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

By Nov 2025, Balwyn's estimated population was around 14,220, a 725 person increase from the 2021 Census figure of 13,495. This growth reflects an AreaSearch estimation based on latest ERP data (June 2024) and additional validated addresses since the Census date. Balwyn's population density was 3,246 persons per square kilometer by Nov 2025, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The suburb's 5.4% growth since the Census is within 1.5 percentage points of its SA3 area (6.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods. For future projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered areas and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 for non-covered areas, adjusted to SA2 levels using weighted aggregation methods.

Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Balwyn is expected to grow by 705 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 4.5% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Balwyn when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Balwyn averaged approximately 94 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling about 470 homes. As of FY26, 28 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average expected construction cost for new homes is around $1,367,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This year, Balwyn has seen $20.2 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Balwyn has slightly more development, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New building activity consists of 46.0% detached houses and 54.0% townhouses or apartments, showing a trend towards denser development that caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. The location currently has about 154 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Balwyn will gain approximately 639 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Balwyn 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 11 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include White & Weston Balwyn Village, Koonung Creek Reserve Restoration, Maleela Rise Balwyn, and Parring Collection. The following list details those 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Balwyn ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Balwyn has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.7% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0%.

As of June 2025, 7,378 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.9% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Balwyn is at 57.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Notably, the area specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in Sep-22, employment increased by 3.0%, while labour force grew by 3.1%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. 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.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Balwyn's median income among taxpayers is $48,625, with an average of $93,054. This is notably higher than national averages and compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $54,538 (median) and $104,369 (average). The 2021 Census shows household, family and personal incomes in Balwyn cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. The earnings profile reveals that 26.4% of residents (3,754 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, reflecting regional patterns where 32.8% occupy this range. Notably, 33.5% of Balwyn residents earn more than $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Despite high housing costs consuming 16.2% of income, disposable income remains 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, 58.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 41.3% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is slightly higher in house proportion compared to Melbourne's metropolitan area, which had 55.5% houses and 44.5% 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 was $3,000, aligning with Melbourne's metro average, while the median weekly rent was $451, also matching Melbourne's metro figures. 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 higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 27.9%, with lone person households at 25.5% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

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 2021, 52.7% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 33.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational pathways account for 17.9% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 7.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in secondary education, 9.0% in primary education, and 9.0% pursuing tertiary education. As of the 2021 census, Balwyn's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,185 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1135). Educational mix includes one primary school and three K-12 schools. School capacity is limited locally at 8.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 19.2, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Balwyn has 46 active public transport stops, including lightrail and bus services. These are served by 10 different routes that together facilitate 2,751 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 221 meters.

There are approximately 393 daily trips across all routes, equating to about 59 weekly trips per individual stop.

Balwyn's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance across Balwyn, with 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 (9,026 people), compared to 77.7% across Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.6 and 6.0% of residents respectively, while 75.0% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 73.8% across Greater Melbourne.

Balwyn has 23.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,299 people), which is higher than the 19.4% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 significant 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. Notably, Buddhism comprises 5.9% of the population, higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.5%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese residents make up 27.6%, substantially more than the regional average of 13.5%. English and Australian ancestries follow at 17.0% and 13.5% respectively. Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Greek residents are equally represented at 3.4%, Sri Lankan residents slightly underrepresented at 0.6% (vs regional 0.7%), and Vietnamese residents overrepresented at 1.6%.

Balwyn hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 11.2%, while those aged 25-34 constitute 10.1% of Balwyn's population, both figures being higher than in Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of people aged 15-24 has increased from 13.7% to 14.7%, while those aged 45-54 have decreased from 14.2% to 13.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Balwyn's age structure. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to rise by 506 individuals (an increase of 87%), from 583 to 1,090. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are expected to account for 86% of total population growth. Conversely, those aged 0-4 and 35-44 are projected to experience population declines.