Balaklava

An assessment of population growth drivers in Balaklava reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Balaklava is around 2,210, reflecting an increase of 127 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 6.1% increase from the previous figure of 2,083 residents. The latest estimate of 2,165 residents by AreaSearch in Jun 2024, along with 15 validated new addresses since the Census date, contributes to this population change. The current density ratio is 19.7 persons per square kilometer. Balaklava's growth rate of 6.1% since the 2021 Census exceeds the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.5%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains in recent periods.

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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Balaklava is expected to increase its population by 262 persons to reach a total of 2,472 residents by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 9.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Balaklava, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Balaklava has seen approximately 6 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 32 homes. As of FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.3 new residents per year have arrived for every new home built between FY-21 and FY-25. This matches or exceeds demand, offering buyers more options and potentially accelerating population growth beyond current projections.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $359,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, there have been $6.4 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Balaklava's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of SA, Balaklava has 17.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 55th percentile nationally. This activity is below average nationally, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent building activity comprises solely standalone homes, maintaining Balaklava's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. There are approximately 286 people per dwelling approval in the area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Balaklava is projected to grow by 200 residents by 2041. Building activity aligns with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population expands.

Balaklava has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations in local infrastructure, substantial projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been pinpointed by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion, and Northern Water; the following list details those most likely to be pertinent.

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 drivers in Balaklava are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Balaklava has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs across diverse sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.2%. Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable.

As of September 2025870 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is 1.6 percentage points higher than the Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation in Balaklava is lower at 52.4% compared to the Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census responses, only 6.0% of residents work from home. The key industries of employment are agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and health care & social assistance.

Balaklava has a higher than average share of residents employed in education & training (1.7 times the regional level), but accommodation & food services is under-represented with only 4.0% of the workforce compared to Rest of SA's 7.0%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the lower working population compared to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.3%, while labour force grew by 2.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest that Balaklava's employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 shows Balaklava's median income among taxpayers is $46,246. The average income in the suburb was $55,869 during this period. Both figures are below the national averages. In comparison, Rest of SA had a median income of $48,920 and an average of $58,933 for the same year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since June 2023, current estimates for Balaklava's median income would be approximately $50,316 by September 2025, with the average estimated at $60,785 during this period. The 2021 Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Balaklava fall between the 6th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that the predominant cohort spans 31.1% of locals (687 people) with incomes ranging from $400 to $799 per week, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket leads at 27.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.6% of income retention, Balaklava's total disposable income ranks at just the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Balaklava's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.4% houses and 12.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balaklava was 42.3%, with the rest either mortgaged (31.4%) or rented (26.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,035, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153 and significantly below Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Balaklava was $227, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220 and substantially below the national figure of $375.

Balaklava features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 63.9% of all households, including 23.5% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households at 33.2% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of South Africa.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 34.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 7.5% and certificates at 27.3%. Currently, 24.7% of the population is engaged in formal education, including 12.4% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 12.4% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Balaklava is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Balaklava faces significant health challenges as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,085 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.7% and 10.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than the 62.5% across Rest of SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Balaklava has a higher proportion of seniors, with 29.5% of residents aged 65 and over (651 people), compared to Rest of SA's 27.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

Balaklava is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Balaklava, surveyed in June 2016, had a population with 91.0% born in Australia, 92.8% being citizens, and 96.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 53.4%, compared to 45.2% regionally. Ancestry-wise, Australian (35.3%), English (33.8%), and German (8.3%) were the top groups.

Some ethnicities showed notable differences: Filipino at 1.8% (0.7% regionally), French at 0.4% (0.3%), and Australian Aboriginal at 2.0% (3.3%).

Balaklava hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Balaklava has a median age of 46, close to Rest of SA's figure of 47 and above the national average of 38. The 5-14 age group is strongly represented at 13.0%, compared to Rest of SA. The 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 11.2%. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 8.9% to 10.1%, and the 65-74 cohort increased from 13.5% to 14.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.8% to 10.7%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 12.3% to 11.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Balaklava's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, from 106 to 209 people (a 97% rise). Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 73% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 65-74 cohorts.