Council (LGA) · Area profile
Golden Plains
2,703 km²
A population jump of 33% since 2011 has shaped Golden Plains into a growing community of large families. This area is a strong bastion of detached housing, where a high number of children and a rise in high-earning households define the local character. With very few renters and a low proportion of people born overseas, it feels like a traditional Australian regional heartland. It is an affluent, car-dependent region where the typical family income is about the same as the national figure.
An affluent area whose schools serve an equally well-off community.
A family-heavy area that's short on schools per child.
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The population is notably young, with children under 15 making up 22% of residents, which is well above the national figure. The typical resident is 39, and there are fewer seniors here than in most similar areas.
Most residents were born in Australia, and only 9.2% were born overseas, a figure far below the state and national averages. Ancestry is predominantly Australian and English.
English is the primary language for almost everyone, with only 3% of people using another language at home. This is far below the national figure, and very few residents speak little or no English.
A half of the community reports having no religion, a figure far above the national average. This trend has seen a sharp rise of 21 percentage points since 2011.
The area has a higher rate of Year 12 completion than most similar areas, though it remains far below the state average. Those with a bachelor degree or higher make up 16.6% of adults.
Typical family and household incomes are much higher than in most similar areas and sit close to the national figures. The number of households earning over $3,000 a week rose by 15 percentage points since 2011.
About 30.2% of people have a long-term health condition, which is a little above the national average. Mental health conditions are more common here than in most similar areas.
Unpaid care is a major part of local life, with 32.1% of people caring for children and 26.9% doing significant housework, both of which are among the highest rates for this level.
First Nations people in the area are noticeably younger than those in the state. They also have a much higher Year 12 completion rate and an unemployment rate that is among the lowest for similar areas.
Homes here are larger than usual, with 2.9 people per household. Only 16.5% of people live alone, which is well below the state and national figures.
Detached houses make up almost every home here, with 89% having three or more bedrooms. Renting is very rare, as only 7.2% of households rent, far below the national figure.
Car ownership is essential, with 99% of homes owning a vehicle and only 0.4% of people using public transport to commute. A drive to the city typically takes 106 minutes.
The area has seen less movement than other regions, with fewer people moving in the last five years compared to the state. Recent overseas arrivals have also fallen since 2011.
More adults are working or looking for work here than in most similar areas, and the unemployment rate is much lower than the national figure. Construction and health care are the main industries.
The region is considered very advantaged, ranking in the top 20% of areas for overall advantage. Population growth has remained strong, rising 6.9% since 2021.
The area is wetter than the state average, with 715mm of annual rainfall. However, average temperatures are among the lowest for similar areas.
Crime rates are generally among the lowest for similar areas, particularly for theft, burglary, and drug offences. However, the crime rate has risen by 38.6% over five years.
The area is heavily car-dependent, with a very low walkability score. Only 15% of homes are within a 15-minute walk of groceries, and only 10.7% are near health services.