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

Ballina's population, as of Nov 2025, is estimated at around 9,930, reflecting an increase of 195 people since the 2021 Census. The area's resident population was estimated at 9,862 by AreaSearch following examination of ABS' ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 485 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Ballina demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outpacing its SA4 region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Ballina is projected to experience above median population growth compared to national non-metropolitan areas, expanding by 1,958 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 18.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Ballina has seen approximately 26 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 132 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built over these years has resulted in an average of 2.4 new residents yearly, indicating steady demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $750,000, reflecting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $10.1 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of NSW, Ballina has significantly less development activity, 55.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, although recent periods have seen increased development activity. The proportion of new developments consists of 45.0% detached dwellings and 55.0% medium to high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Ballina's population density is around 298 people per approval, reflecting a low-density area.

By 2041, Ballina is projected to grow by 1,880 residents according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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 that may impact this region. Notable ones are New Ballina SES Headquarters, Total Tools Ballina, Ballina District Hospital Redevelopment, and Solhaven. The following list details those expected to have the greatest relevance.

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.

The employment landscape in Ballina presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.8%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Ballina has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 3.8% as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 3,873 residents employed, with the unemployment rate matching Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

However, workforce participation is significantly lower at 42.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Notably, health care & social assistance has employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 2.2% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident, as recorded in the Census, indicates a higher level of local employment opportunities than usual. In the 12-month period prior to September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.4% and employment declined by 2.1%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.5%, labour force contracted by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ballina's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Ballina had a median income among taxpayers of $42,399. The average income stood at $56,975. This is below the national average. Comparatively, Rest of NSW had incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Ballina would be approximately $46,156 (median) and $62,023 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Ballina all fall between the 3rd and 13th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 30.5% of the community (3,028 individuals), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Ballina, with only 77.7% of income remaining, 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 structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 53.2% houses and 46.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ballina was at 39.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.7% and rented ones at 40.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. Median weekly rent in Ballina was $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $450. 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 account for 53.8% of all households, including 14.3% that are couples with children, 26.9% that are couples without children, and 11.8% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up 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 Rest of 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 NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 27.6%. A total of 23.1% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 7.6% in primary, 6.1% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.1% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 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. These include train and bus services. There are 71 routes serving these stops, providing a total of 1,351 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 99 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 193 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Ballina faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately half of Ballina's population (~4916 people) has private health cover, lower than Rest of NSW's 51.7% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.9%) and mental health issues (10.5%), with 54.7% reporting no medical ailments compared to Rest of NSW's 68.0%.

Ballina has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 37.0% (3674 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 23.6%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Ballina are better than those of the general population.

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

Ballina has a cultural diversity below average, with 88.7% citizens, 85.4% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 55.5%, compared to 42.2% across Rest of NSW. Top ancestry groups are English (32.3%), Australian (28.8%), and Irish (10.0%).

Scottish representation is notably higher at 8.7% in Ballina versus 9.0% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal is 3.5% compared to 2.2%, and French is 0.5% versus 0.9%.

Ballina ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Ballina's median age is 55 years, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and national norm of 38. The age profile shows a prominent group aged 75-84 (13.6%), while those aged 5-14 are comparatively smaller at 8.0%. This concentration is well above the national figure of 6.0%. Since 2021, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 7.7% to 8.8%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 16.2% to 14.9% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Ballina's age structure. The 85+ cohort is projected to rise substantially by 603 people (72%), from 844 to 1,448. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 50% of anticipated growth, while population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts.