Ballina

Ballina lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Ballina's population is estimated at around 9,995 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 260 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,735 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,968 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 149 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 488 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Ballina has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 57% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,788 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 17.6% over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Ballina when compared nationally

Ballina experienced around 26 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 132 homes were approved, with an additional 15 in FY-26. This results in about 3.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically increases competition among buyers and puts upward pressure on prices. Developers target the premium market segment, with new dwellings valued at an average of $750,000. This financial year has seen $10.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Rest of NSW, Ballina records notably lower building activity, which is 54.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. However, construction activity has intensified recently.

Nationally, Ballina's building activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 48.0% detached dwellings and 52.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 298 people per dwelling approval, Ballina is characterized as a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate Ballina will gain 1,761 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Ballina 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 15 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include New Ballina SES Headquarters, Total Tools Ballina, Ballina District Hospital Redevelopment, and Solhaven. The following details projects likely to be 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, Ballina has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Ballina has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.8% as of December 2025. This rate is 0.1% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Ballina was 47.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, only 12.0% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area had a strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 2.2% of Ballina's workforce compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. The ratio of workers to residents was 0.7, indicating a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force increased by 0.3%, while employment decreased by 0.0%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, the labour force fall by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ballina's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Ballina's median income among taxpayers is $42,399. The average income in the suburb is $56,975. Both figures are below the national average. In Regional NSW, the median income is $52,390 and the average is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Ballina's median income would be approximately $46,775 as of March 2026, with an average of around $62,855 by that date. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Ballina all fall within the 3rd to 13th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 30.5% of the community (3,048 individuals) earn between $400 - 799, unlike regional trends where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Ballina, with only 77.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

Ballina displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Ballina's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 53.2% houses and 46.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ballina was 39.6%, similar to Regional NSW. Mortgaged dwellings were at 19.7%, while rented dwellings accounted for 40.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with the Regional NSW average. Median weekly rent was recorded at $360, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Ballina's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 53.8% of all households, including 14.3% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 46.2%, with lone person households at 41.8% and group households comprising 4.4%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Ballina fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 19.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (27.6%).

A notable 23.1% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 7.6% in primary education, 6.1% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ballina has 187 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 71 individual routes, collectively providing 1,351 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 99 meters to the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, with most residents commuting outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 86%, while walking and cycling account for 7% and 4% respectively. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 12.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 193 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Ballina faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence data. Both younger and older age groups exhibit notable prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of Ballina's total population (~4,948 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.9%) and mental health issues (10.5%), while 54.7% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Ballina has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 37.2% (3,718 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, with national rankings generally in line with the overall population.

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

Ballina's population showed low cultural diversity, with 88.7% being citizens, 85.4% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 55.5%, slightly lower than Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.3%), Australian (28.8%), and Irish (10.0%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher in Ballina at 8.7% compared to the regional average of 8.0%, while Australian Aboriginal was lower at 3.5% versus 4.6%. French ancestry also differed slightly with 0.5% in Ballina versus 0.4% regionally.

Ballina ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Ballina's median age is 55 years, which is higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 and the national norm of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 14.3%, while those aged 5-14 make up only 8.2% of the population, compared to Regional NSW. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is higher than the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 9.6% to 11.0%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 13.0% to 14.3%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group has declined from 16.2% to 14.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show that the 85+ age cohort is expected to rise significantly, increasing by 608 people (73%) from 829 to 1,438. This aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 53% of population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 55-64 and 15-24.