Balgowlah Heights

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Balgowlah Heights is around 3,653 people. This reflects a growth of 107 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,546. The current population is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,651 residents, based on their examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validation of two new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 2,174 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average observed across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Balgowlah Heights' population growth rate of 3.0% since the Census is close to that of its SA4 region (3.2%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed about 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth for national areas moving forward. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, Balgowlah Heights is expected to grow by approximately 3 persons by 2041, reflecting a reduction of about 2.7% in total over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Balgowlah Heights has seen approximately 8 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 40 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY26.

The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good choices for buyers. The average construction value of these properties is $965,000, indicating a focus on the premium market by developers. Compared to Greater Sydney, Balgowlah Heights has similar development levels per capita, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. However, this activity is lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. The new building activity consists of 50% detached houses and 50% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 96% houses) reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles.

With approximately 444 people per dwelling approval, Balgowlah Heights exhibits a developed market. Given stable or declining population projections, reduced housing demand pressures are expected in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Balgowlah Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to impact the region: Totem Road Precinct - Balgowlah Heights. Other key projects include Beaches Link Tunnel, Two Tides in Manly, and Le Onde. The following details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Balgowlah Heights maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Balgowlah Heights has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 3.4%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 1,844 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 0.8% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation stands at 64.8%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance sectors. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs with an employment share twice the regional level, while health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 10.0% versus the regional average of 14.1%.

Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.3%, and employment declined by 1.7%, leading to a 1.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Balgowlah Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 7.6% in five years and 14.9% in ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 indicates that Balgowlah Heights had a median income among taxpayers of $75,525 and an average income of $156,132. These figures are notably high compared to national averages. In Greater Sydney, the median income was $56,994 with an average of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, the estimated median and average incomes for Balgowlah Heights as of September 2025 would be approximately $85,049 and $175,820 respectively. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Balgowlah Heights rank highly nationally, between the 95th and 99th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 57.8% of residents earning $4000 or more weekly, contrasting with the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. This indicates a substantial proportion of high earners in Balgowlah Heights, with 66.2% earning above $3,000 per week. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Balgowlah Heights' dwellings, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 95.8% houses and 4.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Sydney metro's 36.7% houses and 63.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balgowlah Heights stood at 48.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.7% and rented ones at 8.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $4,878, higher than Sydney metro's average of $3,800. Median weekly rent in Balgowlah Heights was $1,320, compared to Sydney metro's $720. Nationally, Balgowlah Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $4,878 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Balgowlah Heights features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 90.0% of all households, including 60.0% couples with children, 22.4% couples without children, and 6.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 10.0%, with lone person households at 10.6% and group households comprising 0.3% of the total. The median household size is 3.3 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

Balgowlah Heights demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Balgowlah Heights has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above. 55.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 36.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 8.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 37.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.5% in primary education, 12.9% in secondary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education. Balgowlah Heights Public School serves the area, enrolling 693 students as of a recent date. The school demonstrates high performance (ICSEA: 1180), placing it among the most advantaged nationally. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. The area functions as an educational hub, offering 19.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 12.1. This attracts students from surrounding communities.

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

Balgowlah Heights has 30 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 18 different routes that together facilitate 358 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 152 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 51 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Balgowlah Heights's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Balgowlah Heights shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all ages. The private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 88% of the total population (3,225 people), compared to 85.6% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.3%. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 5.8% and 5.3% of residents respectively.

A total of 79.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.4% in Greater Sydney. The area has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (562 people), lower than the 16.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Balgowlah Heights was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Balgowlah Heights had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 11.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 30.5% born overseas by the year ending June 2016. Christianity was the predominant religion in Balgowlah Heights, accounting for 55.3% of the population. However, Judaism had an overrepresentation compared to Greater Sydney, with 0.4% of Balgowlah Heights' population identifying as Jewish.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (22.1%), and Irish (9.7%). Notably, South African ethnicity was higher in Balgowlah Heights at 1.9%, compared to the regional average of 1.1%. French ethnicity stood at 0.9% versus the regional 1.4%, while New Zealand ethnicity was at 1.2% against a regional average of 1.0%.

Balgowlah Heights hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Balgowlah Heights is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and also exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 5-14 years make up a significant portion at 19.4%, while the 25-34 year-olds are relatively small at 3.4%. This is higher than the national average for the 5-14 age group of 12.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 13.5% to 15.7%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has grown from 13.7% to 14.9%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group has decreased from 10.8% to 9.2%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 20.6% to 19.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show that the 85+ age cohort is expected to rise significantly, increasing by 81 people (an 85% increase) from 94 to 176. Notably, all population growth will come from those aged 65 and above, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 25-34 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.