Balwyn North

An assessment of population growth drivers in Balwyn North reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering 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 North's population is estimated at around 22,653 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,351 people (6.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,302 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 22,643, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 90 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,492 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Balwyn North's 6.3% growth since census positions it within 2.6 percentage points of the SA4 region (8.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area 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 national statistical areas is anticipated, with the suburb expected to grow by 785 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 3.4% in total over the 16 years.

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

Balwyn North recorded approximately 125 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 625 homes were approved, with an additional 97 approved in FY-26 as of now. On average, each new dwelling constructed over these years accommodated approximately 0.6 new residents annually.

This indicates that the supply of new dwellings has been keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new properties was $1,462,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY-26, $7.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus. New building activity comprised 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location had approximately 158 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Balwyn North is expected to grow by 775 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Balwyn North 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 twelve projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include North Balwyn Village Upgrade, 2 Sylvander Street Townhouses, Verdure Balwyn North, and North East Link. The following details projects of greatest relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Balwyn North has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.4% as of an unspecified past year. Employment grew by 1.6% in the same period.

As of December 2025, 11,949 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 1.4%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation was 64.8%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A significant 41.3% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment include 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. Construction employment was lower at 6.3% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the difference between working population and resident population counts. In the 12-month period ending in an unspecified date, employment increased by 1.6% while labour force grew by 2.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne where employment grew by 2.4%, labour force expanded by 2.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Balwyn North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Balwyn North had a median income among taxpayers of $52,448 and an average income of $93,767. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Melbourne's median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income is approximately $57,493 and average income is $102,787. From the Census conducted in August 2021, Balwyn North's household incomes rank at the 85th percentile with a weekly income of $2,346. Income brackets show that 27.8% of residents earn over $4,000 per week, while the largest segment is 32.8% earning between $1,500 and $2,999. Balwyn North demonstrates affluence with 40.0% earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting premium retail and services. Housing expenses account for 14.7% of income, and residents rank within the 85th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Balwyn North is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

As of the latest Census, dwelling structures in Balwyn North consisted of 83.0% houses and 17.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balwyn North stood at 46.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.2% and rented ones at 19.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,078, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Balwyn North was $554, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Balwyn North's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,078 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Balwyn North features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 81.3% of all households, including 47.6% couples with children, 21.2% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 18.7%, with lone person households at 16.9% and group households at 1.8%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Balwyn North has a notably high level of educational attainment among residents aged 15 years and above, with 50.7% holding university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4% and Victoria's average of 33.4%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 32.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational pathways account for 17.4% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 9.7% and certificates 7.7%.

Educational participation is high in Balwyn North, with 34.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.7% in secondary education, 9.6% in primary education, and 8.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Balwyn North has 108 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 26 different routes, collectively facilitating 6,564 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically situated 216 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with most commuters traveling outward; car remains the primary mode of transport at 87%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 41.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

On average, there are 937 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 60 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

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

Health outcomes data shows exceptional results for Balwyn North 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. Approximately 64% of the total population (14,443 people) have private health cover, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%, and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 5.6% and 5.5% of residents respectively. 77.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Balwyn North has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.4%, with 4,394 people in this age group, compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with the general population, ranking nationally on par.

Balwyn North 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 North has high cultural diversity, with 44.4% of its population born overseas and 48.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Balwyn North, comprising 45.0% of people. Buddhism, at 6.0%, is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (25.8%), English (14.7%), and Australian (11.6%). Notably, Greek (6.5%) and Italian (7.3%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.7% and 5.2%, respectively.

Balwyn North's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Balwyn North is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The 15-24 age group constitutes 17.5% of the population in Balwyn North, compared to Greater Melbourne. However, the 25-34 age cohort is less prevalent at 8.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 15.7% to 17.5%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 15.9% to 14.1% and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 14.4% to 12.9%. Population forecasts for Balwyn North indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 58%, reaching 1,181 people from 747. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 71% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.