Median house price
—
No data available
SA · Alexandrina Council
Goolwa Beach, 5214
Est. population · Jun 2025
2,441
Growth (1 yr)
+1.6%
Growth (5 yr)
+12.0%
Median age
58
Median income
$916/wk
Employment rate
38.6%
Languages at home
2.4%non-English
Most common: German, Australian Indigenous languages, Polish
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Coastal
- National parks
- Green suburb
- Heritage area
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Life in Goolwa Beach revolves around the coast, with the feel of a smaller community that never strays far from the water. City outings and nearby suburbs add variety without undoing the coastal pace of everyday life. An older demographic makes it especially popular with retirees.
Local parks and tree cover add a welcome outdoor dimension to suburban life. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here, with buses covering longer trips across the wider area. Homes are relatively cheap compared with the wider market, which keeps entry costs lower.
Crime trends have improved of late compared with the previous period. Renewal is happening in measured doses, with new development complementing what is already there.
Versus similar coastal suburbs, the suburb reads below average on desirability, chiefly because community and employment trail behind. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Goolwa Beach snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$520/wk
Population (ERP)
2,441
+1.6% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
37.1%
Census unoccupied dwellings
Livability profile
Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)
How it compares
Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles
Desirability
#32
among Coastal & beach · Mature
Safety
26th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
87th
percentile in SA
Advantage (IRSAD)
2/10
national SEIFA decile
Population growth
Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years
Housing mix
Dwelling types from the 2021 Census
Risks & flags
Quick scan — open a section below for full context
Living here
Desirability
Ranks & confidence
- Desirability score
- 33.2/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 5022nd in Australia
- State rank
- 517th in SA
- Peer rank
- #32 among Coastal & beach · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #49 among Coastal & beach suburbs
- Data confidence
- 62%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Houses (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $520
- Rental bonds lodged (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- 20
Median weekly rent from SA Housing Authority rental bond data. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.
Median house sale prices cover metropolitan Adelaide and selected fringe councils (19 LGAs, including Adelaide Hills and Gawler), not all of regional South Australia.
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- SA rent report & metro median house sales — Government of South Australia · 1 January - 31 March 2026 · Updated · Quarterly; metro-fringe sales only
Population
Estimated resident population
2,441(June 2025)
+1.6% annual · +12.0% over 5 years · 87th percentile in SA
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +1.6%
- 5-year growth
- +12.0%
- Change in 1 year
- +39
- Change in 5 years
- +262
- Growth rank in SA
- 87th percentile
ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.
Methodology
Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.
The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~2,650), extrapolated at +1.8% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 2,222
- Median age
- 58
- Median household income / week
- $916
- Dwelling vacancy
- 37.1%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 597 of 1,608
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,083
- Employment rate
- 38.6%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 896 / 100 / 4
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
- Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries
Community & culture
No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (2024–25)
- 45
- Against the person
- 8
- Against property
- 37
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 18.4
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 278 residents
- State safety percentile
- 26th (lower crime is better)
- Family & domestic abuse offences
- 36
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -24.8%
Most common offence types
- Other Property Damage And Environmental13
- Other Theft9
- Sct - Residence6
- Serious Assault Not Resulting In Injury4
- Serious Assault Resulting In Injury2
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- SAPOL reported crime statistics — South Australia Police — OpenData · 2023-24 → 2024-25; 2024-25 · Updated · Financial-year releases
Family & Lifestyle
Amenities
31 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
1 playgrounds · 1 swimming pools
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Limited walkable amenities nearby
- Decent local green space — 3 parks in suburb, 1 playgrounds nearby
- Walkability proxy
- 2/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 1.35
Sport & outdoors(7)
- Goolwa Golf CourseGolf course
- Park (3)
- Playground
- Sports field
- Swimming pool
Transport(1)
1 bus stops
Other(11)
- Bench (5)
- Nature Reserve
- Tokuremoar ReserveNature Reserve
- Unnamed (No.HA1618) Heritage AgreementNature Reserve
- Goolwa BeachParking
- Parking (3)
- Parking Space
- Picnic Table (2)
- Shelter (3)
- Shower (2)
- Waste Basket (3)
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 3
- Parks (OSM)
- 3
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- South Coast District Hospital (15.1 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Public Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & GP Plus clinics (SA) — SA Health · current · Updated
NDIS participation
- NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
- 70
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 28.7
Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.
For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.
Data sources & freshness
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
Weather
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Usual max / min
- 25° / 15°
- Rainfall
- 53 mm · ~7 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 21° / 12°
- Rainfall
- 103 mm · ~13 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 15° / 8°
- Rainfall
- 183 mm · ~23 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 20° / 10°
- Rainfall
- 104 mm · ~13 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from PlanSA register and EPA licensed activities.
2026· 26 proposals
August 2026
- Construction of a deck and verandah attached to the existing single storey dwelling (retrospective)14 LUNDSTROM ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Under Assessment
June 2026
- Building alterations and repair work (like-for-like) for an existing commercial waste processing shed.1226 PORT ELLIOT RD GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of Single storey detached dwelling7 HAYNES ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Under Assessment
- Carport and verandah21 SUNMAN ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Stratco Gable Garage W-6.151m x L-7.414m x H-2.7m35 UNDERWOOD AV GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
May 2026
- Partial change of use of existing dwelling to ancillary accommodation and building alterations (internal and external)26 HEGGATON RD GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Under Assessment
- Construction of a verandah2 FIELDING ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of an outbuilding (replacement garage)28 HAYNES ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Outbuilding (shed)5 WELCH ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of a single storey detached dwelling, outbuilding and associated earthworks and infrastructure1 SHIPWAY ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Under Assessment
- 2m x 2m spa to be placed at rear of driveway beside house. Suitable pool fencing and gates to be erected and decking steps to be built for access to spa.28 HAYNES ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Under Assessment
April 2026
- Carport and Garage39 EATON AV GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Under Assessment
- Construction of an outbuilding (garage)6 BOWLEY ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of an outbuilding (shed)22 SUNMAN ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
March 2026
- Dwelling alterations to convert garage under existing roof to main bedroom and verandah to rear.33 PORT ELLIOT RD GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Demolition and construction of an outbuilding (garage)5 GORDON ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Dwelling additions comprising installation of a balcony and internal alterations.6 BRADFORD RD GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Under Assessment
- Verandah's16 CAVE ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of a carport9 NESS ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Single storey dwelling additions and alterations29 CASTLE AV GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Under Assessment
February 2026
- Variation to DA 24033641 - Increase lower and upper ceiling heights from 2.7 to 3.0m33 NEIGHBOUR AV GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Under Assessment
- Construction of a Verandah8 CASTLE AV GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of an outbuilding (shed)13 CAVE ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of a single-storey dwelling addition, alterations, and a verandah6 COUNTER RD GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
January 2026
- Construction of a single storey detached dwelling3 FRAYNE ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of an outbuilding (garage)34 HEGGATON RD GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
2025· 15 proposals
December 2025
- Construction of an outbuilding19 HAYNES CR GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214;21 HAYNES CR GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of a carport6 GLEN CT GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Carport9 ORR ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
November 2025
- Construction of a double-storey dwelling with associated earthworks24 SHIPWAY ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of a freestanding carport57 FERGUSON RD GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of a verandah (partially enclosed) and deck18 SUNMAN ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of an outbuilding5 BRYANT CR GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of a deck & verandah17 COUNTER RD GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Single storey detached dwelling, verandah and deck8 COUNTER RD GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Dwelling addition (balcony)30 CASTLE AV GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Single storey alteration and addition and construction of deck.11 CASTLE AV GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Under Assessment
October 2025
- Outbuilding (garage)16 BRYANT CR GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Residential61 NEIGHBOUR AV GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Replace existing roof mounted tilt frame solar panels with new system17 ORR ST GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Decision Made
- Demolition and construction of double-storey detached dwelling with associated retaining wall, deck (ramp), fencing and outbuilding48 CORCORAN AV GOOLWA BEACH SA 5214Under Assessment
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- PlanSA development applications & EPA licences — Government of South Australia — PlanSA · 2026 · Updated
Heritage
1 heritage place
- Dwelling ('Thornbury')5 Port Elliot Road GOOLWAState heritage
Data sources & freshness
- SA Heritage Places database — Department for Environment and Water (SA) · current · Updated
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- Overlay applies
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid against all current SA Planning risk layers (high, medium, general, urban interface, regional, outback). Safer places from CFS designated locations.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Bushfire & hazard overlays (SA) — Government of South Australia · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Mayo
- Member of Parliament
- Rebekha SHARKIE (Centre Alliance)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 137,818
- Turnout (2025)
- 94.2%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +3.4 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 45.0%Labor 55.0%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 15.0 km away).
Coalition 47.6%Labor 52.4%
2.6 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +0.6 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Goolwa CentralLabor 52.0% · Coalition 48.0% TPP (2025)2.0 km away
- GoolwaLabor 52.9% · Coalition 47.1% TPP (2025)2.5 km away
- MiddletonLabor 56.1% · Coalition 43.9% TPP (2025)5.0 km away
- Currency CreekLabor 39.7% · Coalition 60.3% TPP (2025)7.0 km away
- Port ElliotLabor 57.9% · Coalition 42.1% TPP (2025)7.7 km away
Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.
Data sources & freshness
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 2/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 2/10
ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?
IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.
IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.
A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
Compare with
Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
More in Alexandrina Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of South Australia.