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

As of February 2026, Balgownie - Fairy Meadow's population is approximately 22,219, marking a 3.3% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 21,519 people. This growth can be attributed to an estimated resident population of 22,124 in June 2024 and the validation of 94 new addresses since the Census date. The resulting population density is around 1,812 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Balgownie - Fairy Meadow's growth rate of 3.3% since the census is within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area average (4.5%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 87.0% of overall population gains in recent periods. AreaSearch uses 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 employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 using a 2021 base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Balgownie - Fairy Meadow is projected to gain an additional 4,334 persons, reflecting a total increase of 19.1% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 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. On average, 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been recorded over these five years, suggesting that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of new homes is $408,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. This financial year has seen $34.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Balgownie-Fairy Meadow shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 58th percentile nationally. New development consists of 43.0% standalone homes and 57.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 68.0% houses. This trend may indicate decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 269 people per dwelling approval, Balgownie-Fairy Meadow exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain 4,239 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 27 projects that are expected to 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 projects likely to be 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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.9% as of September 2025. Over the past year, it maintained relative employment stability.

As of that month, 11,132 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census data showed 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 has a strong specialization in education & training (1.3 times the regional level) but lower representation in agriculture, forestry & fishing (0.2% vs regional average of 5.3%). Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, while labour force grew by 0.2%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 4.9%. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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 income of $56,178 and an average of $73,324. This is higher than the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,155 (median) and $79,821 (average). The 2021 Census ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow between the 34th and 43rd percentiles. The earnings profile shows 27.5% of locals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. 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

Balgownie-Fairy Meadow's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 68.1% houses and 32.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balgownie-Fairy Meadow was 39.4%, similar to Non-Metro NSW's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 28.2%, while rented dwellings were at 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 account for 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 make up the remaining 32.7%, composed of 27.5% lone person households and 5.1% group households. 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 university qualification rate of 29.5%, as of the latest data available, is higher than both the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region average of 25.2%. This indicates a strong emphasis on higher education within the community. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.9% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%.

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications. This includes advanced diplomas held by 10.7% of residents and certificates held by 23.7%. Educational participation is notably high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This comprises 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, collectively providing 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, primarily using cars at a rate of 90%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 32.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

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

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. AreaSearch's assessment found low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, but higher than national averages for older and at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is high, with approximately 55% (~12,309 people) compared to 51.9% across the rest of NSW. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.2%) and mental health issues (8.4%). A higher proportion, 67.4%, claimed no medical ailments than in the rest of NSW (63.3%). Health outcomes for working-age residents are typical. The area has a lower percentage of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.4% (4,321 people) compared to 23.4% across the rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of 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 exhibited 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 predominant religion in Balgownie-Fairy Meadow, comprising 54.7% of people. Islam was notably overrepresented, making up 3.4% compared to the regional average of 0.8%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (24.6%), Australian (24.4%), and Other (8.7%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Italian at 7.7% versus 2.1%, Macedonian at 1.0% versus 0.4%, and Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.5%.

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 percentage of residents aged 15-24 (17.0%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (9.2%). According to the Census conducted on August 10, 2021, the median age in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow decreased by 1.3 years from 40 to 39, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes show that the percentage of residents aged 15-24 increased from 14.2% to 17.0%, while those aged 25-34 increased from 12.1% to 14.8%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45-54 decreased from 12.3% to 10.4%, and those aged 55-64 dropped from 12.2% to 10.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that Balgownie - Fairy Meadow's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow strongly, increasing by 1,414 people (43%) from 3,292 to 4,707. Meanwhile, the number of residents aged 55-64 is expected to fall by 234.