Balgownie

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Balgownie is around 5,889 people. This figure reflects an increase of 167 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,722 people. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the June 2025 ABS ERP data release, indicating a resident population of 5,880. This results in a population density ratio of 1,595 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Balgownie's growth rate since the census, at 2.9%, is within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.7%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains in recent periods for the suburb.

AreaSearch projects future population dynamics using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase by 1,057 persons, reflecting a gain of 17.8% over the 16-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Balgownie according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Balgownie experienced around 34 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 172 homes were approved, with a further 15 approved in FY-26. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, potentially benefiting buyers.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $555,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market and high-end developments. This year, $9.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Balgownie maintains similar construction rates per person, indicating market stability aligned with regional patterns. Recent construction comprises 40% standalone homes and 60% medium and high-density housing, providing more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse housing options.

Balgownie's population density is around 169 people per approval, indicating a low-density area. Future projections estimate Balgownie will add 1,048 residents by 2041, with construction maintaining pace with projected growth despite potential increasing competition as population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely impacting the region. Key projects are Mount Ousley Interchange, Sylvan Ridge, 68-74 Princes Highway Mixed-Use Development, and Balgownie Mountain Bike Trail Network. Details about these projects follow.

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.

The employment landscape in Balgownie shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Balgownie has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.8%.

As of December 2025, 2,907 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate similar to Regional NSW's 3.9%. Workforce participation in Balgownie was broadly similar to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 32.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

Notably, employment in professional & technical services was at 1.7 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed none of local workers compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 0.8% alongside labour force increasing by 0.8%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decline by 1.2%, labour force decline by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Balgownie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Balgownie had a median income among taxpayers of $58,855 and an average level of $79,105. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the regional NSW levels of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By March 2026, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32%, median income is estimated at approximately $64,929 and average income at $87,269. Census data shows incomes in Balgownie cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 27.5% of residents (1,619 people), similar to patterns seen regionally where 29.9% occupy this range. After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Balgownie's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.7% houses and 28.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balgownie was at 47.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (30.7%) or rented (22.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,383, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was recorded at $450, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Balgownie's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Balgownie has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.1% of all households, including 34.1% composed of couples with children, 28.0% consisting of couples without children, and 12.5% made up of single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.9%, with lone person households at 22.3% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Balgownie shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 31.3%, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and that of the SA4 region at 25.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 34.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 23.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.4% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Balgownie has 53 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 22 different routes that together facilitate 421 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 151 meters from the nearest stop. Most Balgownie residents commute outward daily, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 94%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, a significant 32.6% of residents work from home, which may be partly due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 60 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Balgownie is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Balgownie shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 58% (~3,425 people) have private health cover, compared to Regional NSW's 51.9%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.1%) and mental health issues (6.9%), with 69.2% reporting no medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Under-65 residents have better-than-average health outcomes. Balgownie has 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,236 people), lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Balgownie was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Balgownie's cultural diversity is above average, with 20.4% of its population born overseas and 16.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Balgownie, comprising 57.3%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups are English (25.1%), Australian (24.0%), and Italian (10.0%).

Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and Macedonian (1.3%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively. Serbian representation is also higher at 0.6%.

Balgownie's median age exceeds the national pattern

Balgownie's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. The 15-24 age group makes up 13.6%, compared to Regional NSW, while the 65-74 cohort represents 10.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows a decrease in median age by 1 year to 41 due to younger residents. The 25-34 age group grew from 10.5% to 13.1%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.1% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.7% to 11.0%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 13.1% to 11.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Balgownie. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 42%, adding 322 residents to reach 1,094. Meanwhile, the 55-64 group is expected to decrease by 75 residents.