🔍

Goonellabah

NSW 2480 • Rest of NSW

13,351
Population (2021)
$68,536
Median Household Income
23.11 km²
Area
$320/wk
Median Rent
Regional LivingElevated PositionFamily-FriendlyNorthern Rivers

About Goonellabah

Goonellabah is a residential suburb of Lismore, where over 13,000 residents enjoy the elevated setting above the flood-prone town centre. As Lismore's main residential expansion area, it has grown significantly while the CBD has faced challenges. The modest median income reflects the Northern Rivers' economy.

Lismore Square shopping centre provides comprehensive retail, and the suburb has developed its own community identity. The elevation provides views and flood protection that the Lismore CBD lacks. Goonellabah attracts families seeking Northern Rivers living with practical amenities. It's regional NSW adapting to reality—elevated, growing, and community-minded.

Goonellabah falls under postcode 2480 and is governed by Lismore Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lismore electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2480
Urban Area
Goonellabah
LGA / Council
Lismore
Federal Electorate
Page
State Electorate
Lismore
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.83°, 153.33°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
23.11 km²
Elevation
145m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

Median sale prices in Goonellabah for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.

🏡House
$749K
288 sales · ▲ 13.5% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$561K
60 sales · ▲ 12.3% vs 2024

Source: NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information. Strata-titled sales are counted as units; all others as houses. Suburbs with fewer than 5 sales in a category are omitted.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$320
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,560
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
41 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
6.2%

241 state housing + 84 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Sydney CBD Varies

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
596 km
By Train
Train access via local station
By Car (Peak)
2+ hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5+ hours

🛣️ Located 596 km from Sydney CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Goonellabah Shopping Centre Oliver Avenue Goonellabah 2480 NSW
  • Woolworths
    2 Simeoni Drive Goonellabah 2480 NSW

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There is 1 heritage-listed place in or near Goonellabah, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Tulloona
562 Ballina Road Goonellabah • SHR #00051

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Lismore Local Government Area, which contains Goonellabah. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
406.6 / 100k
2yr Down 43.5% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
292.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 3.1%
Non-DV assault
714.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
22.8 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
347.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 5.3%
View all 62 offence types for Lismore →

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
12,900
Census 2021
13,351
▲ 3.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$29,952
Personal Income 2021
$36,660
▲ 22.4% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$36,660 / yr
$705/wk
Household
$68,536 / yr
$1318/wk
Family
$89,492 / yr
$1721/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 11,334
Born Overseas 1,292

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 273
  • 2. New Zealand 123
  • 3. Philippines 91
  • 4. India 75
  • 5. Germany 50
  • 6. Italy 50
  • 7. South Africa 46
  • 8. United States 43
  • 9. Vietnam 40
  • 10. Canada 34

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 5,514
English 5,501
Irish 1,706
Scottish 1,459
Australian Aboriginal 963
Italian 583
German 568
Filipino 150
Dutch 140
Chinese 117

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

9,602
Both parents born in Australia
1,656
Both parents born overseas
1,306
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
51.1%
No Religion
38.8%
Buddhism
0.7%
Islam
0.6%
Sikhism
0.4%
Hinduism
0.4%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
790 (5.9%)
5-14 years
1,660 (12.4%)
15-19 years
778 (5.8%)
20-24 years
711 (5.3%)
25-34 years
1,628 (12.2%)
35-44 years
1,572 (11.8%)
45-54 years
1,569 (11.8%)
55-64 years
1,646 (12.3%)
65-74 years
1,537 (11.5%)
75-84 years
992 (7.4%)
85+ years
466 (3.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Goonellabah known for? +

Goonellabah is a well-established residential suburb in Lismore, NSW, with a population of approximately 13,351 residents. The suburb is valued for its local schools, parks, and community facilities.

How far is Goonellabah from Sydney CBD? +

Goonellabah is approximately 596 kilometres from Sydney CBD, typically a 1.5+ hours drive outside peak hours.

Does Goonellabah have public transport? +

Goonellabah is served by local bus services connecting to the broader NSW network. Nearby train stations provide access to Sydney CBD.

What is the population of Goonellabah? +

According to the 2021 Census, Goonellabah has a population of approximately 13,351 residents.

Is Goonellabah a good place to live? +

Goonellabah offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $41,443, it attracts a broad demographic mix.

What is the postcode for Goonellabah? +

The postcode for Goonellabah, NSW is 2480.

What is the average income in Goonellabah? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Goonellabah is about $705 per week (around $36,700 per year). The median household income is $1,318 per week and the median family income is $1,721 per week.

What is the median house price in Goonellabah? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $749,000, up 13.5% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $561,000, up 12.3% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Goonellabah? +

The median age in Goonellabah is 41. The largest age group is 5–14 (1,660 residents, around 12%). Around 24% of residents are under 20 and about 22% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Goonellabah a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Goonellabah is part of the Lismore LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Goonellabah? +

In Goonellabah, the median weekly rent is $320, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,560 (2021 Census).