Balgownie - Fairy Meadow

An assessment of population growth drivers in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Balgownie-Fairy Meadow's population is approximately 22,171 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects a growth of 652 people, representing a 3.0% increase since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 21,519. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 22,124 in June 2024 and an additional 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,808 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Balgownie-Fairy Meadow's growth rate of 3.0% since the census positions it within 1.0 percentage point of the SA3 area (4.0%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, primarily driving the area's population growth.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for national non-metropolitan areas. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Balgownie-Fairy Meadow is projected to increase by 4,334 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 19.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Balgownie - Fairy Meadow recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Balgownie-Fairy Meadow has averaged approximately 89 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 445 homes were approved, with an additional 35 approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, only 0.6 new residents per year have been associated with each dwelling constructed.

This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new homes has been $408,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. In the current financial year, there have been $34.9 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Balgownie-Fairy Meadow shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person, placing it among the 58th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development in the area consists of 43.0% standalone homes and 57.0% medium and high-density housing.

This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 68.0% houses. This shift may indicate decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 269 people per dwelling approval, Balgownie-Fairy Meadow shows characteristics of a low density area. According to population forecasts from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Balgownie-Fairy Meadow is expected to gain approximately 4,287 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match this population growth, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Balgownie - Fairy Meadow has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Mount Ousley Interchange, 68-74 Princes Highway Mixed-Use Development, Sylvan Ridge, and Balgownie Mountain Bike Trail Infrastructure. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Balgownie - Fairy Meadow has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 4.9%.

Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable. As of September 2025, 11,132 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is 1.1% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to the regional average at 56.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

The area has a strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.2% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.3% while labour force increased by 0.2%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw a decrease in employment by 0.5%, a contraction in labour force by 0.1%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Balgownie - Fairy Meadow's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Balgownie - Fairy Meadow SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $52,767 and an average of $70,922. Nationally, the median was lower at $48,138 with an average of $62,611. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,421 (median) and $79,865 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%. The 2021 Census ranked Balgownie - Fairy Meadow's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 34th and 43rd percentiles. The earnings profile showed that 27.5% (6,097 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to the metropolitan region's 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe with only 83.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 44th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Balgownie - Fairy Meadow displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Balgownie-Fairy Meadow's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 68.1% houses and 32.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 58.9% houses and 41.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balgownie-Fairy Meadow was 39.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.2% and rented ones at 32.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,219, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,189. The median weekly rent figure was $380, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Balgownie-Fairy Meadow's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Balgownie - Fairy Meadow features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 67.3% of all households, including 29.1% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.7%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 5.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning with the Rest of NSW average.

The educational profile of Balgownie - Fairy Meadow exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate of 29.5%, as of the latest available data, exceeds both the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region average of 25.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.9% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%. Vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 23.7%, are held by 34.4% of residents aged 15+.

Educational participation is high with 31.0% currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.1% in tertiary, 8.6% in primary, and 6.8% in secondary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis of public transport in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow shows that there are currently 192 active transport stops operating in the area. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. A total of 59 individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 2,662 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates transport accessibility as excellent, with residents typically located just 147 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 380 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Balgownie-Fairy Meadow faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~12,194 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.2 and 8.4% of residents respectively. However, 67.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 68.6% across Rest of NSW. The area has 19.5% of residents aged 65 and over (4,321 people), which is higher than the 17.7% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Balgownie-Fairy Meadow showed above-average cultural diversity with 22.9% of its population born overseas and 18.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 54.7%. Islam was overrepresented at 3.4%, compared to 2.5% in Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.6%), Australian (24.4%), and Other (8.7%). Italian (7.7%) and Macedonian (1.0%) were notably overrepresented, while Welsh showed no significant difference from the regional average at 0.8%.

Balgownie - Fairy Meadow's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow is 39 years, significantly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Balgownie - Fairy Meadow has a higher concentration of residents aged 15-24 (16.7%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (9.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the median age in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow decreased by 1.1 years from 40 to 39, indicating a younger demographic shift. Key changes show that the percentage of residents aged 15 to 24 increased from 14.2% to 16.7%, while those aged 25 to 34 increased from 12.1% to 14.3%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45 to 54 declined from 12.3% to 10.8%, and those aged 55 to 64 dropped from 12.2% to 10.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that Balgownie - Fairy Meadow's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 1,532 people (48%) from 3,174 to 4,707. Meanwhile, numbers in the 55-64 age range are expected to fall by 297 people.