Ballarat East

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

The population of Ballarat East, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since Nov 2025, is approximately 5,904. This figure represents a decrease from the 2021 Census count of 5,937 people, reflecting an adjustment of -33 persons (-0.6%). The estimated resident population (ERP) for Ballarat East, as per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS data released in June 2024, is 5,796. This estimate considers the latest ERP data from surrounding areas applied by ABS to Ballarat East and an additional 156 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio for Ballarat East stands at approximately 987 persons per square kilometer, aligning with averages observed across locations assessed by AreaSearch.

The primary driver of population growth in Ballarat East has been overseas migration. AreaSearch is employing ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted via a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projected demographic shifts indicate that Ballarat East is expected to experience significant population growth, with an increase of 1,759 persons forecast by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This represents a total increase of approximately 30.6% over the 17-year period.

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

Ballarat East has averaged approximately 30 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY21 and FY25, around 154 homes were approved, with an additional 46 approved in FY26 so far. The average population increase per dwelling built over these five years was 0.5 persons.

New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties was $536,000, moderately above regional levels. In FY26, $5.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Ballarat East shows substantially reduced construction, with 57.0% below the regional average per person, supporting stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

Recent construction comprises 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity. The location has approximately 242 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections estimate Ballarat East to add 1,809 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

AreaSearch has identified 19 projects that may impact the area, with key ones including The Meadows on Eureka Estate, Urban Ripple: Restoring our Yarrowee River and its Little Creeks, Eastwood Community Hub, and Sovereign Hill Master Plan: Gold Vault.

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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Ballarat East faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Ballarat East has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.9% as of June 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 7.8% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 2,720 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.1% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Ballarat East is lower at 52.6%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 1.2% employment, compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by the lower ratio of Census working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 7.8%, while labour force increased by 6.9%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment contract by 0.9% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-2022 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ballarat East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Ballarat East's median income among taxpayers is $48,981. The average income in the area was $62,894 during this period. Nationally, the median income was higher at $53,700 with an average of $71,500. In Rest of Vic., the median income was $48,741 and the average was $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Ballarat East's median income would be approximately $54,937 as of September 2025, with an average of around $70,542. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Ballarat East fall between the 8th and 16th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income distribution shows that 29.6% of residents (1,747 people) earn between $800 and $1,499 annually, which differs from the surrounding region where incomes predominantly fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket at 30.3%. Housing affordability in Ballarat East is severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

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

Ballarat East's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.4% houses and 10.6% other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 85.6% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ballarat East was 33.0%, similar to Non-Metro Vic., with mortgaged dwellings at 26.1% and rented ones at 40.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment here was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,499. Median weekly rent in Ballarat East was $290, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $300. Nationally, Ballarat East's mortgage repayments are significantly lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 55.3% of all households, including 16.7% couples with children, 25.0% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 44.7%, with lone person households at 39.2% and group households making up 5.7%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Ballarat East exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 28.5% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Rest of Vic average of 21.7%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such skills – advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates at 23.3%. Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.6% in primary, 6.1% in tertiary, and 5.8% in secondary education. Ballarat East's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,267 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1036) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is split between two primary and two secondary institutions. Note: for schools marked 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Ballarat East has 39 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of bus routes totalling 14. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 2,774.

Residents in Ballarat East have good access to transport, with an average distance of 213 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency is high, with an average of 396 trips per day across all routes. This equates to approximately 71 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Ballarat East is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Ballarat East, with a range of health conditions impacting both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,053 people), slightly lagging behind the average SA2 area. Mental health issues affect 13.3% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.7%. Conversely, 54.3% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.3% across Rest of Vic.. The area has 24.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,446 people), higher than the 17.8% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Ballarat East showed lower-than-average cultural diversity, with 89.6% of its population being citizens, 88.3% born in Australia, and 93.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 41.6%. Judaism, while small at 0.1%, was proportionally similar to the rest of Victoria.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.7%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (12.3%). Dutch (1.9%) and Scottish (9.3%) were slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages, while Croatian representation was equal at 0.4%.

Ballarat East hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Ballarat East's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but older than Australia's 38 years (as of 2021). The age profile shows that the 25-34 year-olds are particularly prominent at 17.5%, while the 5-14 group is smaller at 9.9% compared to Rest of Vic. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 15.0% to 17.5% of the population, the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.7% to 12.8%, but the 15-24 cohort declined from 10.5% to 9.5%. Population forecasts for Ballarat East in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 59%, adding 607 residents to reach 1,641. Conversely, numbers in the 55-64 age range are expected to fall by 32%.