Ballina Surrounds

Population growth drivers in Ballina Surrounds are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Ballina Surrounds' population, as of November 2025, is approximately 19,248. This figure represents a growth of 921 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,327. The increase can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,076 in June 2024 and an additional 454 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 47 persons per square kilometer. Ballina Surrounds' growth rate of 5.0% since the 2021 census exceeds that of the SA4 region at 3.3%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 48.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Ballina Surrounds is projected to have a population increase of 4,940 persons, reflecting a total gain of 24.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Ballina Surrounds among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Ballina Surrounds has seen approximately 121 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 609 homes. As of FY-26, 42 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodates around 1.9 new residents annually. The market shows a balanced supply and demand, supporting stable conditions with an average construction cost of $368,000 per dwelling.

In the current financial year, there have been $12.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of NSW, Ballina Surrounds exhibits moderately higher development activity, approximately 11.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. The new developments consist of 65.0% standalone homes and 35.0% medium and high-density housing, offering a mix of opportunities across price brackets. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, differing from the current housing mix which is predominantly houses (86.0%).

With around 193 people per approval, Ballina Surrounds maintains a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Ballina Surrounds is projected to add approximately 4,766 residents by 2041. Construction pace is currently maintaining with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as population increases.

Ballina Surrounds has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 47 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the Alstonville Cultural Centre Upgrade, Alstonville Medical Centre at 12 Commercial Road, Alstonville Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, and the 104 Main Street Mixed-Use Development. 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.

The labour market in Ballina Surrounds shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Ballina Surrounds has a skilled workforce with 9,356 residents employed as of September 2025. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is 1.5% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is 59.4%, slightly higher than the regional average of 56.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 5.3% of Ballina Surrounds's workforce compared to 7.5% in Rest of NSW.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.3%, and employment declined by 1.9%, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ballina Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Ballina Surrounds SA2 had incomes below national averages in financial year 2022. Its median taxpayer income was $45,426 and average income was $60,357. Comparatively, Rest of NSW's figures were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $51,154 (median) and $67,968 (average), based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data showed Ballina Surrounds' household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly, between the 38th and 39th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captured 32.2% of individuals (6,197), similar to regional levels at 29.9%. Income remaining after housing costs was 84.9%, ranking at the 41st percentile. Ballina Surrounds' SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Ballina Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Ballina Surrounds, as per the latest Census evaluation, 86.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 13.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ballina Surrounds stood at 44.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 22.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, below the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,980. The median weekly rent in Ballina Surrounds was $410, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, Ballina Surrounds' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Ballina Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 73.9% of all households, including 29.7% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.1%, with lone person households at 23.0% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Ballina Surrounds aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Ballina Shire Council's 2016 Census Community Profile reports that among residents aged 15 years and over in Ballina Surrounds, 26.1% have attained university degrees, compared to the New South Wales average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 18.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 39.3% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.8% and certificates for 27.5%. Educational participation is significant in the region, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary (10.1%), secondary (8.2%), and tertiary (3.3%) levels.

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

Ballina Surrounds has 621 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 69 individual routes that together facilitate 888 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 143 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes is 126 trips per day, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Ballina Shire faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~9624 people), compared to 52.3% across the Rest of NSW, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.9% and 8.8% of residents respectively.

However, 66.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.0% across the Rest of NSW. The area has 23.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4579 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Ballina Surrounds, as per a report, had cultural diversity levels below average. It was noted that 87.3% of its population were born in Australia, with 91.9% being citizens, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was found to be the predominant religion, accounting for 52.0% of people residing there.

However, Judaism was overrepresented compared to regional averages, comprising 0.2% of Ballina Surrounds' population against a regional average of 0.6%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 32.3%, Australian at 29.3%, and Irish at 9.9%. Notably, Welsh (0.7%) and Scottish (8.8%) populations were slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.6% and 9.0%, respectively. Additionally, the representation of Australian Aboriginal people was also higher than regional averages, with 2.7% compared to 2.2%.

Ballina Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Ballina Surrounds is 46, which is slightly higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group has strong representation at 13.6%, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group grew from 11.1% to 11.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 13.5% to 12.4%. By 2041, Ballina Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 43%, adding 809 people and reaching a total of 2,709 from the previous figure of 1,899. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort grows by a modest 7%, adding 145 people.