Balonne

Balonne has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Balonne's population is around 4,375 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 55 people (1.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,320 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,356 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Balonne's 1.3% growth since the census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 70.9% 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, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 459 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to expand by 96 people. See the age section for more details.

The level of residential development activity in Balonne is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Balonne has experienced around 4 dwellings receiving development approval per year, with 22 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 6 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $350,000, aligned with broader regional development. There have also been $2.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When measured against Rest of Qld, Balonne shows approximately 63% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 12th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers, supporting demand for existing homes. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 1522 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Balonne should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total, 1 single project has been identified by AreaSearch that is likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Ampol Residual Land Portfolio - 104 Victoria Street, St George, Arrow Energy Surat Gas Project, Queensland Southern Rez, and Queensland New South Wales Interconnector, with the below list 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 Balonne remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Balonne features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 5.4%, and 3.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,431 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.4% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (73.2% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 8.0 times the regional level. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 11.9% of Balonne's workforce compared to 16.1% in Regional Qld. 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, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.2% and labour force increased by 6.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.7 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Balonne. 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 Balonne's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Balonne SA2's median income among taxpayers is $52,506, with an average of $61,642. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,709 (median) and $67,751 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 44th percentile ($780 weekly), while household income sits at the 24th percentile. The earnings profile shows 30.7% of the population (1,343 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 89.6% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 32nd percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Balonne, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.0% houses and 12.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Balonne was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 38.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.2%) or rented (37.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,169, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Balonne's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 67.3% of all households, comprising 27.4% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.7%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Balonne faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (16.1%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (26.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.8% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 7 active transport stops operating within Balonne comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 28 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 94072 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 11% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. Some 15.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 4 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Balonne 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 50% of the total population (~2,178 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 9.1% and 9.0% of residents, respectively, while 69.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 17.8% of residents aged 65 and over (780 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Balonne placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Balonne was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.3% of its population being citizens, 93.0% born in Australia, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Balonne is Christianity, which makes up 68.5% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Balonne are Australian, comprising 34.0% of the population (substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%), English, comprising 26.0% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 14.4% of the population (substantially higher than the regional average of 3.9%). Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of other ethnic groups: German is represented at 3.9% of Balonne (vs 4.7% regionally), Samoan at 0.1% (vs 0.2%), and South Australian at 0.3% (vs 0.5%).

Balonne's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The 39-year median age in Balonne is somewhat lower than Regional Qld's average of 41 though very close to the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.7%), while the 75 - 84 group is comparatively smaller (5.5%) than in Regional Qld. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.8% to 15.7% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 11.0% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 13.1% to 11.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Balonne's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 37 people (46%) from 83 to 121. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, the 35 to 44 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.