Ballajura

Ballajura has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

According to the analysis conducted by AreaSearch, the population of Ballajura is estimated at approximately 19,899 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,394 people (7.5%) compared to the 18,505 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated using the estimated resident population of 19,879 reported by the ABS in June 2025, combined with 24 validated new addresses identified since the Census. The resulting population density stands at 835 persons per square kilometer, a figure that aligns closely with the average across other locations evaluated by AreaSearch. The 7.5% growth rate observed since the census lags by 1.8 percentage points behind the national average of 9.3%, indicating solid regional expansion. This demographic growth was largely fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 69.2% of the overall population gains in recent times.

For each SA2 area, AreaSearch adopts the projections released by the ABS and Geoscience Australia in 2024, utilizing 2022 as the base year. For locations lacking this specific data, or for estimating growth patterns beyond the year 2032, growth rates by age cohort from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023 and based on 2022 figures) are applied. Anticipating future population movements, growth is expected to align with the lower quartile of statistical areas nationwide. The population is projected to expand by 575 residents by 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing a total rise of 2.8% over the course of 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Ballajura recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Residential approvals in Ballajura average approximately 20 new homes annually, with a cumulative total of 102 dwellings approved during the last 5 financial years. In the ongoing FY-26, there have been 22 recorded approvals. Given that 7.4 new residents have joined the area for each home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, demand vastly outstrips new supply. This imbalance typically accelerates price appreciation and heightens competition among buyers, even as new dwellings are built for an average cost of $185,000—a figure below regional benchmarks that offers more accessible pricing for buyers. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $2.1 million have been logged in the current financial year, highlighting the predominantly residential character of the suburb.

When compared to Greater Perth, development intensity in Ballajura is extremely quiet, sitting 92.0% below regional average per person. This lack of new housing supply generally drives up demand and price levels for established properties. This rate is also below national benchmarks, pointing to the suburb's mature state and potential planning restrictions. All recent construction has consisted of standalone houses, preserving the suburb's classic low-density layout and prioritizing family-oriented layouts. The metric of 932 people in the area per dwelling approval underscores the calm and low-activity nature of local development.

Long-term forecasts indicate that Ballajura will add 555 residents by 2041, according to the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. At the current pace of construction, the supply of housing is expected to satisfy demand, creating favorable buyer conditions and potentially supporting growth that surpasses current projections.

Ballajura has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

Developments in local infrastructure, major construction projects, and zoning updates are major drivers of local real estate trends. AreaSearch has identified a total of 22 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Prominent initiatives include Paradise Quays Ballajura, Ballajura Build-to-Rent Housing Development, Ballajura Station Precinct Improvement Scheme No. 1, and the North Ballajura (Hepburn Avenue - East) Planning Investigation Area, with the subsequent list outlining the most significant developments.

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

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The employment landscape in Ballajura shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

The workforce in Ballajura is characterized by strong representation in industrial and manufacturing fields, with a local unemployment rate of 5.2% and an estimated job growth rate of 3.9% over the prior year. In March 2026, the employed resident population reached 11,250, with unemployment sitting 1.1% higher than the Greater Perth benchmark of 4.2%. Participation in the labor force is typical for the region, standing at 72.8% compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. Census records indicate that only 6.1% of working residents performed their jobs from home, although these figures may have been influenced by COVID-19 containment measures.

Local residents are primarily employed in healthcare & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The community displays a pronounced concentration of workers in manufacturing, where employment density is 1.4 times the regional average. In contrast, professional & technical roles are underrepresented, accounting for 5.4% of the workforce compared to the regional average of 8.2%. The ratio of local jobs to resident workers suggests that the area offers relatively few employment opportunities within its own borders.

According to AreaSearch's review of SALM and ABS statistics, the latest 12-month period experienced a 3.9% rise in employment alongside a 4.0% expansion of the labor force, maintaining a stable unemployment level. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.0%, labor force growth of 2.5%, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context on future labor demand for Ballajura. These projections, spanning five and ten years, have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential growth. Nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these rates vary significantly by sector. Applying these industry projections to the local employment distribution suggests that employment among Ballajura residents will rise by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, using a basic weighted calculation that does not factor in localized demographic changes.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Based on AreaSearch's processing of the latest postcode-level ATO statistics released for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the Ballajura SA2 recorded a median income of $54,054 and an average income of $62,751. These figures are below national benchmarks and compare to median and average values of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to a median of $59,962 and an average of $69,610 as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed weekly household income at the 48th percentile ($1,725 weekly) and individual income at the 31st percentile. The data shows that 36.8% of the local population (7,322 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is similar to the regional distribution where 32.0% fall into this bracket. While high housing costs absorb 15.3% of income, strong earnings help keep disposable income at the 50th percentile.

Ballajura is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Ballajura consisted of 94.4% separate houses and 5.6% alternative housing types such as semi-detached units, apartments, or other options, compared to the wider Perth metro breakdown of 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative dwellings. Home ownership rates in Ballajura were consistent with the metropolitan average of 30.7%, while the remaining homes were either owned with a mortgage (50.9%) or rented (18.4%). The median monthly mortgage cost of $1,703 was significantly lower than the Perth metro median of $1,907, whereas the median weekly rent was equal to the metropolitan average of $350. On a national level, Ballajura's monthly mortgage payments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the national average of $375.

Ballajura features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

The suburb is dominated by family households, which make up 79.7% of all residences. Within this group, couples with children account for 39.4%, couples without children comprise 24.1%, and single-parent arrangements represent 15.0%. Non-family households constitute the remaining 20.3% of the community, with lone-person dwellings at 17.8% and shared group housing at 2.5%. The average household size stands at 2.9 people, exceeding the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Ballajura fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The local area presents educational trends characterized by university qualification rates of 16.9%, which are significantly below the national average of 30.4%. This represents an area where focused educational programs could make an impact. Among those with university credentials, bachelor degrees are most common at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.8% and graduate diplomas at 1.4%. Vocational and technical training is highly popular, with 36.2% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificate level credentials (26.8%).

Engagement in learning is high throughout the community, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in an educational program. This student population includes 10.0% in primary schools, 8.9% in secondary schools, and 4.8% enrolled in higher education.

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

Analysis of local transit indicates that Ballajura is served by 95 active public transport stops, including a combination of train stations and bus stops. These transit points are serviced by 26 different routes, which support a total of 7,090 passenger trips each week. Access to transit is favorable, with residents living an average of 279 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential layout of the suburb, the majority of workers travel outside the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary commute choice at 89%, followed by buses at 6%. Household car ownership averages 1.8 vehicles per home, which is above the metropolitan average. A relatively low 6.1% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions at the time.

Transit services maintain an average frequency of 1,012 daily trips across all active routes, which translates to approximately 74 passenger trips weekly per transit stop.

The level of general health in Ballajura is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, Ballajura records favorable overall health profiles. While the occurrence of common medical conditions is low within the general community, it exceeds national averages among older, higher-risk cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is relatively low, held by approximately 50% of the population (~10,029 people). This is lower than the 59.0% recorded across Greater Perth and the national benchmark of 55.7%.

The most prevalent health issues reported among local residents are mental health concerns and asthma, affecting 7.2 and 7.1% of the population, respectively. Additionally, 71.5% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Health trends within the working-age cohort are standard. Residents aged 65 and older make up 17.2% of the local population (3,414 people), which is higher than the Greater Perth proportion of 16.1%, though this age group ranks lower on a national percentile scale.

Ballajura was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Ballajura is characterized by high levels of cultural diversity, with 31.8% of residents using a language other than English at home and 38.3% born in another country. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 46.0% of the population. The most prominent religious variance is the representation of Islam, which is practiced by 9.5% of residents, a rate notably higher than the Greater Perth average of 3.2%.

Regarding family heritage based on parents' country of birth, the three largest ancestries in Ballajura are English at 22.8% of the population (below the regional average of 28.0%), Australian at 20.0%, and Other at 16.3% (well above the regional average of 11.2%). Furthermore, there are significant deviations in other heritage groups: Vietnamese ancestry represents 5.0% of Ballajura (compared to 0.8% across the region), Macedonian represents 1.1% (compared to 0.4% regionally), and Serbian represents 0.6% (compared to 0.3% regionally).

Ballajura's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Ballajura is 37, matching the Greater Perth average of 37 and sitting close to the national median of 38 years. Residents aged 55 - 64 are strongly represented at 14.4% of the population compared to Greater Perth, while the 25 - 34 cohort is less common at 12.3%. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 grew from 8.3% to 10.6%, and the 75 to 84 bracket rose from 3.6% to 5.0%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.4% to 11.6%. Projections for 2041 indicate notable shifts in the local age profile. The 75 to 84 age bracket is expected to increase by 75% (751 people), rising from 996 to 1,748. The aging profile of the community is apparent, as individuals aged 65+ account for 94% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to see declines in population.