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, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 22,189 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 670 individuals, a rise of 3.1% since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 21,519. The growth is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 22,124 in June 2024 and an additional 78 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 1,809 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 3.1% since the Census is within 1.3 percentage points of the SA3 area's 4.4%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains in recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Future population dynamics project above median growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with the area expected to increase by 4,334 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 19.2% over the 17 years.

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 FY25445 homes were approved, with an additional 48 approved so far in FY26. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years was 0.6.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new homes is $408,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis 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 and places among the 58th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 43.0% standalone homes and 57.0% medium and high-density housing.

This shift towards denser development provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing, which is currently 68.0% houses. With around 269 people per dwelling approval, Balgownie-Fairy Meadow shows characteristics of a low density area. According to population forecasts, Balgownie-Fairy Meadow will gain approximately 4,269 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Balgownie - Fairy Meadow has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 27 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects 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. Its unemployment rate was 4.9% as of September 2025. Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively high.

As of September 2025, 11,132 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, 1.1% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of NSW at 61.5%. Census responses indicated that 32.3% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

The area shows strong specialization in education & training (32.4%) compared to the regional level (25%). Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.2% versus the regional average of 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, while labour force increased by 0.2%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 4.9%. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.5% and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project growth rates over five and ten-year periods. Applying these projections to Balgownie-Fairy Meadow's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections 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 2023 shows Balgownie - Fairy Meadow SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $56,178 and an average of $73,324. These figures are higher than the national averages. Rest of NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,155 (median) and $79,821 (average). The 2021 Census data ranks Balgownie - Fairy Meadow's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 34th and 43rd percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 27.5% of locals (6,101 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income category, similar to the metropolitan region where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 44th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Balgownie - Fairy Meadow displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.1% houses and 32.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow was at 39.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (28.2%) or rented (32.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,219, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Balgownie - Fairy Meadow's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Balgownie - Fairy Meadow features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average 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 account for 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, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 29.5% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region rate of 25.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 23.7%.

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

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

Balgownie - Fairy Meadow has 204 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 59 individual routes, providing a total of 2,897 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 147 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 90%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a high 32.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 413 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per stop. An accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

The level of general health in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Balgownie-Fairy Meadow shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low among the general population but higher than national averages for older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is high, with approximately 55% of the total population (~12,292 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW. The most common conditions are arthritis (9.2%) and mental health issues (8.4%). 67.4% reported no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. The area has 19.5% residents aged 65 and over (4,324 people), lower than Rest of NSW's 23.0%. Senior health outcomes present challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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's cultural diversity is above average, with 22.9% of its population born overseas and 18.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Balgownie-Fairy Meadow, comprising 54.7% of people. Islam, however, is overrepresented compared to Rest of NSW, making up 3.4% versus 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.6%), Australian (24.4%), and Other (8.7%). Notably, Italian, Macedonian, and Welsh ethnicities are also overrepresented in Balgownie-Fairy Meadow compared to regional averages.

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

The median age in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow is 39 years, which is significantly lower than 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 proportion of residents aged 15-24 (16.7%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (9.2%). According to the Census conducted on 2021-08-11, the median age in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow decreased by 1 year from 40 years to 39 years between 2016 and 2021, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes show that the proportion of residents aged 15-24 increased from 14.2% to 16.7%, while those aged 25-34 grew from 12.1% to 14.3%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 decreased from 12.3% to 10.8%, and those aged 55-64 dropped from 12.2% to 10.9%. Demographic projections suggest that Balgownie - Fairy Meadow's age profile will undergo significant changes by 2041-07-01. The number of residents aged 25-34 is projected to increase by 1,529 people (48%) from 3,177 to 4,706, while the number of residents aged 55-64 is expected to decrease by 299 people.