Goolwa (SA)

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According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new address verifications by Districts since the Census, Goolwa's resident count is projected to be approximately 2,654 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 96 individuals (3.8%) from the 2021 Census, when the population was recorded at 2,558 people. The estimate is derived from a resident baseline of 2,626 determined by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an extra 140 validated new addresses registered after the Census date. This population density corresponds to 153 persons per square kilometer, indicating substantial space per inhabitant and opportunities for future expansion. Over the last decade, Goolwa has exhibited stable growth patterns, achieving a 1.0% compound annual growth rate that exceeded the SA4 region. Population expansion in the suburb of Goolwa was largely fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 83.0% of the total demographic growth in recent times.

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Goolwa maintains a diverse labor force spanning professional and trade-based roles, with strong representation in vital service sectors, an unemployment rate of 5.5%, and an estimated job growth rate of 0.6% over the past year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026726 residents are employed, mirroring the Regional SA unemployment benchmark of 5.5%, though labor force participation is notably lower (30.9% compared to 58.4% across Regional SA). Census records indicate that a low 11.0% of the working population operated from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.

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Based on Districts' aggregation of postcode-level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, Goolwa taxpayers recorded a median income of $34,633 and an average income of $46,503. These figures sit below national averages and compare to $48,920 (median) and $58,933 (average) across Regional SA. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to approximately $38,155 (median) and $51,232 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places household, family, and individual incomes in Goolwa within the lowest 0th to 3rd percentiles across Australia. Income distribution shows that the $400 - 799 weekly bracket contains 41.8% of the population (1,109 individuals), while the wider region is led by the - bracket at . The high proportion of lower-income residents ( earning under /week) points to tight household budgets for a large portion of the area. After housing costs, residents retain of their income, which ranks in the rd percentile nationwide.

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Dwelling distribution in Goolwa at the time of the latest Census consisted of 85.9% standalone houses and 14.1% alternative dwellings (semi-detached properties, apartments, and other housing structures), compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% alternative dwellings in Regional SA. Home ownership in Goolwa stood well above the regional rate at 55.5%, while the remaining properties were either mortgaged (17.7%) or rented (26.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment was significantly lower than the Regional SA average at $1,000, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $250, compared to regional figures of $1,153 and $220. Across Australia, Goolwa's mortgage payments are notably lower than the national average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national median of $375.

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Family units constitute the majority of households at 53.2%, consisting of couples with children at 8.3%, couples without children at 36.7%, and single parent households at 7.8%. The remaining 46.8% are non-family households, with lone person households representing 45.1% and group households making up 1.8% of the total. The median household occupancy of 1.8 residents is lower than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

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The region presents low levels of tertiary qualification, with university attainment rates (15.8%) sitting well below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a developmental hurdle and an opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 37.0% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (27.0%).

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Health assessments indicate major challenges for Goolwa, based on Districts analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease trends, with a notable presence of common ailments among both younger and older cohorts, and a low level of private health insurance coverage at approximately 45% of the community (~1,206 people). This compares to a coverage rate of 48.9% in Regional SA and a national average of 55.7%.

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Goolwa exhibits below-average levels of cultural diversity, with 76.8% of residents born in Australia, 91.4% holding citizenship, and 96.8% speaking only English at home. The predominant religious affiliation is Christianity, representing 49.0% of the population in Goolwa, compared to 45.2% across Regional SA.

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With a median age of 67 years, Goolwa's population is significantly older than the Regional SA average of 47 and the national benchmark of 38. The 75 - 84 age cohort is highly represented at 24.3% compared to Regional SA, while the 25 - 34 cohort is less common at 3.7%. This concentration of residents aged 75 - 84 is far higher than the national figure of 6.1%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has expanded from 21.4% to 24.3% of the population, and the 85+ cohort has increased from 9.1% to 11.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group has contracted from to . Looking forward to demographic projections indicate major changes in Goolwa's age profile. Leading these changes, the + group is projected to grow by ( people), rising from to . Overall, the combined age cohorts of + will account for of total population growth, highlighting the aging profile of the area. Conversely, both the to and to groups are expected to see declines in resident numbers.

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Goolwa currently has an estimated 39 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 42 children aged 0-2 and 28 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 19% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 5% by 2041 (to approximately 41 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 152. Birth rates in the area have averaged 5.0 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.