Balonne

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Balonne's population is around 4367 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 47 people, a rise of 1.1% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4320 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4356 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing 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. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract 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 grow by 96 people.

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

Balonne has averaged approximately four new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 22 homes. As of FY-26 so far, four approvals have been recorded. The population decline during this period indicates that development activity has been relatively adequate in relation to the decreasing population, which is favourable for buyers. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $350,000, aligning with regional patterns.

This financial year, $2.5 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Balonne's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Balonne exhibits approximately 63% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 12th percentile nationally in terms of assessed areas, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This level of activity is below the national average, indicating an established area with potential planning limitations. Recent building activity comprises solely standalone homes, preserving Balonne's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1522 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. With projected stability or decline in population, Balonne should experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the region. Key projects include Ampol Residual Land Portfolio at 104 Victoria Street, St George; Arrow Energy Surat Gas Project in Queensland; Southern Reef Gas Pipeline; and Queensland New South Wales Interconnector. The following 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.

Employment conditions in Balonne remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Balonne has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, representing various sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.1% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1% over the past year.

As of that date, 2,430 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 1.0% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Balonne was 63.6%, slightly above Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong, with an employment share 8.0 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, at 11.9% compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%. Some residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 3.1%, while labour force grew by 6.7%, raising the unemployment rate by 3.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, labour force grow by 2.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Job and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while overall employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Balonne's employment mix indicates local employment could increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for local population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that median income in Balonne SA2 is $47,877 and average income is $57,591. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes are approximately $54,575 (median) and $65,648 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 44th percentile ($780 weekly), while household income is at the 24th percentile. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 30.7% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,340 residents). Housing costs are manageable with 89.6% retained, but 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

In Balonne, as per the latest Census, 88.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 12.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balonne was 38.0%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's figure. Mortgaged dwellings constituted 24.2%, while rented ones made up 37.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Balonne was $1,169, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Balonne was $200, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $230 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 67.3% of all households, including 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%, consisting of 30.4% lone person households and 2.4% group households. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.1%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 12.7% of residents holding one. Graduate diplomas and postgraduate qualifications follow at 1.8% and 1.6% respectively. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 8.4%, while certificates make up 26.0%. Educational participation is 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

Balonne has seven active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together offer 20 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically located 94072 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are two trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately two 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, with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 48%, covering around 2,109 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 9.1% and 9.0% of residents respectively. 69.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 67.6%. The area has a population aged 65 and over at 17.6%, comprising around 770 people, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.3% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (93.0%), and speaking English only at home (96.0%). Christianity was the main religion in Balonne, comprising 68.5%, compared to 64.6% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.0%), English (26.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (14.4%), which was significantly higher than the regional average of 6.7%.

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented in Balonne at 3.9% compared to 5.3% regionally, while Samoan ancestry was present at 0.1%, and South African ancestry was also represented at 0.3%.

Balonne's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Balonne has a median age of 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 15.2%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 11.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has grown from 12.8% to 15.2% of Balonne's population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 11.6%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 13.1% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Balonne's age profile will significantly evolve. Leading this shift, the 25-34 group is projected to grow by 8%, reaching 719 from 662. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 65-74 and 5-14 cohorts.