Ballina (NSW)

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According to municipal updates from the ABS and fresh address verification by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Ballina has an estimated population of 9,995 in May 2026. This indicates a growth of 260 people (2.7%) from the Census in 2021, when the population stood at 9,735. The update is derived from a resident count of 9,968, calculated by Districts using the ABS ERP figures from June 2025 alongside 149 validated new addresses registered after the Census. This population level translates to 488 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and space for future development. Over the last ten years, the suburb of Ballina has shown steady growth with a 1.5% compound annual rate, which is higher than the SA4 region. Population expansion was mostly driven by interstate arrivals, who represented approximately 57% of total gains in recent times.

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The local workforce is characterized by strong representation in essential service sectors, an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and a 3.6% growth in employment over the previous year. As of March 2026, there are 4,077 employed residents. The unemployment rate is 0.1% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, while workforce participation is low, sitting at 48.4% compared to 60.6% across Regional NSW. Census data indicates that only 12.0% of working residents performed their duties from home, though this figure was likely impacted by pandemic lockdowns.

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Based on tax data from the ATO released for financial year 2023, the median income for taxpayers in this locality is $42,399, with an average of $56,975. This is lower than national figures and compares to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $46,775 for the median and $62,855 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes all ranked between the 3rd and 13th percentiles nationwide. A significant 30.5% of the population (3,048 individuals) earn between $400 - 799, whereas the broader region sees 29.9% of residents earning in the - range. Housing costs consume a significant portion of earnings, leaving only of income disposable, which ranks in the th percentile.

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Residential structures in the area at the time of the Census consisted of 53.2% houses and 46.8% alternative dwellings, such as apartments and semi-detached properties. This is distinct from Regional NSW, where houses make up 82.6% and other dwellings comprise 17.4%. The rate of home ownership is identical to the regional benchmark at 39.6%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (19.7%) or rented (40.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment is $1,733, matching the Regional NSW average, while the median weekly rent is $360, compared to regional figures of $1,733 and $330. Nationally, local mortgage payments are below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the national median of $375.

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Families comprise 53.8% of all households, consisting of 14.3% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 11.8% single parents. Non-family households represent the remaining 46.2%, with single-person households making up 41.8% and group households accounting for 4.4%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The region displays below-average rates of tertiary education, with 19.0% of residents holding a university qualification compared to the NSW state average of 32.2%. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees are most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Conversely, vocational and technical training is common, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding credentials, including 11.2% with advanced diplomas and 27.6% with certificates.

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Public transport infrastructure consists of 187 active train and bus stops. These stops support 71 routes that provide 1,351 passenger trips every week. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 99 meters from the closest stop. Most residents travel outside the suburb for work, with 86% commuting by private car, 7% walking, and 4% cycling. Vehicle ownership is below the regional average at 0.9 cars per household. A low 12.0% of the workforce worked from home, based on 2021 Census data collected during pandemic conditions.

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Local health statistics indicate significant challenges, with high mortality rates and chronic illnesses observed across different age groups. The rate of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 50% of the population (~4,948 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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The local population displays lower levels of cultural diversity than the national average, with citizens making up 88.7% of the population, 85.4% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 55.5% of residents, which is similar to the 55.9% recorded across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 55 years is higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38. The 75 - 84 age group is highly represented at 14.3%, while the 5 - 14 cohort is smaller at 8.2% compared to Regional NSW. The proportion of residents aged 75 - 84 is higher than the national average of 6.1%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 9.6% to 11.0% and the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 13.0% to 14.3%, while the 65 to 74 group fell from to . Looking ahead to demographic projections suggest the number of residents aged + will grow by people (), from to . Residents aged and older are expected to account for of all population growth, while declines are projected for the to and to age groups.

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Ballina currently has an estimated 399 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 249 children aged 0-2 and 166 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 5% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 23% by 2041 (to approximately 490 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 723. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.