Goolwa North (SA)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census Goolwa North's population is estimated at around 1,804 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 497 people (38.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,307 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,792, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 109 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 201 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Goolwa North's 38.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of SA (5.9%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Goolwa North features a diverse labor force encompassing both white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a strong presence in essential services, a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, and an estimated employment expansion of 11.0% over the previous year, according to aggregated statistical data. In March 2026, the employed resident count stood at 564, with the local unemployment rate sitting 2.0% lower than the Regional SA average of 5.5%, though participation in the labor force is low at 35.9% compared to the 58.4% recorded across Regional SA. Census data reveals that a modest 8.9% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of Covid-19 restrictions.

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Districts' latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of Goolwa North is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $36,530 while the average income stands at $49,050. This contrasts to Regional SA's figures of a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $40,245 (median) and $54,038 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Goolwa North all fall between the 2nd and 4th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 37.7% earning $800 - 1,499 weekly (680 residents), diverging from the surrounding region where the - category predominates at . While housing costs are modest with of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the th percentile nationally.

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An analysis of residential structures in Goolwa North during the most recent Census showed that standalone houses accounted for 97.7% of properties and alternative dwellings like townhouses and apartments made up 2.3%, whereas Regional SA recorded 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwelling types. Home ownership was significantly higher than the regional average, standing at 66.2% of residents owning their properties outright, while mortgaged homes accounted for 19.4% and rental properties represented 14.4%. The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was higher than the Regional SA average at $1,246, and the median weekly rent was $270, compared to regional figures of $1,153 and $220. On a national level, housing costs in Goolwa North are comparatively low, with mortgages well under the Australian average of $1,863 and rents falling far below the national median of $375.

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Family units make up the largest share of households at 66.6%, consisting of couples without children at 49.3%, couples living with children at 11.8%, and single-parent homes at 4.8%. The remaining 33.4% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 30.1% and shared group homes accounting for 2.6%. The typical household size of 2.0 people sits below the average of 2.3 observed across Regional SA.

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Educational attainment in the area presents a mixed picture, with university completion rates at 17.3%, which is much lower than the national standard of 30.4%. This highlights a clear gap that could benefit from focused educational programs. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees represent the largest group at 12.3%, with postgraduate degrees at 2.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational and technical qualifications are common, as 42.0% of residents aged 15+ hold trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 14.7% and certificates at 27.3%.

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Residents of Goolwa North experience positive health outcomes overall, as shown by Districts' evaluation of mortality data and the low occurrence of chronic conditions among both younger and older residents, though the proportion of people holding private health insurance is low at roughly 46% of the population (~837 people). This rate falls below the Regional SA average of 48.9% and the national rate of 55.7%.

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The local population displays a lower level of cultural diversity than average, with 77.7% of residents born in Australia, 93.3% holding citizenship, and 98.3% using only English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 49.2% of the local community, which is higher than the 45.2% average across Regional SA.

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With a median age of 65, Goolwa North is notably exceeding the Regional SA figure of 47 and is substantially exceeding Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional SA, Goolwa North has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (29.3%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (5.1%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.4%. Following the 2021 Census, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.2 years to 65. Specifically, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 4.2% to 6.0% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 2.3% to . Conversely, the to cohort has declined from to and the to group dropped from to . Demographic modeling suggests Goolwa North's age profile will evolve significantly by . The to cohort shows the strongest projected growth at , adding residents to reach . Demographic aging continues as residents and older represent of anticipated growth. On the other hand, both to and to age groups will see reduced numbers.

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Goolwa North currently has an estimated 48 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 29 children aged 0-2 and 18 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 60% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 0% by 2041 (to approximately 48 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 103. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 4.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.