Ballan

Population growth drivers in Ballan are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Ballan, its estimated population as of Nov 2025 is around 3,598. This reflects an increase of 206 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,392. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,530 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of 135 new addresses since the Census date. Ballan's population density is approximately 24 persons per square kilometer. Since the 2021 Census, Ballan has seen a growth rate of 6.1%, exceeding both its SA3 area (5.2%) and non-metro areas. Natural growth contributed around 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all migration factors being positive contributors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For uncovers areas, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Ballan's population is expected to decline by 187 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 age group are projected to grow, with an increase of 96 people anticipated in this cohort over this period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Ballan when compared nationally

Ballan has recorded approximately 25 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 129 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. In FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded so far. On average, 1.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were noted between FY-21 and FY-25.

The supply and demand appear well-balanced, indicating stable market conditions. New properties are constructed at an average value of $441,000. In the current financial year, $3.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded.

Ballan shows comparable building activity per person relative to Rest of Vic., supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Ninety percent of new building activity consists of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The location has approximately 169 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Ballan should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Ballan has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three key projects expected to impact the region: Ballan Precinct 5 Residential Development, Autumn Grove Estate, Ballan Library and Community Hub, and Western Renewables Link.

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Ballan well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Ballan has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.3%.

Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 7.5%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 1,789 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is 60.4%, slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety.

Construction has a particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing have limited presence, with 2.5% employment compared to 7.5% regionally. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 7.5%, labour force by 7.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment contract by 0.9%, labour force fall by 0.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ballan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Ballan's median income among taxpayers was $51,630 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $64,002 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Vic., which were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,908 (median) and $71,785 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Ballan rank modestly between the 35th and 38th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 33.1% of residents earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, mirroring the region where 30.3% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains for other expenses. Ballan's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Ballan is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Ballan's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.6% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 96.1% houses and 3.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ballan was at 37.0%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (45.4%) or rented (17.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Ballan was $1,625, while the median weekly rent figure was $330. Nationally, Ballan's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Ballan has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 70.8% of all households, including 28.9% couples with children, 29.3% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 27.3% and group households at 1.9%. The median household size is 2.4 people, aligning with the average in the Rest of Vic.

Educational attainment in Ballan aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area has lower university qualification rates at 19.8%, significantly below Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualifications, at 12.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (29.0%). Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.8% in primary, 6.4% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education. St Brigid's School and Ballan Primary School serve the area, collectively educating 357 students. The schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School capacity is high, at 9.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 7.4, indicating the area serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Ballan has five active public transport stops operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. Thirteen individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 625 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 834 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 89 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 125 weekly trips per stop.

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

Ballan faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data.

Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence rates for common health conditions. The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 52%, which is slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.3% and 9.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.7% of residents claim to be free from any medical ailments, compared to 63.5% in the rest of Victoria. Ballan has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 20.9%, compared to the state average of 24.2%. Health outcomes among seniors in Ballan are generally similar to those of the wider population.

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

Ballan's population was found to be predominantly Australian-born, with 86.3% having been born there, and 91.4% being citizens. English was the language spoken exclusively at home by 96.0%. Christianity was the primary religion in Ballan, practised by 48.5%, compared to 43.8% across the rest of Victoria.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.6%), Australian (30.3%), and Irish (10.1%). Notably, Maltese individuals made up 2.7% of Ballan's population, higher than the regional average of 1.3%. Macedonian and Scottish populations also differed from regional averages, with 0.4% and 8.9% respectively in Ballan compared to 0.2% and 9.9% regionally.

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

Ballan's median age is 43, which matches the Rest of Vic figure and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 35-44 are notably prominent, comprising 14.4% of the population, while those aged 65-74 form a smaller group at 10.9%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of individuals aged 75 to 84 has increased from 6.5% to 7.9%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 13.2% to 14.4%. Conversely, the percentage of individuals aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 12.8% to 11.7%, and those aged 55 to 64 have fallen from 14.8% to 13.7%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Ballan's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 16 people, reaching 490 from 420. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for those aged 45 to 54 and 75 to 84 years old.