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 Nov 2025, the population of the Balgownie statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 5690 people. This reflects a decrease since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5722 people. The current estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024, resulting in an estimated resident population of 5681 plus additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This equates to a density ratio of 1542 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections until 2041, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a 2022 base year for covered areas and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year for uncovered areas. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. The area is projected to have an above median population growth, increasing by 1062 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 19.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Balgownie recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Balgownie has seen approximately 38 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 192 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved in FY26 so far. The average new resident arrival rate per new home over these five years is approximately 0.2 per year, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of new homes is $555,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $9.2 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of NSW, Balgownie has shown somewhat elevated construction levels, at 17.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. Recent construction comprises 40.0% standalone homes and 60.0% medium and high-density housing, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 72.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

Balgownie has a low density population, with around 129 people per approval. Future projections estimate an addition of 1,092 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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 five projects likely to impact the area. Major projects include Mount Ousley Interchange, Sylvan Ridge, Balgownie Mountain Bike Trail Infrastructure, and 68-74 Princes Highway Mixed-Use Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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 an educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, reflecting relative stability over the past year according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 2864 residents are employed, mirroring Rest of NSW's unemployment rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 58.6%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with the latter being particularly prominent at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs no local workers compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The area's predominantly residential nature suggests limited local employment opportunities, indicated by a lower Census working population compared to resident population. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.3% while labour force grew by 0.4%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. This contrasts with Rest of NSW, which saw employment decline by 0.5%, labour force decrease by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Balgownie's employment mix suggests local job increases of 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized 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 the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Balgownie had a median income among taxpayers of $58,855. The average income stood at $79,105 in this suburb. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the Rest of NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Balgownie as of September 2025 would be approximately $64,070 (median) and $86,114 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Balgownie cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 27.5% of residents (1,564 people), reflecting regional patterns where 29.9% occupy this range. After housing costs, 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 71.7% houses and 28.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 58.9% houses and 41.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balgownie stood at 47.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.7% and rented ones at 22.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,383, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,189. Median weekly rent in Balgownie was $450, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Balgownie's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,383 versus Australia's 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% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.9%, consisting of 22.3% lone person households and 2.5% group households. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 31.3%, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region's rate of 25.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 34.5% of residents aged 15+, with 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 accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 151 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 60 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Balgownie's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Balgownie's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, featuring a typical range of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is prevalent, with approximately 58% (~3,309 people) of the total population having it. The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.1% of residents) and mental health issues (6.9%), while 69.2% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 68.6% in Rest of NSW. Balgownie has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.9% (1,189 people), compared to the 17.7% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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%, compared to 51.0% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (25.1%), Australian (24.0%), and Italian (10.0%), with Italians being significantly higher than the regional average of 4.5%.

Notably, Welsh is overrepresented at 0.9%, Macedonian at 1.3%, and Serbian at 0.6% in Balgownie compared to regional averages of 0.8%, 1.5%, and 0.8% respectively.

Balgownie's median age exceeds the national pattern

Balgownie's median age is 41 years, which is lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. The 15-24 age group constitutes 14.0% of Balgownie's population, compared to Rest of NSW's figure, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 10.7%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.1% to 14.0%, and the 25 to 34 cohort has risen from 10.5% to 12.6%. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.7% to 11.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Balgownie's age profile. The 25 to 34 cohort is expected to grow by 50%, adding 355 residents to reach a total of 1,072. Conversely, the number of individuals in the 55 to 64 age range is projected to decrease by 86.