West Ballina

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

West Ballina's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 3,293 people. This figure reflects an increase of 63 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,230 people. 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 3,287. Over the past decade, West Ballina has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projected population growth indicates an increase of 508 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, West Ballina averaged approximately five new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years 2021 (FY-21) and 2025 (FY-25), around twenty-five homes were approved, with one additional approval in FY-26 so far. This resulted in an average of 4.8 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

Demand significantly outpaced supply, putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New properties were constructed at an average expected cost value of $750,000, indicating developers targeted the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, West Ballina registered $475,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting its residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, West Ballina had markedly lower building activity, 74.0% below the regional average per person as of recent years. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

However, building activity has accelerated recently, though it remains under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprised 60.0% detached dwellings and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a blend of attached housing types across various price ranges. The estimated population per dwelling approval was 503 people, reflecting West Ballina's quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain approximately 494 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth in West Ballina.

West Ballina has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely affecting the region. Key initiatives include Solhaven, Ballina District Hospital Redevelopment, Ballina Marina Master Plan, and Fun 'N' Sun Motel Rebuild. The following details projects expected to have the most relevance.

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.

Employment drivers in West Ballina are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

West Ballina has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, featuring significant representation from essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 5.1% as of AreaSearch's aggregated statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there were 1,228 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is 1.4% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was lower at 43.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade had a particularly high share of employment at 1.4 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety was under-represented with only 5.2% of West Ballina's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 7.5%. The worker-to-resident ratio was substantial at 0.9 workers per resident as of the Census. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.9%, alongside a 4.3% employment decline, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. Applying these projections to West Ballina's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in West Ballina was $41,434 and average income was $55,678. This is lower than national averages of $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average) for Rest of NSW. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income in West Ballina could be around $46,659 and average income $62,699, based on a 12.61% growth since financial year 2022. Census data indicates incomes in West Ballina fall between the 3rd and 11th percentiles nationally. Incomes of $400 - $799 were reported by 31.1% of West Ballina's population, contrasting with metropolitan regions where incomes primarily fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in West Ballina, with only 80.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

In West Ballina, as per the latest Census, 67.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 32.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In contrast, Non-Metro NSW had 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Ballina stood at 49.8%, while mortgaged dwellings were at 21.8% and rented ones at 28.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,863, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. The median weekly rent in West Ballina was $370, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, West Ballina's mortgage repayments matched the Australian average of $1,863, but rents were lower at $370 compared to the national figure of $375.

West Ballina features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 64.4% of all households, including 15.8% couples with children, 34.4% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.6%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

The educational profile of West Ballina exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 15.0%, substantially lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (30.1%). A total of 23.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.4% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

Emmanuel Anglican College serves West Ballina with an enrollment of 880 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1115). All one school offers integrated K-12 education for continuity throughout students' academic journey. The area functions as an education hub with 26.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 13.2, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis of public transport in West Ballina shows that there are currently 76 active transport stops operating. These stops offer a variety of bus services, with a total of 25 individual routes serving the area. Together, these routes facilitate 402 weekly passenger trips.

The report highlights excellent accessibility to public transport for residents, with an average distance of just 97 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 57 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in West Ballina is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

West Ballina faces significant health challenges across various age groups. Approximately 49% (~1,613 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of NSW's 52.3% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (12.4%) and mental health issues (9.6%).

Conversely, 56.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 68.0% in Rest of NSW. West Ballina has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 34.3% (1,129 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 23.6%.

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

West Ballina has a cultural diversity below average, with 88.6% citizens, 89.3% born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 58.6%, compared to 42.2% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (33.0%), Australian (30.7%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 5.5% in West Ballina versus 2.2% regionally, New Zealand at 0.8% versus 0.6%, and Scottish at 8.1% versus 9.0%.

West Ballina ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

West Ballina's median age is 53, which is considerably higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, West Ballina has a higher concentration of 75-84 residents (13.9%) but fewer 5-14 year-olds (9.0%). This 75-84 concentration is well above the national figure of 6.0%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 7.4% to 8.5% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 18.6% to 16.9%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 13.6% to 12.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in West Ballina's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 26%, reaching 576 people from the current 457. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.