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

Balwyn's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 16,878. This figure represents an increase of 715 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,163. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,868 in June 2025 and the addition of 110 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,019 persons per square kilometer, placing Balwyn in the upper quartile compared to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 4.4% growth since the census is within 2.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.6%), 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 weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Balwyn is expected to grow by 735 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 4.3% over the 16-year period.

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

Balwyn has seen approximately 103 new homes approved annually. Between financial years FY21 and FY25518 homes were approved, with a further 92 approved in FY26 as of the present time. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely been keeping 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 and high-end developments by developers. In FY26, $20.2 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity in Balwyn compared to Greater Melbourne. Over the past five years, Balwyn has seen 13.0% more development per person than the regional average. The new building activity consists of 46.0% detached houses and 54.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

With around 166 people per dwelling approval, Balwyn is considered a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Balwyn is forecasted to gain 725 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections and offering good conditions for buyers.

Balwyn has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could impact the region. Notable projects include White & Weston Balwyn Village, Koonung Creek Reserve Restoration, Parring Collection, and Maleela Rise Balwyn. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Balwyn has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.0% as of an unspecified past year. Employment growth in the area was estimated at 1.6%.

As of December 2025, 8,687 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 1.7%, lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Balwyn was 62.1%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 43.2% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

Notably, professional & technical services had employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, construction showed lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels in Balwyn increased by 1.6%, while the labour force grew by 2.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. 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 ending June 2023 shows median income in Balwyn SA2 is $52,163. Average income stands at $96,866. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to March 2026 (estimated), current incomes would be approximately $57,181 (median) and $106,185 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Balwyn's household, family and personal incomes are at the 64th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 26.3% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, aligning with surrounding regions at 32.8%. Notably, 34.3% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 67th percentile nationally. Balwyn'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 evaluation, 59.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 40.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This differs from Melbourne metropolitan area's figures, which show 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balwyn stood at 44.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.2% and rented ones at 27.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,000, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Balwyn was recorded at $461, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Balwyn's median monthly mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Balwyn has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

Balwyn's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 52.8% of residents aged 15 years and over possess university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4% and Victoria's average of 33.4%. This high level of educational attainment positions Balwyn favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent, held by 33.2% of residents aged 15 years and over, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%).

Vocational pathways account for 17.9% of qualifications in this age group, with advanced diplomas making up 10.5% and certificates 7.4%. Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Balwyn has 61 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These are served by 11 routes that collectively facilitate 4,418 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 218 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant transport mode at 80%, while train usage stands at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 43.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 631 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 72 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

AreaSearch's assessment shows Balwyn has excellent health outcomes. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Approximately 70% of Balwyn's total population (11,763 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in Balwyn are arthritis (6.8%) and asthma (6.1%). 74.6% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. As of 2021, 23.8% of Balwyn's residents are aged 65 and over (4,016 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. While health outcomes among seniors in Balwyn are strong, they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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 45.5% of its population born overseas and 45.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Balwyn, making up 41.7% of people. Buddhism is overrepresented in Balwyn at 5.8%, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (26.8%), English (17.6%), and Australian (14.0%). Notable divergences exist for Greek (3.2% vs regional 2.7%), Sri Lankan (0.6% vs 0.8%), and Vietnamese (1.6% vs 1.9%) groups.

Balwyn's median age exceeds the national pattern

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 are particularly prominent at 11.1%, while those aged 25-34 make up a smaller proportion at 10.6% compared to Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and the present, the percentage of the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 7.3% to 8.2%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 45 to 54 has declined from 14.0% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Balwyn's age structure. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to rise substantially by 565 individuals (73%), from 771 to 1,337. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 83% of total population growth, reflecting Balwyn's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the populations aged 25-34 and 35-44 are expected to decline.