Balonne
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Balonne's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 4363, marking a 1.0% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 4320 people. This rise is inferred from ABS data indicating an estimated resident population of 4356 in June 2024 and 17 new addresses validated since the Census date. The population density is around 0.10 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Natural growth contributed approximately 70.9% 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, released in 2023 using 2021 data, are adopted. These state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Future population dynamics suggest a decline by 459 persons to 2041, with the 25-34 age group 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 averaged approximately four new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Between FY21 and FY25, 22 dwellings were approved in total, with no approvals recorded so far in FY26. Despite population decline over the period, development activity has been relatively adequate, benefiting buyers.

New homes have an average construction cost value of $529,000, aligning with regional patterns. This financial year, $2.5 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, indicating Balonne's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Balonne shows roughly 63% of the per capita construction activity and ranks in the 13th percentile nationally for development assessment areas, offering limited buyer choices and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This activity is below the national average, suggesting established area characteristics and potential planning constraints.

Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving Balonne's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With an estimated 1522 people per dwelling approval, it reflects a quiet development environment. Population projections indicate stability or decline, potentially reducing housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers.

Balonne has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting the region. Key projects include Former Ampol Residual Land Portfolio - 104 Victoria Street, St George, Queensland; Southern Rez, Queensland; New South Wales Interconnector; and National Electricity Market: Renewable Energy Zone Expansions. The following details those most relevant.

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

The labour market in Balonne demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Balonne has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, an unemployment rate of 4.3% as of June 2025, and estimated employment growth of 3.5% over the past year. This is slightly higher than Rest of Qld's unemployment rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Balonne is 63.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for residents include 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%.

Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 3.5%, but the unemployment rate rose by 2.1 percentage points due to a larger labour force increase of 5.8%. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's milder changes in employment and unemployment rates. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23% while the state unemployment rate was 4.2%, slightly lower than the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Balonne's growth could be approximately 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in Balonne is $47,877 and average income is $57,591. This is lower than national figures of a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844 for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% from financial year ending June 2022 to March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,483 (median) and $64,335 (average). According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 45th percentile ($780 weekly), while household income is at the 25th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 30.7% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (1,339 residents). Housing costs are manageable with 89.6% retained, but disposable income sits below average at the 33rd percentile.

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

Balonne's dwelling structure, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 88.0% houses and 12.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balonne was at 38.0%, aligning with Non-Metro Qld, with the rest being mortgaged (24.2%) or rented (37.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,169, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300 and Australia's national figure of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Balonne was recorded at $200, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $230 and the national average 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%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. 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 has educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 16.1%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.7%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.8% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.6%. Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 26.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.8% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education. Seven schools operate within Balonne, educating approximately 585 students. The educational mix includes five primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school.

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

The analysis indicates seven active public transport stops in Balonne, with a variety of bus services operating. These stops are served by two distinct routes, offering a total of twenty weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is considered limited, as residents typically reside 94072 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes stands at two trips per day, equating to roughly 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 somewhat prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 48% (~2,107 people) have private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (9.1%) and arthritis (9.0%), while 69.1% reported having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. There are 17.6% residents aged 65 and over (770 people), which is 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 has a lower cultural diversity, with 87.3% citizens, 93.0% born in Australia, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion, at 68.5%, compared to 64.6% across Rest of Qld. Top ancestry groups are Australian (34.0%), English (26.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (14.4%), higher than regional averages.

Notably, German representation is higher at 3.9% (vs 5.3%), Samoan at 0.1% (vs 0%) and South African at 0.3% (vs 0.3%).

Balonne's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Balonne's median age is 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 15.2%, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 35-44 cohort stands at 11.0%. Post-2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 12.8% to 15.2%, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 13.8% to 11.6%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 13.1% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Balonne's age profile. The 25-34 group is set to grow by 9% (56 people), reaching 719 from 662. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 5-14 cohorts.