Ballina Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

Ballina Surrounds lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Ballina Surrounds' population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was around 19,165 by August 2025. This figure represents a growth of 838 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 18,327. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,078 in June 2024 and an additional 420 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 47 persons per square kilometer. Ballina Surrounds' growth rate of 4.6% since the 2021 Census surpassed the SA4 region's growth rate of 3.2%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 48.0% to this population increase, with other factors like overseas migration and natural growth also playing positive roles.

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 from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population projections indicate a significant increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Ballina Surrounds expected to grow by 4,940 persons by 2041, marking a total gain of 25.3% 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 experienced approximately 121 dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides this data on a financial year basis, totalling 609 approvals between the financial years ending June 2021 and June 2025, with an additional 12 approved so far in the current financial year ending June 2026. On average, around 1.9 new residents have arrived annually per new home over the past five financial years. This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic in the housing market, with stable market conditions.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $561,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In the current financial year, commercial approvals worth $12.1 million have been registered, signifying balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Ballina Surrounds exhibits moderately higher building activity, at 11.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

The new building activity comprises 65.0% detached dwellings and 35.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift from the current pattern of 86.0% houses suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Currently, there are approximately 193 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. By 2041, Ballina Surrounds is projected to grow by 4,849 residents. Development activity is keeping pace with this projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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 identified 50 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Alstonville Medical Centre at 12 Commercial Road, Alstonville Cultural Centre Upgrade, Alstonville Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, and Alstonville Cultural Centre Redevelopment. The following list details projects most relevant to the area.

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

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

Ballina Surrounds has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 2.1%.

In this month, 9,081 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation stands at 59.4%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are 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 shows lower representation at 5.3% versus the regional average of 7.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 4.8%, employment declined by 4.4%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.1%, labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data up to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with state unemployment rate at 4.3%. National unemployment rate stands at 4.5%, with national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's projections from May 2025 estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ballina Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Ballina Surrounds' income level is lower than average nationally, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended 30 June 2022. The median income among taxpayers was $45,426 and the average stood at $60,357, compared to Rest of NSW's figures of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year ended 30 June 2022, current estimates would be approximately $50,241 (median) and $66,755 (average) by March 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Ballina Surrounds, between the 38th and 39th percentiles. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 32.2% of the community (6,171 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 29.9% in the same category. After housing, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the sixth decile.

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

Ballina Surrounds had 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings in its latest Census evaluation, compared to Non-Metro NSW's 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership was higher in Ballina Surrounds at 44.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (32.9%) or rented (22.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. Median weekly rent was $410 compared to Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, Ballina Surrounds' mortgage repayments were higher at $1,900 and rents exceeded the national figure of $375 at $410.

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

Family households account for 73.9% of all households, consisting of 29.7% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.1%, with lone person households at 23.0% and group households comprising 3.0%. 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

Educational qualifications in Ballina Surrounds trail those of NSW. As of 2016, 26.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the state average of 32.2%. The most common qualifications are bachelor's degrees (18.4%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (27.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This includes primary education (10.1%), secondary education (8.2%), and tertiary education (3.3%). As of 2018, 11 schools serve a total of 1,630 students in Ballina Surrounds, with an ICSEA score of 987, indicating typical Australian school conditions and balanced educational opportunities. The region has 10 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups, with a school place ratio per 100 residents of 8.5, below the regional average of 13.2. This suggests some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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. These are a mix of train and bus services. There are 69 individual routes operating in total.

Collectively, these provide 888 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent access to transport, with an average distance of 143 meters from their homes to the nearest stop. The service frequency is high, with an average of 126 trips per day across all routes. This equates 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 (~9,582 people), compared to 52.3% across the Rest of NSW. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.9 and 8.8% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 66.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 68.0% across the Rest of NSW. As of June 2021, 23.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (4,559 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Ballina Shire 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 had low cultural diversity, with 87.3% born in Australia, 91.9% being citizens, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 52.0%. Judaism was overrepresented compared to Rest of NSW, at 0.2% versus 0.6%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (32.3%), Australian (29.3%), and Irish (9.9%). Welsh (0.7%) and Scottish (8.8%) were notably overrepresented, while Australian Aboriginal was slightly higher than regional averages at 2.7%.

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

Ballina Surrounds has a median age of 46, which is slightly higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 13.6%, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 9.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35-44 age group grew from 11.1% to 11.9% of the population, whereas the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.5% to 12.4%. By 2041, Ballina Surrounds is projected to see significant changes in its age composition, with the 25-34 group expected to grow by 43%, reaching 2,709 people from 1,891, and the 15-24 cohort growing modestly by 7% to 154 people.