Balwyn
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Balwyn's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 17,007. This figure represents an increase of 844 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 16,163. The growth was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 16,966 in June 2024 and an additional 92 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,042 persons per square kilometer, placing Balwyn in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. The area's 5.2% growth since the Census is within 1.7 percentage points of its SA3 area (6.9%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest population numbers, Balwyn is expected to grow by approximately 927 persons by 2041, representing a total gain of about 5.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Balwyn has seen approximately 103 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25518 homes were approved, with an additional 30 approved so far in FY26. Despite a declining population in recent years, the new supply appears to have kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $946,000, indicating a focus on the premium market by developers. In terms of commercial development, $20.2 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Balwyn has seen slightly more development, with 12.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. New building activity consists of 46.0% detached houses and 54.0% medium and high-density housing, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers due to affordable entry pathways.

With around 166 people per dwelling approval, Balwyn exhibits characteristics of a low density area. Population forecasts project an increase of 886 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply is expected to meet demand, offering favorable 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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include White & Weston Balwyn Village, Maleela Rise Balwyn, Koonung Creek Reserve Restoration, and Threadneedle Apartments. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The labour market in Balwyn shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Balwyn has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% in the past year.

Employment grew by an estimated 2.9%. As of June 2025, 8784 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was 57.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading industries included health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

Professional & technical services showed notable concentration, at 1.4 times the regional average. Construction had lower representation, at 5.1% versus the regional average of 9.7%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between June 2023 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.9%, while labour force grew by 3.0%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industries. Applying these projections to Balwyn's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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 shows that Balwyn has exceptionally high incomes nationally, with a median of $49,941 and an average of $95,572. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Balwyn would be approximately $56,014 (median) and $107,194 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Balwyn cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 26.3% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with a significant 34.3% earning above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 67th 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 recorded in the latest Census, 59.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 40.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of accommodation. This differs slightly from Melbourne's metropolitan area, which had 55.5% houses and 44.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balwyn stood at 44.8%, with mortgaged properties making up 28.2% and rented dwellings accounting for 27.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,000, aligning with Melbourne's metropolitan average. However, the median weekly rent in Balwyn was $461 compared to Melbourne's $3,000 and $451 respectively. Nationally, Balwyn's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 72.2% of all households, including 36.1% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 25.4% and group households at 2.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Balwyn demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Balwyn is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 52.8% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. This educational advantage is reflected in the types of qualifications held: Bachelor degrees are most common at 33.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational pathways account for 17.9% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 10.5% and certificates 7.4%.

Educational participation is high in Balwyn, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in secondary education, 8.9% in tertiary education, and 8.8% pursuing primary education. There are seven schools operating within Balwyn, educating approximately 3,078 students as of the latest count. The area demonstrates exceptional educational performance, with an ICSEA score of 1153, placing local schools among the most advantaged nationally. The educational mix includes three primary schools and four K-12 schools.

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

Transport analysis indicates 60 active stops operating in Balwyn, offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 11 individual routes, collectively facilitating 3,397 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 219 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 485 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 56 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 shows strong performance throughout Balwyn. Prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups is very low. Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 69% of the total population (11,785 people), compared to 77.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.8 and 6.1% of residents respectively. 74.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.8% across Greater Melbourne. Balwyn has 24.0% of residents aged 65 and over (4,073 people), 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 high level of cultural diversity, with 45.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 45.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Balwyn, accounting for 41.7%. Buddhism is more prevalent in Balwyn compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 5.8% versus 3.5%.

The top three ancestral groups are Chinese (26.8%), English (17.6%), and Australian (14.0%). Notably, Greek (3.2%) Vietnamese (1.6%) and Sri Lankan (0.6%) ethnicities show variations from regional averages.

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

The median age in Balwyn is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years make up 11.3% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years constitute only 10.0%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of people aged 75 to 84 has increased from 7.3% to 8.2%, while the percentage of those aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 14.0% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that Balwyn's age structure will shift significantly. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to rise substantially, from 751 to 1,399, an increase of 647 people (86%). Notably, the combined population of all ages 65 and above is expected to account for 86% of total population growth. Conversely, the populations aged 0-4 years and 35-44 years are projected to decline.