Goonellabah (NSW)

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According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, combined with fresh addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Goonellabah has an estimated residency of approximately 13,862 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 511 individuals (3.8%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 13,351 individuals. The adjustment is calculated from the local population of 13,794, assessed by Districts following analysis of the most recent ERP release from the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 211 verified new addresses since the Census date. This level of residency translates to a density ratio of 599 persons per square kilometer, offering substantial space per individual and potential scope for subsequent growth. The 3.8% growth in the suburb of Goonellabah since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area (which registered no change at 0.0%), as well as the SA4 region, establishing it as a growth frontrunner in the vicinity. Demographic expansion for the locality was mainly pushed by overseas migration which accounted for roughly of overall population increases during recent times, though every driver including interstate relocation and natural growth acted as positive contributors.

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Goonellabah possesses a qualified labor force, with strong representation in essential service sectors, an unemployment rate of 4.0%, and an estimated 3.6% growth in jobs over the previous year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 6,451 local residents are employed while the jobless rate matches the Regional NSW level of 4.1%, and labor force participation is largely equivalent to the Regional NSW figure of 60.6%. Census feedback indicates a low 12.5% of residents worked from their homes, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.

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The suburb of Goonellabah records a median taxpayer income of $46,242 and an average of $59,190 according to the most recent postcode level ATO statistics compiled by Districts for financial year 2023. This sits below the national standard, in contrast to the Regional NSW median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current calculations would stand at roughly $51,014 (median) and $65,298 (average) as of March 2026. Income details from the 2021 Census indicate household, family and individual earnings all sit in modest bands in Goonellabah, spanning the 21st to 29th percentiles. Financial analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly earnings bracket includes 31.4% of the population ( individuals), matching patterns in the wider region where are situated in this range. Financial pressure from housing is high, with only of income remaining, placing the area in the st percentile.

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Residential composition in Goonellabah, measured at the most recent Census, consisted of 77.8% separate houses and 22.2% other housing options (townhouses, units, and alternative dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's breakdown of 82.6% separate houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the rate of home ownership in Goonellabah lagged slightly behind the Regional NSW level, sitting at 37.1%, with the remaining properties occupied by people with mortgages (33.0%) or tenants (29.8%). The median monthly home loan repayment locally was lower than the Regional NSW average at $1,560, while the median weekly rental cost was recorded at $320, compared to Regional NSW figures of $1,733 and $330. Nationwide, mortgage costs in Goonellabah are notably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents sit significantly below the national average of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 65.3%, consisting of 24.1% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 34.7%, with single person households representing 31.3% and shared houses making up 3.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 individuals matches the Regional NSW norm.

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The locality experiences educational hurdles, with university qualification levels (21.3%) sitting substantially beneath the NSW standard of 32.2%. This presents a challenge alongside a prospect for focused educational programs. Undergraduate degrees are the most common at 14.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational and practical skills are highly represented, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding technical qualifications – consisting of advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (28.0%).

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Public transport evaluations indicate 346 transit stops are active within Goonellabah, comprising a combination of buses. These stops are served by 45 different routes, which together provide 751 weekly passenger journeys. Transit accessibility is classified as excellent, with residents generally situated 111 meters from the nearest stop. Because the area is primarily residential, the majority of working residents travel outward for employment - driving remains the primary method at 96%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per home, sitting below the regional norm. A relatively low 12.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 settings).

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Medical indicators point to significant challenges in Goonellabah, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with common medical issues notable among both younger and older cohorts, and private medical insurance uptake being relatively low at roughly 50% of the population (~6,982 people). The national baseline is 55.7%.

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Goonellabah registers below the benchmark for multicultural diversity, with 91.3% of the residents holding citizenship, 89.8% born within Australia, and 93.5% speaking only English at home. The predominant faith in Goonellabah is Christianity, representing 55.2% of the population. However, the most distinct overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.6% of the local population, compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

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With a median age of 41 years, Goonellabah's population is slightly younger than the Regional NSW median of 43 but sits marginally above the national median of 38. The 0 - 4 age cohort is well represented at 6.5% relative to Regional NSW, while the 55 - 64 cohort is less common at 11.4%. Post-2021 Census figures show the 35 to 44 age cohort has expanded from 11.8% to 12.6% of the population. On the other hand, the 55 to 64 group has contracted from 12.3% to 11.4%. Demographic projections indicate the age structure of Goonellabah will change notably by 2041. The 85+ cohort displays the largest expected expansion at 62%, adding residents to reach . By contrast, population contractions are expected for the to and to age groups.

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Goonellabah currently has an estimated 901 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 529 children aged 0-2 and 353 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 14% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 9% by 2041 (to approximately 986 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,334. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.6 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.