East Ballina

East Ballina has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of East Ballina is around 5,867 people. This figure reflects a decrease of 15 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,882. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 5,851. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 902 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Interstate migration contributed significantly to recent population growth in East Ballina, accounting for roughly 56% of overall population gains during these periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, East Ballina is projected to experience above median population growth in non-metropolitan areas nationally. By 2041, the suburb's population is expected to grow by 929 persons, reflecting a total gain of 16.7% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in East Ballina according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, East Ballina has experienced around 4 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 23 homes were approved, with 1 so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 7.6 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built during this period.

The demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $749,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaling $1.9 million have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. When measured against Rest of NSW, East Ballina shows substantially reduced construction activity, at 87.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, construction activity has intensified recently, though it remains under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New building activity in East Ballina shows a split of 40.0% standalone homes and 60.0% medium and high-density housing.

This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 61.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated count of 788 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show East Ballina adding 979 residents by 2041 (from 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.

East Ballina has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are New Ballina SES Headquarters, Ballina District Hospital Redevelopment, Kingsford Smith Reserve Pump Track, and Mana Ballina (Norton Street Villas). The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.0%, East Ballina has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

East Ballina has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.0%.

The area's unemployment rate is 0.6% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, while workforce participation is broadly similar at 56.4%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. East Ballina has a particular specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.1% alongside a 4.8% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within East Ballina. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to East Ballina's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 15.2% over ten years.

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

East Ballina had a median taxpayer income of $55,509 and an average of $74,595 in financial year 2022. This was higher than the national averages of $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average). By September 2025, based on a 12.61% growth in wages since 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $62,509 (median) and $84,001 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly in East Ballina, between the 38th and 52nd percentiles. Income distribution reveals that 32.1% of residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, consistent with surrounding regions at 29.9%. Housing affordability was severe, with only 84.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 40th percentile. East Ballina's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in East Ballina, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 61.2% houses and 38.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Ballina stood at 46.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.3% and rented dwellings at 28.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. Median weekly rent in East Ballina was $460, higher than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $450. Nationally, East Ballina's median monthly mortgage repayment is below the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rent is substantially above the national figure of $375.

East Ballina features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 69.5% of all households, including 23.9% couples with children, 33.5% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 4.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in East Ballina aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 31.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region average of 24.3%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 12.5% and certificates make up 24.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education. The area offers educational provision through Southern Cross School of Distance Education and Southern Cross Public School, serving a total of 603 students. These schools operate under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 972) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary school and one K-12 school. There are 10.3 school places per 100 residents in the area, which is below the regional average of 13.2, indicating that some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

East Ballina has 114 active public transport stops. These are served by buses on 38 different routes, offering a total of 392 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 103 meters.

Buses run an average of 56 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately three weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in East Ballina is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

East Ballina faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~3,308 people), compared to 52.3% across Rest of NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.7% and 8.2% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point eight percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.0% across Rest of NSW. As of 2016, 26.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,537 people), which is higher than the 23.6% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors in East Ballina are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

East Ballina is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

East Ballina had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 87.3% of its population born in Australia and 91.6% being citizens. English was the language spoken at home by 95.6%. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 50.8% of people.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three parentage groups were English (32.4%), Australian (27.2%), and Irish (11.4%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was slightly higher at 9.6% versus 9.0% regionally, while French was at 0.7% compared to 0.9%, and Welsh remained the same at 0.6%.

East Ballina hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

East Ballina's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and substantially above the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 15.8%, with those aged 15-24 comprising only 9.5%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 11.8% to 13.2%, while the 55 to 64 group has declined from 14.4% to 13.1%, and the 65 to 74 group has decreased from 17.1% to 15.8%. By 2041, East Ballina's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow by 34% (264 people), reaching 1,039 from the current 774. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.