Balgownie - Fairy Meadow
Statistical Area - sa2

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 of August 2025, is approximately 22,169, reflecting a growth of 650 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,519. This increase represents a 3.0% rise from the census figure. The estimated resident population of 22,124 in June 2024 and an additional 77 validated new addresses since the Census date support this inference. This results in a population density ratio of 1,808 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Balgownie-Fairy Meadow's growth rate of 3.0% since the census places it within 0.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.9%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

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, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate an above-median growth rate for national non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the area is projected to increase by 4,334 persons, representing a total gain of 19.4% over the 17-year period, based on the latest 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 81 new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 405 dwellings approved over the past five years from FY20 to FY25, and 16 approved so far in FY26. On average, 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling were constructed between FY20 and FY25, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand. The average construction value of new homes was $555,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction.

This financial year has seen $34.9 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Balgownie-Fairy Meadow shows approximately 69% of the construction activity per person and places among the 58th percentile nationally. New development consists of 43.0% standalone homes and 57.0% medium and high-density housing, indicating a trend towards denser development to provide accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 68.0% houses. With around 269 people per dwelling approval, Balgownie-Fairy Meadow shows characteristics of a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate that Balgownie-Fairy Meadow will gain approximately 4,289 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing 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 27 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Mount Ousley Interchange, Sylvan Ridge, Balgownie Mountain Bike Trail Infrastructure, and 68-74 Princes Highway Mixed-Use Development. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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

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

Balgownie-Fairy Meadow has a well-educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.0% over the past year.

There are 11,031 residents employed, while the unemployment rate is 0.6% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW at 56.4%. Residents' employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area shows a strong specialization in education & training with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.2% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, while labour force increased by 0.6%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decrease by 0.1% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs) with a state unemployment rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts for Balgownie-Fairy Meadow suggest local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years based on industry-specific projections.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Balgownie - Fairy Meadow's median income among taxpayers is $52,767. The average income in the area is $70,922. This is higher than the national average. In comparison, Rest of NSW has a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year ended June 2022, current estimates for Balgownie - Fairy Meadow would be approximately $58,360 (median) and $78,440 (average) as of March 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow rank modestly, between the 34th and 44th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 27.5% of locals (6,096 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income category, which is similar to the metropolitan region where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow, 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Balgownie-Fairy Meadow, as per the latest Census, 68.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 32.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's composition of 58.9% houses and 41.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balgownie-Fairy Meadow stood at 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 was $380, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Balgownie-Fairy Meadow's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 32.7%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 5.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, matching the average in the Rest of NSW.

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 at 29.5% for residents aged 15+, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 regional average of 25.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 10.7% and certificates for 23.7%.

Educational participation is high at 31.0%, including tertiary education (9.1%), primary education (8.6%), and secondary education (6.8%). There are 10 schools operating within Balgownie - Fairy Meadow, educating approximately 3,637 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1042). The educational mix includes 6 primary schools, 3 secondary schools, and 1 K-12 school.

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 the area comprising Balgownie - Fairy Meadow shows that there are 192 active transport stops currently operating. These include a mix of train stations and bus stops. The services are provided by 59 individual routes which together facilitate around 2,662 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent accessibility to public transport with an average distance of just 147 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are approximately 380 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 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, which comprises around 12,192 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.2% and 8.4% of residents respectively. A total of 67.4% of residents declared 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 (4,320 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 above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Balgownie-Fairy Meadow had a cultural diversity above average, with 22.9% of its population born overseas and 18.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion, making up 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 was notably overrepresented at 7.7% (vs regional 4.5%), Serbian at 0.7% (vs 0.8%), and Macedonian at 1.0% (vs 1.5%).

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

The median age in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow as of 2021 is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but aligns 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%). Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, the median age decreased by 1.1 years from 40 to 39, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes in age groups show that the 15-24 cohort grew from 14.2% to 16.7%, while the 25-34 group increased from 12.1% to 14.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.3% to 10.8% and the 55-64 group dropped from 12.2% to 10.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Balgownie - Fairy Meadow's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is 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.