Ballarat Central

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

As of November 2025, the population of the Ballarat Central statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 5,284 people. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 5,378 people, representing a drop of 94 individuals or approximately 1.7%. This estimation is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, which indicated a resident population of 5,275. The population density ratio for the area is 1,397 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver of population growth in the Ballarat Central (SA2) has been overseas migration during recent periods.

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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to reach SA2 levels. Looking ahead, the Ballarat Central (SA2) is projected to experience above median population growth for Australia's regional areas. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to grow by 1,189 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 21.6% over the 17-year period.

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

Ballarat Central has seen approximately 15 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 78 homes. In FY26 so far, 19 approvals have been recorded. The average construction value is $666,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. Commercial approvals this year total $25.3 million.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Ballarat Central shows significantly reduced construction levels (76.0% below regional average per person). New building activity consists of 55.0% standalone homes and 45.0% medium-high density housing, marking a shift from existing patterns (currently 74.0% houses). Population forecasts indicate an increase of 1,140 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and price growth.

Population forecasts indicate Ballarat Central will gain 1,140 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Ballarat Central has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 15 such projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable among these are Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment, Federation University SMB Campus Redevelopment, Ballarat Co-Operative Education and Skills City Centre, Albert Street Social Housing Development, with the following list detailing 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.

Ballarat Central has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Ballarat Central has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 4.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation).

As of September 2025, there are 2,839 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is 0.2% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 61.9%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance (strongly specialized with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level), education & training, and accommodation & food. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.9% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%.

There are 2.2 workers per resident, indicating the area serves as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding regions. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.4%, labour force by 1.2%, leading to a unemployment rate decrease of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline by 0.7% and labour force decline by 0.6%. As of 25-Nov-25, VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year (adding 41,950 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 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 Ballarat Central's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 15.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Ballarat Central had a median income among taxpayers of $49,479. The average income stood at $63,305. This was below the national average and compared to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Rest of Vic., respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Ballarat Central would be approximately $53,561 (median) and $68,528 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, personal income ranked at the 53rd percentile ($821 weekly), while household income sat at the 32nd percentile. Distribution data showed that 29.4% of the population (1,553 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 30.3% occupied this bracket. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remained for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Ballarat Central, as evaluated at the Census conducted on 9 August 2016, comprised 74.4% houses and 25.6% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 85.6% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ballarat Central stood at 33.1%, similar to Non-Metro Vic., with mortgaged dwellings at 26.1% and rented dwellings at 40.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,600, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,499. The median weekly rent figure for Ballarat Central was $300, aligning with Non-Metro Vic.'s figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Ballarat Central's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

Ballarat Central features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 53.6% of all households, including 19.7% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 46.4%, consisting of 40.1% lone person households and 6.6% group households. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic average of 2.4.

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

Educational attainment in Ballarat Central is notably high, with 41.3% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications. This compares to a broader benchmark of 21.7% for the Rest of Vic., and 24.6% for the SA4 region. The area's educational advantage is evident in its distribution of qualifications: Bachelor degrees lead at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.0%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 28.8% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (17.5%). Educational participation is high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.1% in tertiary education, 7.7% in primary education, and 7.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 56 active public transport stops in Ballarat Central, operated by buses. These stops are served by 15 different routes, offering a total of 2836 weekly passenger trips. Residential accessibility to these stops is rated excellent, with residents usually located 165 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 405 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 50 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Ballarat Central is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Ballarat Central faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 52% (~2,741 people) of the total population has private health cover. Mental health issues impact 12.2% of residents, while asthma affects 8.7%. About 62.8% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.3% across Rest of Vic. The area has 17.9% (945 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Ballarat Central ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ballarat Central had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 88.2% of its residents being Australian citizens, 86.2% born in Australia, and 91.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 42.2% of Ballarat Central's population. The most significant overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' religious category, comprising 1.4% compared to 1.0% across Victoria.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.4%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (14.2%). Notable divergences existed for Scottish (overrepresented at 10.3%, compared to 9.2% regionally), Dutch (underrepresented at 1.7%, compared to 2.1%), and Sri Lankan (overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.1%).

Ballarat Central's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Ballarat Central is 40 years, which is slightly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but higher than Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 15.6% of the population in Ballarat Central, compared to Rest of Vic.'s average, indicating an over-representation. Conversely, those aged 5-14 years are under-represented at 9.2%. Between the 2021 Census and present day, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.0% to 13.9%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.2% to 12.0%. Population forecasts for Ballarat Central in 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 573 people, from 824 to 1,398, a 70% increase. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort is projected to decline by 32 people.