🔍

Balaclava

VIC 3183 • Greater Melbourne

5,392
Population (2021)
$105,352
Median Household Income
0.76 km²
Area
$386/wk
Median Rent
Inner CityJewish CommunityWalkableCulturally Rich

About Balaclava

Balaclava is a compact, vibrant inner suburb in Melbourne's Port Phillip council, located just 7 kilometres southeast of the CBD. With around 5,400 residents packed into less than 1 square kilometre, it's one of Melbourne's most densely populated areas. The suburb is renowned as the heart of Melbourne's Jewish community, with synagogues, kosher eateries, and cultural institutions defining its unique character.

Carlisle Street is the suburb's bustling commercial spine, offering diverse dining from kosher bakeries to trendy cafes. The tram and train connections make it exceptionally well-connected, while proximity to St Kilda's beaches adds lifestyle appeal. Balaclava attracts young professionals, students, and families drawn to its cultural richness, walkability, and inner-city convenience. It's cosmopolitan Melbourne with genuine community soul.

Balaclava falls under postcode 3183 and is governed by Port Phillip Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Caulfield (Southern Metropolitan) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3183
Urban Area
Port Phillip
LGA / Council
Port Phillip
Federal Electorate
Macnamara
State Electorate
Caulfield (Southern Metropolitan)
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.87°, 144.99°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
0.76 km²
Elevation
13m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

Median sale prices in Balaclava for the June quarter 2025. Median sale prices published by the Valuer-General Victoria.

🏡House
$1.15M
7 sales · ▼ 19.9% YoY
🏢Unit / Apartment
$576K
40 sales · ▲ 14.1% YoY

Source: Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report. Medians are for the latest quarter; the change shown is the official 12-month movement. Suburbs with very few sales in a quarter can be volatile.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$386
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,223
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
35 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Melbourne CBD Varies

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
7 km
By Train
Train access via local station
By Car (Peak)
15-25 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10-15 min

🛣️ Located 7 km from Melbourne CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cnr Camden Street & Alfred Street Balaclava 3183 VIC
  • Woolworths
    220 Carlisle Street Balaclava 3183 VIC

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Port Phillip Local Government Area, which contains Balaclava. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
726.1 / 100k
2yr Up 25.5% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
729.6 / 100k
2yr Up 83.8% 10yr Up 35.9%
Non-FV assault
565.7 / 100k
2yr Up 13.8% 10yr Up 42.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
6.1 / 100k
2yr Up 33.7% 10yr Down 26.4%
Steal from vehicle
2,554 / 100k
2yr Up 49.2% 10yr Up 31.7%
View all offence subgroups for Port Phillip →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,396
Census 2021
5,392
▼ 0.1% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$49,452
Personal Income 2021
$60,944
▲ 23.2% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$60,944 / yr
$1172/wk
Household
$105,352 / yr
$2026/wk
Family
$150,748 / yr
$2899/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,253
Born Overseas 1,782

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 251
  • 2. India 157
  • 3. New Zealand 138
  • 4. Ireland 88
  • 5. United States 82
  • 6. Nepal 62
  • 7. China 53
  • 8. South Africa 53
  • 9. Greece 47
  • 10. Italy 40

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,640
Australian 1,311
Irish 689
Scottish 529
Italian 259
German 233
Chinese 182
Indian 178
Greek 170
Polish 161

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,934
Both parents born in Australia
2,213
Both parents born overseas
853
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
51.0%
Christianity
22.7%
Judaism
11.6%
Hinduism
3.2%
Buddhism
1.2%
Islam
0.9%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
260 (4.8%)
5-14 years
432 (8.0%)
15-19 years
167 (3.1%)
20-24 years
394 (7.3%)
25-34 years
1,409 (26.1%)
35-44 years
990 (18.4%)
45-54 years
659 (12.2%)
55-64 years
479 (8.9%)
65-74 years
369 (6.8%)
75-84 years
170 (3.2%)
85+ years
56 (1.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Balaclava known for? +

Balaclava is a well-established residential suburb in Port Phillip, VIC, with a population of approximately 5,392 residents. The suburb is valued for its local schools, parks, and community facilities.

How far is Balaclava from Melbourne CBD? +

Balaclava is approximately 7 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, typically a 10-15 min drive outside peak hours.

Does Balaclava have public transport? +

Balaclava is served by local bus services connecting to the broader VIC network. Nearby train stations provide access to Melbourne CBD.

What is the population of Balaclava? +

According to the 2021 Census, Balaclava has a population of approximately 5,392 residents.

Is Balaclava a good place to live? +

Balaclava offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $56,561, it attracts a broad demographic mix.

What is the postcode for Balaclava? +

The postcode for Balaclava, VIC is 3183.

What is the average income in Balaclava? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Balaclava is about $1,172 per week (around $60,900 per year). The median household income is $2,026 per week and the median family income is $2,899 per week.

What is the median house price in Balaclava? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $1,150,000, down 19.9% year-on-year, and the median unit/apartment price is $576,300, up 14.1% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Balaclava? +

The median age in Balaclava is 35. The largest age group is 25–34 (1,409 residents, around 26%). Around 16% of residents are under 20 and about 11% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Balaclava a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Balaclava is part of the Port Phillip LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Balaclava? +

In Balaclava, the median weekly rent is $386, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,223 (2021 Census).