Ballina

Population growth drivers in Ballina are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Ballina's population is around 18,929 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 300 people (1.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,629 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,810 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 153 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 523 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Ballina has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.9% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 56.8% 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. Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with the area expected to grow by 3,337 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 17.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Ballina when compared nationally

Ballina has averaged around 35 new dwelling approvals each year, with 177 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 17 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3.3 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $437,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. There have also been $35.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Relative to the Rest of NSW, Ballina records markedly lower building activity (68.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New building activity shows 54.0% standalone homes and 46.0% townhouses or apartments, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. The estimated count of 467 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Ballina adding 3,218 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Ballina has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 31 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the New Ballina SES Headquarters, Total Tools Ballina, Ballina District Hospital Redevelopment, and Solhaven, 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 conditions in Ballina remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Ballina features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 4.0%. As of December 2025, 7,817 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (50.0% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.6% 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, retail trade, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 2.1% employment compared to 5.3% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 0.3% while employment declined by 0.6%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Ballina. 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 Ballina's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Ballina SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $49,374 with the average level standing at $64,544. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,749 (median) and $70,263 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Ballina all fall between the 10th and 21st percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 27.4% of residents (5,186 people), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 9th percentile.

Ballina displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Ballina, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 57.7% houses and 42.3% 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 Ballina was higher than that of Regional NSW, at 43.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (21.6%) or rented (35.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Regional NSW average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $390, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Ballina's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Ballina features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 60.0% of all households, comprising 17.1% couples with children, 30.1% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.0%, with lone person households at 35.8% and group households comprising 4.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Ballina fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (21.9%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (27.1%).

A substantial 24.0% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.0% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 401 active transport stops operating within Ballina, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 76 individual routes, collectively providing 1,412 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 100 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 5% walking and 3% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 14.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 201 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Ballina is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Ballina faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~9,691 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.4 and 9.7% of residents, respectively, while 58.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 33.2% of residents aged 65 and over (6,284 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Ballina is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Ballina was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.5% of its population being citizens, 86.7% born in Australia, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Ballina is Christianity, which makes up 54.5% of people in Ballina, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Ballina are English, comprising 32.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 8.9% of Ballina (vs 8.0% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.4% (vs 4.6%) and French at 0.5% (vs 0.4%).

Ballina ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The 52-year median age in Ballina is significantly above Regional NSW's average of 43 and similarly well above the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (12.2% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (9.0%). This 75 - 84 concentration is well above the national 6.1%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.1% to 11.5% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 8.9% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 17.0% to 15.4% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 13.5% to 12.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Ballina. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 75%, adding 795 residents to reach 1,857. In contrast, numbers in the 15 to 24 age range are expected to fall by 49.