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

According to investigations by AreaSearch, the population of Ballina Surrounds is close to 19,587 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,260 individuals (6.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, which counted 18,327 residents. This projection is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 19,370 and 559 validated new addresses registered after the Census. This count indicates a density of 48 persons per square kilometer, which represents a spacious living environment. The expansion rate of 6.9% since the 2021 census outpaced the SA4 region (3.7%) as well as the Rest of NSW, positioning the locality as a leader in regional growth. The main driver of this expansion was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 52.7% of the total population increase over the specified period, with overseas migration and natural growth also contributing positively.

Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 using 2022 as a baseline, are applied to each SA2 location by AreaSearch. In instances where SA2 details are missing, projections from the NSW State Government released in 2022 using a 2021 baseline are substituted. The age group expansion dynamics from these datasets are applied to all regions for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Future demographic forecasts indicate a substantial rise in numbers within the upper quartile of non-metropolitan districts across Australia, with this specific locality projected to increase by 4,470 residents by 2041 based on recent annual ERP counts, representing an overall rise of 21.7% over the 16 years.

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

Approvals for new dwellings in Ballina Surrounds average about 121 per annum, representing a total of 609 residential approvals over the preceding 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 112 approvals have been registered. An average of 2.1 additional residents for every approved dwelling over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25 points to steady demand that helps maintain property values, with new construction showing an average valuation of $368,000. Furthermore, commercial developments worth $12.1 million have been approved during the current financial year, representing steady commercial growth.

Building volume in Ballina Surrounds is moderately elevated when compared to the Rest of NSW, tracking 11.0% above the regional per capita average over the 5 year period, which maintains options for purchasers while supporting demand for existing homes. The breakdown of new building approvals shows 65.0% detached homes and 35.0% medium and high-density residential structures, indicating a growing supply of medium-density choices that offers options across various price segments, ranging from classic family residences to more economical compact spaces. This represents a notable shift from current housing configurations (where houses constitute 86.0%), which points to a reduction in available development sites and reflects changing lifestyle demands and affordability constraints. The region has a ratio of about 196 people for each dwelling approval, showing a growing sector.

Looking ahead, the population of Ballina Surrounds is projected to rise by 4,253 residents by 2041, according to the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Construction activity is keeping a reasonable pace with this anticipated population growth, though home buyers could experience heightened competition as the resident base increases.

Ballina Surrounds has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Local infrastructure updates, planning projects, and major construction initiatives are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has tracked 47 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Notable projects include the Alstonville Cultural Centre Upgrade, Alstonville Medical Centre at 12 Commercial Road, the Alstonville Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, and the 104 Main Street Mixed-Use Development, with details of the most significant projects listed below.

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

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Employment conditions in Ballina Surrounds demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

A high concentration of skilled workers characterizes Ballina Surrounds, particularly in essential service sectors, alongside an unemployment rate of 2.7% and a yearly estimated job growth rate of 3.4%. Workforces included 9,645 employed residents in March 2026, with an unemployment rate tracking 1.4% below the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, while workforce participation aligned closely with the Regional NSW average of 60.6%. Census records indicate that a moderate 21.1% of working residents performed their duties from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of COVID-19 restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local citizens are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The region displays a distinct concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, where the proportion of workers is 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety is less common, employing 5.3% of the local workforce compared to 7.5% across Regional NSW. A comparison between the Census working population and the resident population suggests that local job opportunities within the immediate area are relatively limited.

Based on SALM and ABS statistics evaluated by AreaSearch, the 12-month timeframe saw a 3.4% rise in employment alongside a 4.0% expansion of the labor force, which caused the unemployment rate to climb by 0.6 percentage points. Over the identical timeframe, Regional NSW experienced a 0.9% drop in employment, a 0.4% contraction of the labor force, and a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment projections from May-25 published by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future local demand. These five and ten-year forecasts have been integrated with the local industry profile to project future occupational trends. Nationally, employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance variations across different sectors. Applying these national industry trends directly to the local employment structure indicates that employment in the area would expand by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming a basic weighted calculation that excludes local demographic forecasts.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Tax data from the ATO compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year indicates that the Ballina Surrounds SA2 has income levels below the national average. The median income for taxpayers in this SA2 is $48,226, while the average is $62,611, contrasting with Regional NSW averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year yields estimated values of approximately $53,203 for the median and $69,072 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data shows that personal, family, and household incomes are moderate, placing between the 38th and 39th percentiles. Looking at the distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket accounts for 32.2% of the population (6,307 individuals), which is comparable to the 29.9% observed across the broader region. Housing costs present a significant challenge, with only 84.9% of income remaining after housing expenses, placing the area in the 41st percentile, while the SEIFA index for income places the locality in the 6th decile.

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

At the time of the latest Census, the composition of residential dwellings in Ballina Surrounds was 86.5% separate houses and 13.5% alternative dwellings (such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and other housing types), compared to Regional NSW which had 82.6% separate houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings. The rate of outright home ownership stood at 44.6%, which is considerably higher than the Regional NSW average, with the remaining houses split between mortgaged properties (32.9%) and rental accommodation (22.5%). Median monthly mortgage costs of $1,900 and median weekly rental costs of $410 were both higher than the Regional NSW benchmarks of $1,733 and $330. On a national level, mortgage costs in the area exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are higher than the national median of $375.

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

Family units constitute the majority of households at 73.9%, which includes couples with children at 29.7%, couples without children at 32.0%, and single parent households at 11.4%. The remaining 26.1% are non-family households, with lone person households representing 23.0% and group housing making up 3.0%. The median household occupancy of 2.5 persons is higher than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The proportion of residents with tertiary qualifications in Ballina Surrounds is lower than the regional average, with 26.1% of citizens aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 32.2% across NSW. This variance points to opportunities for future skills and educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 18.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.9%. Vocational and technical qualifications are common, with 39.3% of the population aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 27.5%.

A high level of educational enrollment is observed, with 27.1% of the population currently engaged in study. This group includes 10.1% attending primary schools, 8.2% in secondary education, and 3.3% enrolled in tertiary institutions.

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

Public transport services in Ballina Surrounds include 658 active bus and train stops. These stops are served by 69 distinct routes that provide a total of 947 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated highly, with residents living an average of 142 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and most commuters travel outside the area, with private cars being the main transport method at 94%. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.7 cars per household, which is higher than the regional average. Census data from 2021 indicates that 21.1% of residents worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-era arrangements.

Service frequency across all local routes averages 135 daily trips, which equals approximately 1 weekly trip per transport stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 transport stops located closest to the center of the area.

The level of general health in Ballina Surrounds is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Evaluations by AreaSearch regarding mortality and chronic disease rates indicate that Ballina Surrounds has positive health profiles, with low rates of common illnesses observed in both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance coverage is relatively low, standing at approximately 50% of the population (~9,871 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health conditions and arthritis are the most prevalent medical issues reported locally, affecting 8.9% and 8.8% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 66.1% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health statistics for working-age residents are standard. Residents aged 65 and older represent 24.1% of the community (4,712 people), and health profiles for this older group are positive, with national rankings aligning closely with the broader community.

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

Cultural diversity in Ballina Surrounds is lower than average, with 87.3% of residents born in Australia, 91.9% holding citizenship, and 95.4% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 52.0% of the population. However, Judaism shows the most significant relative concentration, accounting for 0.2% of the local population compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

Looking at parent countries of birth, the three largest ancestry groups in Ballina Surrounds are English at 32.3%, Australian at 29.3%, and Irish at 9.9%. Other ethnic representation shows some variations, with Welsh overrepresented at 0.7% (compared to 0.5% regionally), Scottish at 8.8% (compared to 8.0%), and Australian Aboriginal residents at 2.7% (compared to 4.6% regionally).

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

With a median age of 46, Ballina Surrounds is slightly older than the Regional NSW median of 43 and noticeably older than the national median of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is highly represented at 13.4% relative to Regional NSW, while the 25 - 34 cohort is less common at 9.9%. Post-2021 Census figures show the 15 to 24 age bracket increased from 10.3% to 11.4% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.5% to 12.3% and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 14.5% to 13.4%. By 2041, demographic shifts will alter the age profile of the area. The 25 to 34 group is projected to lead this change with a 36% increase (692 people), rising to 2,641 from 1,948, while the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 4% (87 people).