Golden Square (Vic.)

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Analysis of ABS demographic updates and post-Census address validations by Districts indicates that the suburb of Golden Square has an estimated population of 9,828 as of May 2026. Compared to the 2021 Census count of 9,220 people, this represents a growth of 608 individuals or 6.6%. The calculation stems from Districts' estimated resident population of 9,817, which incorporates the ABS June 2025 ERP release and 82 validated new addresses registered since the Census. The resulting population density stands at 1,157 persons per square kilometer, aligning closely with standard benchmarks recorded by Districts. With its 6.6% expansion rate outperforming the wider SA3 region at 3.9% as well as the SA4 territory, the suburb of Golden Square stands out as a regional growth leader. Population gains during this timeframe were almost exclusively driven by overseas migration.

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The suburb of Golden Square possesses a skilled labor force with strong representation in critical service industries, an unemployment rate of 5.3%, and an estimated job growth rate of 2.0% over the prior year. Data from March 2026 indicates that 4,584 local residents are employed. The jobless rate sits 1.6% higher than the Regional Vic. rate of 3.7%, whereas the participation rate matches the regional level of 61.1% closely. Census statistics show that a moderate 14.8% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic restrictions.

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ATO records for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the suburb of Golden Square sit below the national average, with a median of $51,083 and a mean of $59,383. These figures compare to a median of $50,954 and an average of $62,728 across Regional Vic. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current figures are estimated at roughly $55,997 for the median and $65,096 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes are modest, sitting between the 23rd and 32nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution is concentrated in the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, which contains 31.7% of residents (3,115 people), mirroring the regional trend where this bracket accounts for of the population. Discretionary income remaining after housing costs stands at , placing the area in the th percentile nationwide.

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At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in the suburb of Golden Square consisted of 91.7% separate houses and 8.3% alternative housing types, such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings across Regional Vic. Home ownership rates lagged the wider region at 31.6%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (32.8%) or renters (35.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,300 was lower than the Regional Vic. average of $1,430, while the median weekly rent of $295 was slightly higher than the regional benchmark of $285. In a national context, mortgage commitments in the area are considerably below the Australian average of $1,863, and typical rent costs are much lower than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up 63.7% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 22.8%, couples without children at 25.9%, and single-parent households at 13.8%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 36.3%, with single-person households representing 32.4% and group households making up 3.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is slightly lower than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment levels show room for improvement, with 21.6% of residents holding a tertiary qualification, compared to the Victorian average of 33.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted learning programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Practical and vocational qualifications are highly prevalent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding a trade credential, split between advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificate level courses at 26.9%.

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Public transport infrastructure includes 65 active stops located within the suburb of Golden Square. These facilities are serviced by 8 distinct routes, which accommodate 1,079 passenger journeys each week. Transport connection is favorable, with residents living an average of 272 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily a commuter area, with 93% of workers driving to their jobs. Household car ownership stands at 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A total of 14.8% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect pandemic conditions.

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Health indicators highlight notable challenges within the suburb of Golden Square, particularly regarding mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic health conditions across different age groups. The rate of private health insurance is low, with approximately 50% of residents (~4,949 people) holding cover, compared to a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Golden Square has lower cultural diversity than the national average, with citizens accounting for 89.8% of the population, 89.5% of residents born in Australia, and 92.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, representing 45.0% of the population. The most distinct statistical anomaly is in the Other category, which represents 0.8% of the population, matching the 0.8% average for Regional Vic.

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The median age in the suburb of Golden Square is 38, which is lower than the Regional Vic. median of 43 but matches the national median of 38. The 25 - 34 cohort represents a significant share at 15.7% compared to Regional Vic., whereas the 65 - 74 age group is less represented at 10.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group increased its share from 12.6% to 14.3%, while the 55 to 64 bracket fell from 11.7% to 10.5%. Long-term projections indicate that the demographic profile will shift considerably by 2041, led by a 52% increase (798 people) in the 25 to age bracket, growing from to while the to cohort is expected to decline by .

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Golden Square currently has an estimated 628 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 355 children aged 0-2 and 236 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 18% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 34% by 2041 (to approximately 843 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 831. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 13.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.