affecting 9.7% and 8.5% respectively. Around 68.1% report no medical ailments, close to Rest of Vic's 68.7%. The area has 14.6% residents aged 65+, numbering 1,321 people. Seniors' health outcomes are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Golden Plains-South shows cultural homogeneity with 89.6% Australian-born population, 91.4% citizens, and 97.0% English-only speakers at home. Christianity is the predominant religion at 43.9%, slightly lower than the regional average of 45.6%. Ancestry breakdown: Australian (33.1%), English (30.2%), Scottish (9.6%).

Notable differences in ethnic representation include Dutch (2.5% vs regional 2.3%), Maltese (1.0% vs 0.8%), and Croatian (0.6% vs 0.8%).

Golden Plains - South's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Golden Plains - South was 40 years in the past, which was slightly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but higher than Australia's median of 38. The population aged 5-14 years was notably higher at 15.0% compared to Rest of Vic.'s average, while those aged 75-84 years were under-represented at 3.2%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of people aged 25 to 34 has increased from 10.2% to 11.1%, while the share of those aged 55 to 64 has decreased from 14.5% to 13.4%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic changes in Golden Plains - South, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 1,058 people (a 105% increase) from 1,006 to 2,065.