Balwyn North
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was around 22,356 as of August 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,233 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,123. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 22,325 in June 2024 and an additional 80 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,526 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Balwyn North has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.5%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 969 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, with an increase of 4.2% in total 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. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, there were 621 homes approved, with an additional 29 approved so far in FY-26. Over these past five years, an average of only 0.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

This provides greater buyer choice and supports potential population growth above projections. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $1,466,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $7.0 million in commercial development approvals recorded, demonstrating Balwyn North's primarily residential nature.

When compared to Greater Melbourne, Balwyn North has similar development levels per person, maintaining market balance consistent 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 focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 165 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts indicate Balwyn North will gain 938 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Balwyn North has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include North Balwyn Village Upgrade, 2 Sylvander Street Townhouses, 337 Doncaster Road Townhouses, and Verdure Balwyn North. The following list details those most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis places Balwyn North well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Balwyn North has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Over the past year, employment grew by 3.2%. As of June 2025, there are 11,889 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% below Greater Melbourne's. Workforce participation is 60.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance and professional & technical services.

The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with a share 1.4 times the regional level. Construction is under-represented at 6.2% of workforce versus Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Over 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, while labour force grew by 3.1%, keeping unemployment stable. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08%, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts suggest employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though local projections vary by industry sector. Applying these projections to Balwyn North's mix suggests potential growth of approximately 7.2%% over five years and 14.6% over ten years.

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

Balwyn North's median income among taxpayers was $52,318 in financial year 2022, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $93,672 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Balwyn North are approximately $57,607 (median) and $103,142 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals household incomes rank at the 86th percentile ($2,350 weekly), with personal income ranking at the 60th percentile. The largest segment comprises 27.7% earning $4000+ weekly (6,192 residents). This contrasts 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. 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 dwelling structure in Balwyn North, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.3% houses and 16.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 55.5% houses and 44.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Balwyn North stood at 47.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.1% and rented dwellings at 19.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,102, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $3,000. The median weekly rent in Balwyn North was $554, compared to Melbourne metro's $451. Nationally, Balwyn North's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are 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 making up 1.8%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Educational achievement in Balwyn North places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Balwyn North is notably higher than national and state averages. 50.9% of residents aged 15 years and over have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. University graduates make up the largest group at 32.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational pathways account for 17.3% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and over, with advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 7.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes secondary education (11.7%), primary education (9.5%), and tertiary education (8.5%). There are 7 schools operating within Balwyn North, educating approximately 3,999 students. The area shows significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1142. Education provision is balanced, with 6 primary schools and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 109 active stops operating in Balwyn North, consisting of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 26 individual routes, collectively offering 7,829 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 213 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,118 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 71 weekly trips per stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Balwyn North, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (15,246 people), compared to 77.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 5.6 and 5.5% of residents respectively.

A significant majority, 77.8%, report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 73.8% across Greater Melbourne. Balwyn North has an 18.9% elderly population (4,227 people aged 65 and over). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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 dominant religion in Balwyn North, comprising 44.9% of people, while Buddhism is overrepresented at 6.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 3.5%. The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (25.9%), English (14.6%), and Australian (11.6%).

Notably, Greek (6.6%) and Italian (7.3%) populations in Balwyn North exceed regional averages of 3.4% and 4.8%, respectively, while Sri Lankan representation is slightly higher at 0.8%.

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

The median age in Balwyn North is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 15-24 age group comprises 17.3% of the population in Balwyn North, compared to Greater Melbourne. The 25-34 age group is less prevalent at 8.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 15.8% to 17.3%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 15.9% to 14.6% and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 14.4% to 13.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Balwyn North. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 25%, reaching 2,581 people from the current 2,067. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 81% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.