Golden Plains - South

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 both the non-metro area (6.0%) and national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing 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, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments 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 annual ERP population numbers, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the area expected to expand by 5,702 persons to 2041, reflecting 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 FY-21 to FY-25, around 456 homes were approved and another 34 have been approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 2.6 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $405,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen around $8.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Golden Plains - South has slightly more development, at 15.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, offering good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. This level is notably higher than the national average, indicating strong developer confidence in the area.

All new constructions have been standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 108 people per approval, Golden Plains - South reflects a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain approximately 5,374 residents by 2041. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Golden Plains - South has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that may impact the area. Notable ones include Tall Tree Wind Farm, Catalina Heights Estate, Lethbridge Structure Plan, and Lethbridge Recreation Reserve Upgrades. The following list details those 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.

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. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate is 3.0%, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation is high at 65.6% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Major employment sectors are construction, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Construction shows significant concentration with levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance is lower at 13.2% versus the regional average of 16.8%.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.1%, and employment declined by 0.1%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.7% and unemployment rose marginally. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Golden Plains - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Golden Plains - South SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $53,055 and an average income of $66,175. These figures are slightly above the national averages of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively for Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest approximately $59,506 (median) and $74,222 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Golden Plains - South cluster around the 51st percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 37.2% of the population, comprising 3,381 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is similar to the regional average of 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 structure, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 99.4% houses and 0.6% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s composition of 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Golden Plains - South was at 37.9%, similar to Non-Metro Vic., with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (54.9%) or rented (7.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than 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 below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower than 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%. 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 stands at 20.1%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (13.8%), followed by graduate diplomas (3.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (3.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 44.8% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 32.3%. Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.2% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

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

Analysis of public transport data indicates seven active transport stops operating within the Golden Plains - South area, all serving buses. These stops are served by eight individual routes that together offer 36 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is assessed as limited, with residents typically located 4142 meters from their nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages five trips per day across all routes, translating 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

Golden Plains - South residents show generally positive health outcomes, with common conditions seen across both young and elderly cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~4,762 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area's rate. Asthma is the most prevalent medical condition, affecting 9.7% of residents, followed by mental health issues at 8.5%. A majority, 68.1%, report being free from medical ailments, compared to 68.7% in Rest of Vic. The area has 14.6% (1,326 people) of residents aged 65 and over, with seniors demonstrating strong health outcomes that exceed general population metrics.

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

Golden Plains-South showed cultural diversity below average levels, with 89.6% born in Australia, 91.4% citizens, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.9%, compared to 45.6% regionally. Ancestry-wise, Australians topped at 33.1%, followed by English at 30.2%, and Scottish at 9.6%.

Notably, Dutch were overrepresented at 2.5% (vs regional 2.3%), Maltese at 1.0% (vs 0.8%), and Croatian at 0.6% (vs 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 the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The population aged 5-14 is notably higher at 15.0% compared to the Rest of Vic.'s average, while those aged 75-84 are under-represented at 3.2%. Between June 2021 and June 2022, the population aged 25 to 34 grew from 10.2% to 11.1%, while the 55 to 64 age group declined from 14.5% to 13.4%. By 2041, the population forecast shows significant demographic changes with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to increase by 1,054 people (104%), rising from 1,010 to 2,065.