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

Balwyn North's population is approximately 22,406 as of February 2026. Since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 21,123 people, there has been an increase of 1,283 individuals (6.1%). This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 22,325 as of June 2024 and an additional 81 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,531 persons per square kilometer, placing Balwyn North in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Balwyn North has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.5%, outperforming the SA3 area. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth of national statistical areas, with Balwyn North expected to grow by 969 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 4.0% over the 17 years.

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

Balwyn North has recorded approximately 124 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25621 homes were approved, with a further 72 approved so far in FY-26. On average, this area sees 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years.

The average construction value of new properties is $1,020,000, indicating a focus on the premium market. This financial year has seen $7.0 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting limited commercial development activity compared to residential. Balwyn North's development levels are similar to Greater Melbourne per capita, maintaining market balance with the broader area.

Recent construction comprises 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional suburban character. With approximately 165 people per dwelling approval, Balwyn North is a low density market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates indicate an increase of 888 residents in Balwyn North. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Balwyn North has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include North Balwyn Village Upgrade, 2 Sylvander Street Townhouses, Verdure Balwyn North, and Kew Golf Club Residential Development. 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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AreaSearch assessment positions Balwyn North ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Balwyn North has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.0% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%.

In September 2025, 11,845 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Balwyn North was 65.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 41.3% of residents worked from home as of September 2025. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

Balwyn North has a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, construction is under-represented at 6.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, while labour force grew by 2.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Balwyn North's employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The Balwyn North SA2 has an extremely high national income level according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 30, 2023. The median income among taxpayers in this area is $54,759, while the average income stands at $92,673. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes are $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 30, 2023, current estimates for Balwyn North SA2 would be approximately $59,277 (median) and $100,319 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household incomes rank exceptionally high at the 85th percentile ($2,350 weekly), though personal income ranks lower at the 59th percentile. The largest segment comprises 27.7% earning $4,000+ weekly (6,206 residents), contrasting with the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 32.8%. Economic strength is evident through 39.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.8% of income, while strong earnings rank residents within the 86th 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

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Balwyn North with 83.3% houses and 16.8% 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 47.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.1% and rented ones at 19.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,102, 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 $3,102 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 account for 81.4% of all households, including 47.7% couples with children, 21.3% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.6%, with lone person households at 16.8% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. 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's educational attainment is notably higher than national and state averages. As of 2016, 50.9% of its residents aged 15 years and above held university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. The area's highest tertiary qualification was bachelor degrees at 32.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational pathways accounted for 17.3% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and above, with advanced diplomas making up 9.7% and certificates 7.6%.

Educational participation was high, with 34.0% of residents enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This included secondary education (11.7%), primary education (9.5%), and tertiary education (8.5%).

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 are served by 26 individual routes, collectively facilitating 6,564 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 213 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 87%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 41.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 937 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 60 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Balwyn North shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's analysis. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (14,967 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (5.6%) and asthma (5.5%). 77.8% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Balwyn North has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,434 people), compared to 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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 a high level of cultural diversity, with 44.4% of its population born overseas and 48.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Balwyn North, comprising 44.9% of the population. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 6.0% of Balwyn North's population versus 4.2%.

The top three represented ancestry groups are Chinese (25.9%), English (14.6%), and Australian (11.6%). Notably, Greek (6.6%) and Italian (7.3%) ethnicities 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 national average of 38 years. The 15-24 age group comprises 17.5% of the population in Balwyn North, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 8.3%. This concentration of the 15-24 age group is higher than the national average of 12.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 15.8% to 17.5%, while the 75-84 cohort has risen from 5.6% to 6.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 15.9% to 14.2%, and the 5-14 group has fallen from 14.4% to 13.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Balwyn North, with the 85+ age group expected to grow by 58%, reaching 1,188 people from 750. 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 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.