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, stands at approximately 22,171 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 652 individuals, marking a 3.0% rise since the 2021 Census, which reported 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, exceeding the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Balgownie-Fairy Meadow's 3.0% growth since the census places it within 1.0 percentage point of the SA3 area (4.0%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

AreaSearch employs 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 uses 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 demographic trends anticipate an above median population growth for national non-metropolitan areas, projecting the area to increase by 4,334 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, 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 FY25445 homes were approved, with an additional 25 approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, only 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been recorded.

This suggests 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 $555,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. In FY26, 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 toward 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, the area is expected to gain 4,287 residents by 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 26 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones 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 was 4.3% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.0% over the past year.

There were 11,031 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 0.6% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of NSW at 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade, with a strong specialization in education & training at 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows 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%, labour force increased by 0.6%, and unemployment decreased by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 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 project national 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 2022 shows Balgownie - Fairy Meadow SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $52,767 and an average of $70,922. This is higher than the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $59,421 (median) and $79,865 (average). The 2021 Census places 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 (6,097 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, similar to metropolitan regions 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Balgownie-Fairy Meadow's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.1% houses and 32.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro NSW's 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 figure was $380, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Balgownie-Fairy Meadow's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,219 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375 at $380.

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 the remaining 32.7%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 5.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches 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% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region 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 them – advanced diplomas account for 10.7% and certificates for 23.7%.

Educational participation is 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

Balgownie-Fairy Meadow has 192 active public transport stops. These are a mix of train and bus stations. They are served by 59 different routes that collectively provide 2,662 weekly passenger trips.

The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 147 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 380 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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 younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 55% of the total population (~12,194 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.2 and 8.4% of residents respectively. 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), higher than the 17.7% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present 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'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 the population. Islam is notably overrepresented compared to Rest of NSW, making up 3.4% versus 2.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.6%), Australian (24.4%), and Other (8.7%). Italian ethnicity is significantly higher at 7.7%, Macedonian at 1.0%, compared to regional averages of 4.5% and 1.5%, respectively. Welsh ethnicity remains similar 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, 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 2021 Census, the median age decreased by 1.1 years from 40 to 39, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes show that the proportion of residents aged 15-24 grew from 14.2% to 16.7%, while those aged 25-34 increased from 12.1% to 14.3%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 declined from 12.3% to 10.8%, and those aged 55-64 dropped from 12.2% to 10.9%. 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, expanding by 1,532 people (48%) from 3,174 to 4,707. Meanwhile, the number of residents aged 55-64 is expected to fall by 297.