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 around 9,089 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 978 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,111 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,765 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 552 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6.1 persons per square kilometer. Golden Plains - South's growth rate of 12.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (6.0%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made 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. Based on the latest population numbers, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, with the area expected to expand by 5,702 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 59.1% in total over the 17 years.

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. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 456 homes were approved, with an additional 30 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 2.6 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $405,000, reflecting a focus on premium properties by developers. This financial year has seen approximately $8.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Golden Plains - South has slightly more development, with 15% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

Nationally, this level is well above average, indicating strong developer confidence in the area. All new construction consists of standalone homes, preserving the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. With around 108 people per approval, Golden Plains - South reflects a developing area. Population forecasts indicate that the area will gain approximately 5,374 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be 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 has identified 22 projects expected to impact the region. Notable initiatives include Tall Tree Wind Farm, Catalina Heights Estate, Lethbridge Structure Plan, and Lethbridge Recreation Reserve Upgrades. The following list details projects likely most relevant.

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

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The employment environment in Golden Plains - South shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Golden Plains - South has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of June 2025, which is below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.0%. There are 4,643 residents currently employed, with a workforce participation rate of 65.6%, higher than Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Construction shows strong specialization, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 13.2% compared to the regional average of 16.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, while labour force increased by 2.3%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.9% and a labour force decline of 0.4%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Golden Plains - South has median income of $53,055 and average income of $66,175. This is higher than Rest of Vic.'s median income of $48,741 and average income of $60,693. By September 2025, considering a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,506 (median) and $74,222 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Golden Plains - South's household, family, and personal incomes are around the 52nd percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant with 37.2% of residents, consistent with broader metropolitan trends at 30.3%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of their income, reflecting 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted 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 was at 37.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (54.9%) or rented (7.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,800. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $308, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $330. Nationally, Golden Plains - South's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 account for 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 make up the remaining 17.9%, with lone person households at 16.1% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is 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

Golden Plains - South has lower university qualification rates at 20.1%, compared to the Victorian 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 held by 44.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 32.3%. Educational participation is high, with 30.3% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (12.2%), secondary (9.1%), and tertiary (2.8%).

The area has six schools educating approximately 678 students, typical of Australian conditions (ICSEA: 1007), offering balanced educational opportunities. These schools focus on primary education; secondary options are available nearby. 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

Public transport analysis conducted in Golden Plains - South shows seven active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of bus services. Eight individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 36 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 4142 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages five trips per day across all routes, equating to 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

Health data shows relatively positive outcomes for Golden Plains - South residents, with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~4,762 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.7% and 8.5% of residents respectively. A total of 68.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.7% across Rest of Vic. The area has 14.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,326 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than 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, surveyed in 2016, had a predominantly Australian-born population with 89.6%. Citizenship was also high at 91.4%, and English-only speakers comprised 97.0%. Christianity was the primary religion, at 43.9% compared to 45.6% regionally.

Ancestry showed Australians leading at 33.1%, followed by English at 30.2% and Scottish at 9.6%. Notably, Dutch ancestry was higher than average at 2.5% versus 2.3%, Maltese at 1.0% versus 0.8%, and Croatian at 0.6% versus 0.8%.

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

The median age in Golden Plains-South is 40 years, which is slightly below Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but above the Australian median of 38. The 5-14 age cohort makes up 15.0% of the population in Golden Plains-South, compared to the Rest of Vic. average, indicating over-representation. Meanwhile, the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 3.2%. As of the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 10.2% to 11.1%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 14.5% to 13.4%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic changes, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 1,054 people (104%), from 1,010 to 2,065.