Ballan

Population growth drivers in Ballan are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the Ballan statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 3,710, reflecting a growth of 318 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 9.4% rise from the previous figure of 3,392 inhabitants. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,494 as of June 2024, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, along with an additional 135 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 25 persons per square kilometer. The Ballan (SA2) experienced greater growth than both its SA3 area (7.3%) and non-metro areas during this period, marking it as a growth leader regionally. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers such as overseas migration and interstate migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to calculate population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the Ballan statistical area (Lv2) is expected to experience a decline in overall population over this period, with an estimated reduction of 181 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group which is projected to increase by 98 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Ballan shows approximately 26 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 132 homes. In FY-26 so far, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were reported between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand in the market. The average construction value of new properties is $441,000, suggesting developers focus on premium market segments with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $2.2 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Ballan exhibits similar construction activity per capita, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. However, recent periods have shown a moderation in development activity.

Detached houses account for 86.0% and attached dwellings for 14.0% of new building activity, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 204 people per approval, Ballan reflects a developing area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, housing pressure may be lessened, creating favourable conditions for buyers in the future.

Ballan has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

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

Employment performance in Ballan exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Ballan has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1%.

As of September 2025, 1,790 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, and a workforce participation rate of 60.4%. Leading industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. Construction is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, at 2.5% compared to 7.5% regionally.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by Census data. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, while labour force increased by 1.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline by 0.7% and labour force decline by 0.6%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7% compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May-25 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 this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that median income in Ballan is $51,630 and average income is $64,002. This compares to Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Ballan would be approximately $55,889 and average income would be around $69,282 by that date. According to Census 2021 data, household, family, and personal incomes in Ballan rank modestly between the 35th and 38th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 33.1% of locals (1,228 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to metropolitan regions where 30.3% fall into this category. After housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains for other expenses. Ballan's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fourth 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, was 93.6% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 96.1% houses and 3.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ballan stood at 37.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.4% and rented dwellings at 17.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,538. Median weekly rent in Ballan was $330, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $300. Nationally, Ballan's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 versus Australia's 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 making up 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Vic.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (29.0%). Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.8% in primary, 6.4% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ballan has ten active public transport stops in operation, offering a mix of train and bus services. Six different routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 378 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically residing 834 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 54 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual 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 data showing high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 52% (~1,935 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.3% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 9.0%). Notably, 62.7% of Ballan residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.5% in the Rest of Vic. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.9% (775 people), compared to 24.2% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly consistent with those of the general population.

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

Ballan had a low cultural diversity, with 86.3% of its population born in Australia, 91.4% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 48.5% of Ballan's population, compared to 43.8% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.6%), Australian (30.3%), and Irish (10.1%).

Notably, Maltese, Macedonian, and Scottish groups had higher representations in Ballan than regionally: Maltese at 2.7% vs 1.3%, Macedonian at 0.4% vs 0.2%, and Scottish at 8.9% vs 9.9%.

Ballan hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Ballan's median age is 43, matching the Rest of Vic figure and exceeding the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 35-44 years make up 14.4%, while those aged 65-74 years constitute 10.8%. Comparing with the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.5% to 7.9%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 9.1% to 10.3%. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 14.8% to 13.6%, and the 5 to 14 age group has fallen from 12.8% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Ballan's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 13 people, reaching 492 from 434. Conversely, population declines are expected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups.