Balmain (NSW)

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Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the wider region alongside newly validated addresses by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Balmain has an estimated resident base of 10,857 people in May 2026. This indicates a growth of 403 residents (3.9%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 10,454 people. The calculation is based on the current resident estimate of 10,857, which was formulated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP figures alongside 10 validated new addresses added since the Census date. Such a population size results in a density of 7,050 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the highest 10% of all national areas monitored by Districts and highlights the high demand for local land. The suburb of Balmain recorded a 3.9% increase since the census, lagging by just 0.2 percentage points behind the SA3 region (4.1%), highlighting its strong growth dynamics. The expansion was largely propelled by overseas migration, which made up roughly of the overall population rise in recent times.

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The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education, with the technology sector being highly represented, and an unemployment rate of just 3.3% according to Districts' regional data aggregation. In March 2026, there are 6,499 employed residents, and the local unemployment rate sits 0.9% below the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%. Workforce participation is solid at 72.1%, compared to 69.1% for the broader metropolitan region. Census data indicated that a high 67.8% of the working population operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic restrictions.

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The median taxpayer income in the area stands at $86,572, with an average of $161,249, based on ATO postcode data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023. These figures place the suburb in the top national percentile, well above the Greater Sydney median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be roughly $95,506 for the median and $177,890 for the average. The 2021 Census confirms that household, family, and individual incomes in the area are high, ranking in the 97th to 98th national percentiles. Income distribution data shows that the largest group consists of 40.6% of residents (4,407 people) earning $4000+ per week, differing from the metropolitan area where the - range is the most common at . This high concentration of high earners ( above /week) indicates substantial financial capacity. Although high housing costs take up of household income, strong earnings keep disposable income in the th percentile, and the SEIFA income index ranks the area in the th decile.

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The housing profile at the latest Census consisted of 21.8% standalone houses and 78.2% alternative options such as townhouses and apartments, compared to the Sydney metropolitan split of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership rates are comparable to the metropolitan average at 29.1%, while mortgaged properties account for 28.6% and rental properties make up 42.3% of the market. The median monthly mortgage payment is $3,986, which is considerably higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,427. The median weekly rent is $625, compared to the metropolitan average of $470. On a national level, mortgage costs are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also well above the national median of $375.

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Family households represent 63.5% of all local homes, comprising couples with children at 27.2%, couples without children at 27.5%, and single parent families at 7.9%. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.5%, consisting of lone person households at 33.2% and group households at 3.3%. The median household size is 2.2 residents, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Academic qualifications are exceptionally high, with 59.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to national and state levels of 30.4% and 32.2% respectively. This educational profile positions the community well for professional services and knowledge-based careers. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 36.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 18.8% and graduate diplomas at 4.8%. Vocational education accounts for 19.3% of qualifications for those aged 15+, which includes advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificate level courses at 9.4%.

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Public transport options include 45 active stops within the area, providing a combination of ferry and bus connections. These services run across 10 distinct routes, delivering 2,914 passenger journeys each week. Local transport accessibility is excellent, with properties averaging 142 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential and has a high commuting population, with cars being the main transport mode at 61%, followed by buses at 13% and walking at 12%. Average car ownership is 0.7 vehicles per dwelling, which is lower than the metropolitan average. A high 67.8% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which was likely influenced by public health restrictions.

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General health metrics are exceptionally positive, with Districts evaluations of mortality and chronic illnesses showing low rates of common conditions across all age groups. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 90% of the population (9,804 people) having private cover, compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity is higher than in most local markets, with 12.9% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 32.5% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 40.8% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.8% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

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The median age is 42 years, which is older than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and the national median of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is highly represented at 13.7% of the population, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less common at 12.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has risen from 7.8% to 10.0%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 5.0% to 6.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group decreased from 11.2% to 9.3%, and the 45 to 54 cohort fell from to . Demographic projections for indicate that the + cohort will increase by ( people), growing from to . The combined + age categories are expected to make up of the total population growth, pointing to a rapidly aging demographic profile, while the to and to groups are projected to contract.

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Balmain currently has an estimated 575 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 311 children aged 0-2 and 208 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 10% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 532 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 827. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.1 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.