Median house price
$880k
+2.3% change
NSW · Lake Macquarie Council
Balcolyn, 2264
Est. population · Jun 2025
1,039
Growth (1 yr)
+1.1%
Growth (5 yr)
+7.7%
Median age
43
Median income
$1,525/wk
Employment rate
51.2%
Median house price · October to December 2025
$880,000
Languages at home
3.2%non-English
Most common: Spanish
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Excellent transport
- High desirability
Suburb profile
In Lake Macquarie Council, Balcolyn keeps a rural calm, a smaller community with room to breathe and a strong local rhythm. The area suits established families and long-term locals, with plenty of young families in the mix. Everyday cafés are limited locally, with the wider metro area covering the bigger food and entertainment trips.
Local parks and tree cover add a welcome outdoor dimension to suburban life. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here, with buses covering longer trips across the wider area. Property sits in a premium price band and is harder to enter for many buyers.
Crime trends have improved of late compared with the previous period. The suburb still has an emerging character, as newer residents settle in and local identity forms.
The desirability picture is below average, weighed down by softer community and employment relative to similar metro suburbs. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Balcolyn snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$610/wk
Population (ERP)
1,039
+1.1% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
15.3%
Census unoccupied dwellings
Livability profile
Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)
How it compares
Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles
Desirability
#239
among Metro Sydney · Emerging
Safety
56th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
68th
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
3/10
national SEIFA decile
Population growth
Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years
Housing mix
Dwelling types from the 2021 Census
Risks & flags
Quick scan — open a section below for full context
Living here
Desirability
Ranks & confidence
- Desirability score
- 29.6/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 5652nd in Australia
- State rank
- 1825th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #239 among Metro Sydney · Emerging suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #833 among Metro Sydney suburbs
- Data confidence
- 81%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $628
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 99
- Median house price (October to December 2025)
- $880,000
- Median price change
- +2.3%
Median weekly rent from NSW DCJ rent tables. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- DCJ rent and sales tables — NSW Department of Communities and Justice · January to March 2026; October to December 2025 · Updated · Quarterly releases
Population
Estimated resident population
1,039(June 2025)
+1.1% annual · +7.7% over 5 years · 68th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +1.1%
- 5-year growth
- +7.7%
- Change in 1 year
- +11
- Change in 5 years
- +74
- Growth rank in NSW
- 68th percentile
ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.
Methodology
Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.
The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~1,100), extrapolated at +1.6% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 1,002
- Median age
- 43
- Median household income / week
- $1,525
- Dwelling vacancy
- 15.3%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 70 of 457
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,733
- Employment rate
- 51.2%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 368 / 0 / 16
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
- Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries
Community & culture
No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
- 79
- Against the person
- 20
- Against property
- 30
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 76
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 50 residents
- State safety percentile
- 56.3th (lower crime is better)
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -12.9%
Most common offence types
- Domestic Violence Related Assault97
- Fraud105
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment115
- Malicious Damage To Property97
- Transport Regulatory Offences251
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- BOCSAR postcode crime statistics — NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Jan 2024 to Dec 2024 → Jan 2025 to Dec 2025; Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 · Updated · Rolling 12-month windows
Family & Lifestyle
Public transport
15 public transport stops in this suburb
- Bay St At Centour St
- Bay St At Helena St
- Bay St Opp Centour St
- Yarrawonga Park Rd After Lake Rd
- Yarrawonga Park Rd Opp Lake Rd
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Timetables Complete GTFS stops (© Transport for NSW, CC BY 4.0) — Transport for NSW — Open Data Hub · current · Updated · Nightly GTFS feed
Amenities
17 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
2 playgrounds
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Limited walkable amenities nearby
- Great for outdoor family life — 2 parks mapped in suburb, 2 playgrounds nearby
- Reasonable bus and transport access — 15 public transport stops
- Walkability proxy
- 23/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 2
Sport & outdoors(4)
- Balcolyn Hall ReservePark
- Shingle SplittersPark
- Playground (2)
Transport(7)
7 bus stops
Other(4)
- Lake Macquarie Outdoor Recreation CentreCamp Site
- Parking (3)
- Public toilets
- Slipway
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Parks & reserves
2 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Balcolyn Hall ReservePark
- Shingle SplittersPark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 2
- Parks (OSM)
- 2
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Moriseset Comunity Health Centre (7.0 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · current · Updated
NDIS participation
- NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
- 37
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 35.6
Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.
For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.
Data sources & freshness
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
Weather
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Usual max / min
- 27° / 18°
- Rainfall
- 295 mm · ~37 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 14°
- Rainfall
- 366 mm · ~46 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 18° / 8°
- Rainfall
- 272 mm · ~34 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 13°
- Rainfall
- 230 mm · ~29 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from NSW Planning Portal.
2026· 5 proposals
May 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure33 LAKE ROAD BALCOLYN 2264Determined
April 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Swimming pool32 KING STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
March 2026
- Subdivision110 LAKE ROAD BALCOLYN 2264Additional Information Requested
January 2026
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Residential Accommodation; Supporting Development6 BEACH ROAD BALCOLYN 2264Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure3 BALCOLYN STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
2025· 11 proposals
December 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah8 QUEEN STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure31 LAKE ROAD BALCOLYN 2264Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure35 LAKE ROAD BALCOLYN 2264Determined
November 2025
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation59 BAY STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
October 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool14 BEACH ROAD BALCOLYN 2264Determined
July 2025
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space1 LAWRIE STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
- Demolition; Swimming pool65 BAY STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
June 2025
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure60 BAY STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
May 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure1 COLBAN STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool40 BALCOLYN STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
March 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Portable swimming pools and spas and child-resistant barriers11 BALCOLYN STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
2024· 8 proposals
November 2024
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure6 HELENA STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
September 2024
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool37 QUEEN STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
August 2024
- Erection of a new structure; Cabanas, cubby houses, ferneries, garden sheds, gazebos and greenhouses; Carport; Landscaping structures; Swimming pool114 LAKE ROAD BALCOLYN 2264Determined
July 2024
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure32 KING STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
May 2024
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure3 BEACH ROAD BALCOLYN 2264Determined
March 2024
- Demolition40 BALCOLYN STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Community facility40 YARRAWONGA PARK ROAD BALCOLYN 2264Determined
February 2024
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation14 BEACH ROAD BALCOLYN 2264Determined
2023· 11 proposals
November 2023
- Shed; Erection of a new structure13 CENTOUR STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure55 BAY STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
October 2023
- Demolition; Shed; Erection of a new structure28 BAY STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
September 2023
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure39 BEACH ROAD BALCOLYN 2264Determined
- Dwelling; Retaining walls, protection of trees8C LAKE ROAD BALCOLYN 2264Determined
August 2023
- Alterations and additions to residential development55 BAY STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
- Secondary dwelling35 LAKE ROAD BALCOLYN 2264Determined
June 2023
- Alterations and additions to residential development3 BEACH ROAD BALCOLYN 2264Determined
- Garages, carports and car parking spaces18 BAY STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
February 2023
- Subdivision of land6 LAKE ROAD BALCOLYN 2264Determined
January 2023
- Dwelling; Demolition; Retaining walls, protection of trees8 BAY STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
2022· 5 proposals
November 2022
- Dual occupancy; Subdivision of land56 BAY STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
- Secondary dwelling4 QUEEN STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
September 2022
- Alterations and additions to residential development17 KING STREET BALCOLYN 2264Determined
August 2022
- Other19 BEACH ROAD BALCOLYN 2264Determined
July 2022
- Dwelling; Secondary dwelling2/8 Lake, Road, Balcolyn NSWDetermined
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- Online DA development application register — NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure · 2026 · Updated · Daily feed (from Oct 2018)
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- No overlay at centroid
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via NSW bush fire prone land mapping.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Hunter
- Member of Parliament
- Dan REPACHOLI (Australian Labor Party)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 132,184
- Turnout (2025)
- 91.9%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +4.7 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 40.5%Labor 59.5%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 6.8 km away).
Coalition 41.5%Labor 58.5%
1.0 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +5.7 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Morisset PeninsulaLabor 59.7% · Coalition 40.3% TPP (2025)2.2 km away
- Wangi WangiLabor 59.9% · Coalition 40.1% TPP (2025)3.7 km away
- Bonnells BayLabor 56.1% · Coalition 43.9% TPP (2025)4.0 km away
- Arcadia ValeLabor 60.2% · Coalition 39.8% TPP (2025)4.6 km away
- Dora CreekLabor 51.3% · Coalition 48.7% TPP (2025)4.8 km away
Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.
Data sources & freshness
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 3/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 4/10
ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?
IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.
IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.
A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
Compare with
Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
More in Lake Macquarie Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.