Balonne

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

Balonne's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 4,354 people. This figure represents an increase of 34 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,320. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 4,350 in June 2025 and the addition of 14 validated new addresses post-census. This results in a population density of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Balonne's 0.8% growth since the census compares favorably with the SA3 area's 3.5%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 72.0% to overall population gains recently.

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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population dynamics project a decline of 451 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group, projected to increase by 58 individuals.

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, six approvals have been recorded. Despite a falling population during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which is positive for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $350,000, consistent with regional patterns.

This financial year, $2.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Balonne shows around 63% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 12th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This activity is also below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent building activity consists solely of 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 development environment. With stable or declining population projections, Balonne should experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the region: Ampol Residual Land Portfolio - 104 Victoria Street, St George. Other notable projects include Arrow Energy Surat Gas Project in Queensland, Southern Rez in Queensland, and the Queensland New South Wales Interconnector.

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

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

Balonne has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate is 5.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.2% over the past year as of December 2025. There are 2,431 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is 1.4% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

The workforce participation rate is 73.3%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 15.1% of residents work from home. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has an employment share of 8.0 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance is under-represented at 11.9% compared to Regional Qld's 16.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, labour force grew by 6.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7%, labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Balonne's employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Balonne SA2 is lower than average nationally. The median income is $52,506 and the average is $61,642. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Balonne SA2 would be approximately $58,471 (median) and $68,645 (average) as of March 2026. 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 (1,336 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 12.0% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balonne stood at 38.0%, with mortgaged properties at 24.2% and rented dwellings at 37.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,169, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Balonne was recorded at $200, compared to Regional Qld's figure of $345. Nationally, Balonne's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 32.7%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 16.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (26.0%). Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 12.8% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

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

Balonne has seven active public transport stops, all of which operate buses. These stops are served by two routes that together offer 28 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 94072 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 86%, while 11% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately four 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,168 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 9.1 and 9.0% of residents respectively. However, 69.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.0% of residents aged 65 and over (785 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 has a relatively low level of cultural diversity, with 87.3% of its population being citizens, 93.0% born in Australia, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Balonne, accounting for 68.5% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. In terms of ancestry, Australian is the most represented group in Balonne at 34.0%, followed by English at 26.0%, and Australian Aboriginal at 14.4%.

These figures are substantially higher than their respective regional averages of 26.5% for Australian, 4.7% for English, and 3.9% for Australian Aboriginal. Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented in Balonne at 3.9%, compared to the regional average of 4.7%. Similarly, Samoan ancestry is underrepresented at 0.1%, with a regional average of 0.2%, and South Australian ancestry is also underrepresented at 0.3%, compared to the regional average of 0.5%.

Balonne's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Balonne's median age stands at 40 years, closely aligning with Regional Queensland's figure of 41 but slightly exceeding the national average of 38. The age group of 25-34 is strongly represented in Balonne at 15.2%, higher than Regional Queensland's figure. Conversely, the 75-84 cohort is less prevalent at 5.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 12.8% to 15.2% of Balonne's population. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.8% to 11.2%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 13.1% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Balonne's age profile. Notably, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 46%, reaching 131 people from 89. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 52% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 65 to 74 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.