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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Balgownie - Fairy Meadow's population is around 22,219 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 700 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,519 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 22,124 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 94 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,812 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Balgownie - Fairy Meadow's 3.3% growth since the census positions it within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth for national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 4,334 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 19.1% in total 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 around 89 new dwelling approvals annually, with 445 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 53 so far in FY-26. Given an average of only 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new homes are being built at an average value of $408,000—moderately above regional levels—indicating an emphasis on quality construction. There have also been $34.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Relative to the Rest of NSW, Balgownie - Fairy Meadow shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person while it 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 trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 68.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting 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.

Population forecasts indicate Balgownie - Fairy Meadow will gain 4,239 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 27 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Mount Ousley Interchange, 68-74 Princes Highway Mixed-Use Development, Sylvan Ridge, and Balgownie Mountain Bike Trail Infrastructure, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 features a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.9%, and 0.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 11,207 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.0% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Based on Census responses, a high 32.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.2% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.6% while labour force increased by 0.5%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Balgownie - Fairy Meadow. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific 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 (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population 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 FY-23, the Balgownie - Fairy Meadow SA2's median income among taxpayers is $56,178, with an average of $73,324. This is higher than the national average, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $61,155 (median) and $79,821 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow, between the 34th and 43rd percentiles. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 27.5% of locals (6,110 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 44th percentile, and 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

Dwelling structure within Balgownie - Fairy Meadow, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 68.1% houses and 32.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Balgownie - Fairy Meadow was in line with that of Regional NSW, at 39.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.2%) or rented (32.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional NSW average at $2,219, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Balgownie - Fairy Meadow's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Balgownie - Fairy Meadow features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 67.3% of all households, comprising 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%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 5.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional 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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (29.5% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and that of the SA4 region (25.2%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (23.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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

Public transport analysis reveals 204 active transport stops operating within Balgownie - Fairy Meadow, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 59 individual routes, collectively providing 2,897 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 147 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A high 32.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 413 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~12,309 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.2% and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 67.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 19.4% of residents aged 65 and over (4,321 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they 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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 22.9% of its population born overseas and 18.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow is Christianity, which makes up 54.7% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 3.4% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow are English, comprising 24.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 30.5%, Australian, comprising 24.4% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 30.0%, and Other, comprising 8.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 7.7% of Balgownie - Fairy Meadow (vs 2.1% regionally), Macedonian at 1.0% (vs 0.4%) and Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.5%).

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

The 39-year median age in Balgownie - Fairy Meadow is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 while essentially aligned with Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional NSW, Balgownie - Fairy Meadow has a higher concentration of 15 - 24 residents (17.0%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (9.2%). Following the 2021 Census, the median age has decreased by 1.3 years from 40 to 39, indicating a younger demographic shift. Key changes show the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 14.2% to 17.0% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 12.1% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 10.4% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.2% to 10.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Balgownie - Fairy Meadow's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 1,414 people (43%) from 3,292 to 4,707. Meanwhile, numbers in the 55 to 64 age range are expected to fall by 234.