Ballarat Central (Vic.)

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According to ABS demographic updates for the wider region and address checks conducted by Districts since the Census, Ballarat Central's population is estimated at approximately 5,311 as of May 2026. This indicates a decline of 67 residents (1.2%) from the 2021 Census, which registered 5,378 people. This shift is derived from the resident population of 5,310, estimated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release alongside 102 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. This population level represents a density of 1,405 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national localities analysed by Districts. Growth in the area was chiefly supported by overseas migration, which acted as the solitary contributor to population increases in recent times.

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Ballarat Central has a highly qualified workforce, with a strong presence in essential service industries, an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and stable employment conditions over the last year, based on Districts' aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,990 residents are employed, which is 0.5% higher than the Regional Vic. unemployment rate of 3.7%, while labor participation is significantly higher than average (68.8% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.1%). Census data reveals that a moderate 23.5% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 restrictions during that period should be taken into account.

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According to Districts' analysis of the most recent postcode ATO statistics for the 2023 financial year, the suburb of Ballarat Central recorded a median taxpayer income of $49,479, with the average income at $63,305. This sits below the national average and compares to $50,954 and $62,728 across Regional Vic. respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current figures are estimated at approximately $54,239 for the median and $69,395 for the average as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, individual income is positioned at the 53rd percentile ($821 per week), whereas household income is at the 32nd percentile. Income distribution shows that 29.4% of the population (1,561 individuals) earn between $1,500 - which is similar to the regional average of in this range. Disposable income after housing costs accounts for of earnings, and the area's SEIFA income ranking is in the th decile.

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Residential structures in Ballarat Central at the time of the latest Census consisted of 74.4% houses and 25.6% alternative dwellings (such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and other housing types), compared to Regional Vic.'s breakdown of 90.1% houses and 9.9% alternative dwellings. Home ownership in Ballarat Central was lower than the regional rate, standing at 33.1%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (26.1%) or renting tenants (40.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Regional Vic. average at $1,600, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Vic. figures of $1,430 and $285. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Ballarat Central are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are considerably below the national median of $375.

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Family households represent 53.6% of the local area, consisting of 19.7% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 46.4%, with lone person households representing 40.1% and group households making up 6.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment in Ballarat Central is notably higher than regional benchmarks, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a university qualification, compared to 21.7% in the Rest of Vic. and 24.6% in the SA4 region. This educational profile positions the suburb well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (11.0%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational and technical training is also common, with 28.8% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications such as advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (17.5%).

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Public transport analysis identifies 56 active transit stops in Ballarat Central. These stops are serviced by 15 separate routes, which combine to deliver 2,836 passenger trips per week. Transport access is classified as excellent, with residents living an average of 165 meters from their nearest transit point. Being a mostly residential area, the majority of workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 74%, while 18% walk and 2% cycle. Car ownership averages 1.0 per household, below the regional average. Additionally, 23.5% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Ballarat Central presents notable public health issues, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, which are somewhat common among both younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is relatively low at approximately 52% of the population (~2,755 people).

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Ballarat Central has lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens making up 88.2% of the population, 86.2% of residents born in Australia, and 91.6% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 42.2% of residents in Ballarat Central. The most notable overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.4% of the population compared to 0.8% across Regional Vic.

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The median age of 40 in Ballarat Central is slightly younger than the Regional Vic. average of 43, though just above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 25 - 34 cohort is highly represented (15.0% locally), while the 75 - 84 cohort is underrepresented (5.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has increased from 12.3% to 13.4% of the population, whereas the 45 to 54 group has decreased from 13.2% to 12.1%. Future projections for 2041 indicate notable demographic shifts for Ballarat Central, with the 25 to 34 age bracket expected to grow significantly, increasing by people () from to while the to group is projected to grow by a modest , adding only residents.

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Ballarat Central currently has an estimated 260 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 137 children aged 0-2 and 90 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 3% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 33% by 2041 (to approximately 346 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 437. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 6.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.