🔍

Balaklava

SA 5461 • Rest of SA

2,083
Population (2021)
$56,576
Median Household Income
112.08 km²
Area
$227/wk
Median Rent
Rural Service TownRacing HeritageAgriculturalCountry LivingMid North

About Balaklava

Balaklava is a prosperous agricultural service town in South Australia's Mid North region, located 92 kilometres north of Adelaide on the Wakefield River. With a population of around 2,000, it serves as the administrative centre of the Wakefield Regional Council. The town was established in 1869 and named after the famous Battle of Balaklava from the Crimean War.

The town is famous for hosting the Balaklava Cup, South Australia's largest country race meeting held annually in September for over 100 years. Impressive wheat silos and grain facilities define the skyline, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage. Balaklava offers quality schools including a high school, shops, sporting facilities, and a strong community spirit. The Plains Producer newspaper has served the region since 1903. Residents enjoy country town living with reasonable access to Adelaide and proximity to the Clare Valley wine region.

Balaklava falls under postcode 5461 and is governed by Wakefield Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Narungga electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5461
Urban Area
Wakefield - Clare and Gilbert Valleys
LGA / Council
Wakefield
Federal Electorate
Grey
State Electorate
Narungga
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.14°, 138.44°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
112.08 km²
Elevation
75m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$227
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,035
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
46 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3%

8 state housing + 17 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Adelaide

Distance
92 km
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 15 mins
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 5 mins

🛣️ No public transport. Former railway line closed 2004. Car essential. 25km to Port Wakefield, 35km to Auburn/Clare Valley.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Compact town centre with shops, schools, and services walkable. Car required for regional travel and employment outside town.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,048
Census 2021
2,083
▲ 1.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$27,716
Personal Income 2021
$31,772
▲ 14.6% 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
$31,772 / yr
$611/wk
Household
$56,576 / yr
$1088/wk
Family
$76,024 / yr
$1462/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,794
Born Overseas 178

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 68
  • 2. Philippines 42
  • 3. Germany 9
  • 4. New Zealand 9
  • 5. Netherlands 8
  • 6. Scotland 7
  • 7. France 4
  • 8. Afghanistan 3
  • 9. Canada 3
  • 10. Nepal 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 977
English 933
German 229
Scottish 202
Irish 126
Australian Aboriginal 56
Filipino 49
Italian 27
Dutch 18
French 11

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,529
Both parents born in Australia
236
Both parents born overseas
196
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
50.0%
No Religion
42.5%
Buddhism
0.6%
Hinduism
0.4%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
111 (5.3%)
5-14 years
272 (13.1%)
15-19 years
113 (5.4%)
20-24 years
102 (4.9%)
25-34 years
221 (10.6%)
35-44 years
181 (8.7%)
45-54 years
245 (11.8%)
55-64 years
254 (12.2%)
65-74 years
279 (13.4%)
75-84 years
184 (8.8%)
85+ years
106 (5.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Balaklava known for? +

Balaklava is a prosperous agricultural service town in South Australia's Mid North region, located 92 kilometres north of Adelaide on the Wakefield River. With a population of around 2,000, it serves as the administrative centre of the Wakefield Regional Council.

How far is Balaklava from Adelaide CBD? +

Balaklava is approximately 92 km from Adelaide. By car, the journey takes around 1 hr 5 mins off-peak and 1 hr 15 mins during peak hours.

Does Balaklava have public transport? +

Balaklava has limited public transport. A private vehicle is essential for residents.

What is the population of Balaklava? +

According to the 2021 Census, Balaklava has a population of approximately 2,083 residents. It is a mid-sized suburb within the Wakefield (District Council).

Is Balaklava a good place to live? +

Balaklava offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with access to local amenities and services. It suits a range of residents from families to retirees, depending on personal preferences for pace of life and proximity to urban centres.

What is the postcode for Balaklava? +

The postcode for Balaklava, SA is 5461.

What is the average income in Balaklava? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Balaklava is about $611 per week (around $31,800 per year). The median household income is $1,088 per week and the median family income is $1,462 per week.

What is the age profile of Balaklava? +

The median age in Balaklava is 46. The largest age group is 65–74 (279 residents, around 13%). Around 24% of residents are under 20 and about 27% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Balaklava? +

In Balaklava, the median weekly rent is $227, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,035 (2021 Census).