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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Balnarring has an estimated 2,309 residents, down from 2,371 at the 2021 Census — a change of 62 people, or 2.6%. The population has thinned by an average 0.9% a year over five years, slower than 98% of areas nationally. Density is about 84 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to evaluation of ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region alongside new addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Balnarring has a population estimated at approximately 2,309 as of May 2026. This represents a contraction of 62 individuals (2.6%) from the 2,371 people documented in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated from a resident population of 2,308, which was projected by AreaSearch after examining the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and incorporating an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. With this population level, the area has a density ratio of 84 persons per square kilometer, which offers substantial space per individual and capacity for subsequent expansion.
Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth, accounting for approximately 55.00000000000001% of all population increases during recent timeframes. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For any SA2 regions lacking this coverage, projections are derived from the 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections, adjusting them via a weighted aggregation methodology of population increases from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth velocities sorted by age bracket from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Based on expected demographic movements, the suburb of Balnarring is projected to experience population growth above the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with an expected rise of 373 residents by 2041 using aggregated SA2 projections, representing a total expansion of 16.1% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approvals, distributed from statistical area statistics, indicates that the suburb of Balnarring has recorded almost no home approvals recently, with a total estimated at 4 dwellings over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 1 approvals have been registered. With the local population shrinking, new housing additions have likely balanced demand to give buyers ample options, while new builds are established at a mean valuation of $729,000, indicating that developers are focusing on the upmarket, high-end sector. In comparison to Greater Melbourne, construction activity in the suburb of Balnarring is extremely low, coming in at 94.0% below the regional per capita mean.
Such restricted residential construction typically sustains demand and values for existing properties. This volume is also below the national average, indicating a mature local market and potentially pointing to planning restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Balnarring
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 57 current infrastructure and development projects close to Balnarring, worth an estimated $6.74 billion. 14 are already under construction and 17 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, ports, marinas, fisheries & aquaculture and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
An area's performance is heavily influenced by local infrastructure developments, major construction works, and planning initiatives. In total, 1 project has been identified by AreaSearch as having a potential impact on the locality. Notable projects include the Peninsula Sands Estate, the Mornington Peninsula Residential Development Program, Western Port Marine Infrastructure, and Stony Point Line Service Improvements, with details on those of primary relevance listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Mornington Peninsula Housing and Settlement Strategy
Strategic residential development program and Housing and Settlement Strategy guiding future housing and population growth across the Mornington Peninsula to 2036. The strategy aims to manage the delivery of approximately 24,000 new dwellings while protecting the region's character.
Baabak Hastings Early Parenting Centre
Completed early parenting centre with 10 residential family units, 4 day-stay places, kitchen and dining area, playrooms, multi-purpose rooms, outdoor play areas and landscaping at 185 High Street, Hastings. Officially named Baabak Hastings Early Parenting Centre, using a Boonwurrung word meaning caring or nourishing a child. Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with the Queen Elizabeth Centre (QEC), with support from Peninsula Health, Brand Architects and builder SJ Higgins. The centre is now open and welcoming families on the Mornington Peninsula, part of a wider more than $168 million state early parenting centres expansion and upgrade program.
Peninsula Parklands
Over 50s land lease community providing low maintenance, pet friendly living with facilities such as a community centre, games room, library, BBQ areas, mens shed and community garden. Located close to shops, transport and medical services in Hastings on the Mornington Peninsula.
Port of Hastings Marine Infrastructure and Western Port Development
Ongoing planning and staged marine infrastructure upgrades across the Port of Hastings and Western Port. Current priorities include long-term port development, infrastructure supporting renewable energy supply chains, maintenance of commercial marine assets, protection of the internationally significant Ramsar wetlands, and continued improvements to boating and maritime infrastructure. The Port Development Strategy 2055 is guiding future investment while environmental assessment continues for major new marine infrastructure.
Hastings Town Centre Structure Plan
Council-adopted structure plan guiding land use, urban design and access in Hastings town centre. Focus areas include strengthening High Street as the civic and retail spine, improving pedestrian and cycling links, and enabling additional retail/commercial activity while supporting housing in non-residential precincts. Incorporated into the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme via Amendment C190morn.
Hastings Foreshore Masterplan Implementation
A council-adopted 2023 masterplan for the Hastings Foreshore extending from Hastings South to the northern end of Fred Smith Reserve. Staged delivery includes landscaping and path network upgrades in the Northern Foreshore area (now complete), seating and planting improvements, and car park maintenance. Concept designs are underway for a Flexible Events area capable of hosting markets, festivals, and concerts while preserving the existing foreshore character.
HMAS Cerberus Minor Building Refurbishments
Separate minor building refurbishments project at HMAS Cerberus naval base under Medium Works Contract EST08651. Managed by Aurecon, this project involves ongoing facility upgrades, safety improvements, and modernization works distinct from the major redevelopment project.
Henderson Grove
Boutique house-and-land estate delivering 70 residential lots, with 30 retained by Defence Housing Australia for Navy families stationed at HMAS Cerberus. Retail lots sold out; community features tree-lined streets and convenient access to Hastings town centre and transport.
1,188 residents of Balnarring are employed, from a labour force of 1,218. Unemployment sits at 2.5%, with participation at 64.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,620, about 113% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of Balnarring features a highly educated workforce with strong representation in essential service industries, an unemployment rate of only 2.5%, and an estimated job growth of 0.8% over the prior year, based on AreaSearch statistical area aggregations. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,188, while the unemployment rate was 2.3% lower than the 4.8% recorded across Greater Melbourne, and labor force participation was notably lower at 64.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%. Census records show that a high proportion of residents, specifically 31.3%, worked from home, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdowns.
The primary employment sectors for local residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area exhibits a distinct workforce specialization in construction, where the employment share is 1.5 times the regional proportion. On the other hand, transport, postal & warehousing represents only 1.5% of local employment, compared to the regional average of 5.2%. A ratio of 0.8 workers per resident at the time of the Census points to local job availability that is higher than typically observed. According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from broader statistical regions, the year ending March 2026 saw employment levels rise by 0.8% and the labor force expand by 0.3%, which led to a 0.5 percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. This stands in contrast to Greater Melbourne, which experienced a 2.1% rise in employment, a 2.3% increase in the labor force, and a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future labor demand in the suburb of Balnarring. These five-year and ten-year projections have been aligned with local employment data to estimate future patterns. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary significantly by sector. Applying these industry-specific trends to the local workforce composition suggests employment in the suburb of Balnarring should grow by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration and does not incorporate local population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Balnarring is $1,918 a week (about $100,000 a year), with median personal income at $862 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $56,343 a year against an average of $78,533. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The suburb of Balnarring's income level is very high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb of Balnarring's median income among taxpayers is $56,343 and the average income stands at $78,533, which compares to figures for Greater Melbourne's of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $61,763 (median) and $86,088 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Balnarring cluster around the 60th percentile nationally.
The data shows 28.6% of the population (660 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Balnarring had 841 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 1% apartments. 40% are owned with a mortgage, 9% rented and 51% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $480 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,167 a month. Rent absorbs 25.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 26.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential structures in the suburb of Balnarring at the most recent Census consisted of 95.6% standalone houses and 4.4% alternative dwellings like semi-detached properties, apartments, and other housing types, whereas the Melbourne metro recorded 67.9% houses and 32.1% alternative dwellings. Home ownership in the suburb of Balnarring was considerably higher than the Melbourne metropolitan rate at 50.7%, with remaining properties being held under a mortgage (40.4%) or occupied by tenants (8.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment locally was higher than the Melbourne metro average at $2,167, and the median weekly rent was recorded at $480, compared to metropolitan figures of $2,000 and $390.
Across the nation, monthly mortgage repayments in the suburb of Balnarring are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well above the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Balnarring counted 841 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 34% are couples with children, against 34% couples without children. 22% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households in the suburb of Balnarring at 77.3%, consisting of 33.9% couples with children, 34.4% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 22.7% of households, with single-person households at 21.5% and group households representing 0.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 residents is identical to the Greater Melbourne average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
36.6% of adults in Balnarring hold a university qualification, including 26.2% with a bachelor degree and 6.0% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 88% of areas nationally. A further 22.7% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 351 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,077 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational levels in the suburb of Balnarring are substantially higher than regional averages, with 36.6% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 23.5% in the SA4 region and 25.0% in the SA3 area. This educational profile positions the community well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 26.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (6.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational and technical qualification holders are also common, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ possessing trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (14.2%) and certificates (22.7%). Academic enrollment is high in the suburb of Balnarring, with 29.3% of the population participating in formal education programs.
This group is composed of 11.9% in primary schooling, 7.5% in secondary schooling, and 3.7% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Balnarring means driving: households keep an average of 1.8 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport connectivity analysis shows 4 active transit stops in the suburb of Balnarring, consisting of a selection of bus services. These stops are serviced by 1 distinct routes, which provide a total of 147 weekly passenger journeys. Transport accessibility is classified as limited, with residents living an average of 732 meters from the nearest stop. Because the locality is mostly residential, the majority of working residents commute elsewhere, and private vehicles remain the primary transit mode at 95%. Households own an average of 1.8 vehicles, which exceeds the metropolitan average.
A high proportion of residents, 31.3%, work from home (according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect COVID-19 rules). Service frequency averages 21 trips per day across all available routes, which is equivalent to approximately 36 weekly runs for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
69.6% of residents in Balnarring report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 89% of areas nationally. 3.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 57.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health metric data reveals excellent wellness outcomes throughout the suburb of Balnarring, based on AreaSearch analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, which shows a very low occurrence of common medical conditions across all age groups, while the rate of private health insurance is very high, covering approximately 58% of the total population (~1,335 people). The most frequent medical diagnoses among residents were arthritis and mental health conditions, affecting 8.6% and 7.3% of the population, respectively, while 69.6% reported having no chronic medical conditions compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne.
The working-age population is exceptionally healthy, displaying low rates of chronic illnesses. Residents aged 65 and over make up 29.4% of the population (678 people), which is higher than the 15.0% recorded in Greater Melbourne. Health profiles for local seniors are strong, with national comparisons generally matching the wider population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Balnarring is largely Australian-born, at 85.5% of residents, with 3.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (34.3%) and Australian (28.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Balnarring is below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.5% of its population born in Australia, 90.3% holding citizenship, and 97.0% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 40.3% of local residents. The most noticeable disproportion relative to the wider city is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne. Regarding ancestral backgrounds based on parents' birthplaces, the three most common groups in the suburb of Balnarring are English at 34.3% of the population (significantly above the regional average of 20.1%), Australian at 28.7% of the population (significantly above the regional average of 18.4%), and Irish at 10.9%.
Other notable ancestral concentrations include Scottish at 10.6% of the population (compared to 5.6% regionally), Welsh at 0.9% (compared to 0.4%), and Polish at 1.0% (compared to 0.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Balnarring is 46, older than 82% of areas nationally. 12.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 46 years in the suburb of Balnarring is significantly higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and well above the Australian median of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented locally at 15.3% compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while 25 - 34 year-olds are underrepresented at 5.1%. This concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is much higher than the national share of 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age cohort has increased from 7.9% to 10.4% of the population, and the 65 to 74 bracket grew from 13.5% to 15.3%.
Conversely, the 25 to 34 demographic shrank from 6.6% to 5.1% and the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 14.1% to 12.8%. Projections for the year 2041 suggest major demographic transitions in the suburb of Balnarring. The 85+ cohort is expected to increase substantially, growing by 122 people (143%) from 85 to 208. The aging profile of the community is apparent, with individuals aged 65+ representing 76% of all projected population increases. In contrast, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Balnarring
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 4 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,371 at the 2021 Census → 2,309 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL20120). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.