Balwyn

Balwyn is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Balwyn's population is estimated at around 14,395 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 900 people (6.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,495 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 14,290 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 98 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,286 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Balwyn has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.4%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is anticipated, with the suburb expected to grow by 704 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 4.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Balwyn recorded approximately 98 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 490 homes were approved, with an additional 48 approved so far in FY26. The population has been declining recently, suggesting new supply has kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $1,367,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market. This year, $17.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Balwyn has slightly more development, 27.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. Recent construction comprises 47.0% detached dwellings and 53.0% townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

Balwyn reflects a low-density area with around 142 people per approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Balwyn will grow by 599 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Balwyn has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include White & Weston Balwyn Village, Koonung Creek Reserve Restoration, Maleela Rise Balwyn, and Parring Collection. The following list details 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.

The employment environment in Balwyn shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Balwyn has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of an unspecified date, with estimated employment growth of 1.6% over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,282 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.6 percentage points lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Balwyn was 61.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 42.9% of residents worked from home, possibly influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction employs only 5.1% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Over a 12-month period ending on an unspecified date, employment increased by 1.6% while the labour force grew by 2.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne where employment rose by 2.4%, the labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Balwyn's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Balwyn at $48,625 and average income at $93,054. In Greater Melbourne, the median income was $57,688 and average income was $75,164 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated median income in Balwyn would be approximately $52,637 and average income around $100,731, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, incomes in Balwyn clustered around the 61st percentile nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 26.4% of locals (3,800 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to the metropolitan region where 32.8% fall within this range. A significant 33.5% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 16.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 63rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Balwyn displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Balwyn as per the latest Census data, 58.7% of dwellings were houses while 41.3% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Melbourne's metropolitan area which had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balwyn stood at 44.1%, with mortgaged properties at 28.1% and rented ones at 27.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Balwyn was $3,000, exceeding Melbourne's metro average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Balwyn was $451 compared to Melbourne's metro figure of $390. Nationally, Balwyn's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Balwyn has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 72.1% of all households, including 36.4% couples with children, 22.9% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.9%, with lone person households at 25.5% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Educational achievement in Balwyn places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Balwyn is notably higher than national and state averages. As of 2016, 52.7% of residents aged 15 and above had university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area. Among these residents with university qualifications, bachelor degrees were the most common at 33.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%).

Vocational pathways accounted for 17.9% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 7.4%. Educational participation was notably high in the area, with 32.1% of residents enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This included 9.6% in secondary education, 9.0% in primary education, and 9.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 47 active transport stops in Balwyn, including a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 10 individual routes, collectively providing 2,843 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 221 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 81%, while 6% use the train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 42.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 406 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 60 weekly trips per individual stop.

Balwyn's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in Balwyn, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (9,137 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.6 and 6.0% of residents respectively. 75.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Balwyn has 24.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,483 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Balwyn is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Balwyn has a high level of cultural diversity, with 47.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 46.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Balwyn, accounting for 41.0% of people. Buddhism, however, is more prevalent in Balwyn at 5.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups in Balwyn are Chinese (27.6%), English (17.0%), and Australian (13.5%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Greeks comprise 3.4% of Balwyn's population versus the regional average of 2.7%, Sri Lankans make up 0.6% compared to 0.8%, and Vietnamese are at 1.6% versus 1.9%.

Balwyn hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Balwyn is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 11.4% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 9.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.9% to 8.4%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has grown from 13.7% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 14.2% to 13.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Balwyn's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 483 people (76%) from 633 to 1,117. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 83% of total population growth. On the other hand, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.