Median house price
—
No data available
SA · Alexandrina Council
Goolwa South, 5214
Est. population · Jun 2025
1,141
Growth (1 yr)
+1.6%
Growth (5 yr)
+12.0%
Median age
62
Median income
$961/wk
Employment rate
36.4%
Languages at home
3.1%non-English
Most common: German, Italian, Australian Indigenous languages
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Coastal
- Green suburb
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Goolwa South wears its coastal identity openly, a smaller community built around sand, sea and an easy outdoor rhythm. An older demographic makes it especially popular with retirees. Shops and services are limited locally: a short trip to a nearby centre covers the fuller weekly shop.
Outdoor life is easy here, with generous parks and room for kids, dogs and weekend strolls. A car helps for most daily errands, with fewer amenities clustered within an easy walk. 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. Steady development is bringing new homes and gradual renewal to parts of the suburb.
The desirability picture is below average, weighed down by softer local dining and lifestyle amenities relative to similar coastal suburbs. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Goolwa South snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$510/wk
Population (ERP)
1,141
+1.6% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
52.9%
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
#44
among Coastal & beach · Mature
Safety
44th
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
- 25.1/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 6278th in Australia
- State rank
- 623rd in SA
- Peer rank
- #44 among Coastal & beach · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #62 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)
- $510
- Rental bonds lodged (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- 10
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
1,141(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
- +18
- Change in 5 years
- +122
- 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 (~1,250), extrapolated at +1.8% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 1,041
- Median age
- 62
- Median household income / week
- $961
- Dwelling vacancy
- 52.9%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 556 of 1,052
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,134
- Employment rate
- 36.4%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 447 / 28 / 22 (+ 3 other)
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)
- 33
- Against the person
- 5
- Against property
- 28
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 28.9
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 208 residents
- State safety percentile
- 44.1th (lower crime is better)
- Family & domestic abuse offences
- 36
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -23%
Most common offence types
- Other Theft8
- Property Damage By Fire Or Explosion4
- Sct - Non Residence3
- Sct - Residence6
- Serious Assault Not Resulting In Injury3
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
3 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Limited walkable amenities nearby
- Great for outdoor family life — 4 parks mapped in suburb
- Walkability proxy
- 0/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 3.84
Other(3)
- Parking
- Public toilets
- Slipway
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)
- 4
- Parks (OSM)
- 4
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 (19.7 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)
- 33
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 28.9
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· 22 proposals
July 2026
- Construction of a freestanding gazeboLOT 636 SWEETMAN RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Under Assessment
- Construction of a deck and verandah3 LOVELL ST GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Under Assessment
- Upgrade structure to continue on from existing carport4 BUNYIP ST GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of a carport23 MCKINNON RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Under Assessment
- Verandah5 SCOTT ST GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of a single storey detached dwelling and freestanding carport including associated earthworks and infrastructure13A RIVERSIDE DR GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Under Assessment
- Alterations and additions to the existing two storey detached dwelling consisting of integrated carport, additions and internal alterations17 MCKINNON RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Under Assessment
- Placement of free-standing double-sided advertisement in association with existing club rooms112 BARRAGE RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Under Assessment
June 2026
- Construction of two storey detached dwelling with garage15 HEWETT RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Under Assessment
May 2026
- Construction of a replacement single-storey detached dwelling12 BILLABONG RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of an outbuilding (retrospective)14 JUMBUK RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Under Assessment
- Dwelling addition (balcony)1 HEWETT RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Under Assessment
- Removal of existing shed & installation of Strato storage shed27 DOWNER AV GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Under Assessment
- Construction of an Outbuilding (Garage)55 RIVERSIDE DR GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
April 2026
- Construction of a single storey detached dwelling and associated fencing32 JUMBUK RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Under Assessment
March 2026
- Construction of a carport61 COLMAN RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
February 2026
- Dwelling Addition comprising balcony, verandah and external staircase.15 SCOTT ST GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Land division creating one (1) additional allotment (1 into 2) Torrens Title11 RIVERSIDE DR GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Under Assessment
- Construct new single storey clubroom facilities (community facility) comprising boat house and storage of craft, with associated kitchen and toilet facilities. service yard, riverbank works including watercraft landing area, masonry entry feature with signage and associated landscapingLOT 8 BARRAGE RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Under Assessment
January 2026
- Construction of an outbuilding (domestic storage)29 HEINICKE AV GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Upper Storey dwelling addition - balcony with verandah21 BARRAGE RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of an outbuilding addition (domestic storage)27 SHEPHERD AV GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
2025· 22 proposals
December 2025
- Construction of a carport27 HEINICKE AV GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
November 2025
- Golf Driving Range Netting fencing 120m in length varying from 12m to 16m height.LOT 12 BILLABONG RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Replacement and extension of existing deck with pergola19 HEWETT RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Under Assessment
- Construction of an Outbuilding (garage)80 BEACH RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
October 2025
- carport9 LOVELL ST GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Spa pool and associated safety fence66 BEACH RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Boundary Realignment - Amendment to Strata Plan6 MCKINNON RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214;UNIT 1 6 MCKINNON RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214;UNIT 2 6 MCKINNON RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
September 2025
- Conversion of existing storage to ancillary accommodation6 MCKINNON RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214;UNIT 1 6 MCKINNON RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214;UNIT 2 6 MCKINNON RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of a carport11 SWEETMAN RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
August 2025
- Single storey detached dwelling and deck39 RIVERSIDE DR GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of a verandah58 BILLABONG RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
July 2025
- Stratco Gable Roof Shed 9199mm Length 6151mm Width 2700mm high7 SCOTT ST GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of a garage (outbuilding)65 BARRAGE RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214;UNIT 1 65 BARRAGE RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214;UNIT 2 65 BARRAGE RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214;UNIT 3 65 BARRAGE RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214;UNIT 4 65 BARRAGE RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of a carport122 BARRAGE RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of an Outbuilding (garage)107 BARRAGE RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
June 2025
- Dwelling addition and verandah21 SWEETMAN RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of an outbuilding (domestic storage)23 MCKINNON RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of a verandah1 COLMAN RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
May 2025
- Construction of a verandah16 GALPIN AV GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Front Balcony Repair12A BILLABONG RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Installation of x15 6m high light poles adjacent clubrooms.LOT 50 BILLABONG RD GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
- Construction of a carport, deck, spa and associated safety features22 SCOTT ST GOOLWA SOUTH SA 5214Decision Made
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
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 19.3 km away).
Coalition 48.2%Labor 51.8%
3.2 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +0.2 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Goolwa CentralLabor 52.0% · Coalition 48.0% TPP (2025)5.1 km away
- GoolwaLabor 52.9% · Coalition 47.1% TPP (2025)5.8 km away
- Currency CreekLabor 39.7% · Coalition 60.3% TPP (2025)10.5 km away
- MiddletonLabor 56.1% · Coalition 43.9% TPP (2025)10.9 km away
- Port ElliotLabor 57.9% · Coalition 42.1% TPP (2025)13.2 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.