Balala

NSW 2358 • New South Wales

122
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
357.16 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteAgriculturalQuiet
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About Balala

Balala is a sparsely populated rural locality in the New England Tablelands of north-eastern New South Wales, situated in the Northern Tablelands state electorate near the Guyra and Armidale region. With a population of 122 at the 2021 Census spread across more than 357 square kilometres, the locality reflects the vast pastoral and agricultural character of the high New England plateau. The area's median income of approximately $36,672 reflects the challenges and modest earnings typical of remote grazing communities in this part of the state.

The landscape around Balala is characteristic of the high New England tablelands — expansive open grazing country with cold winters and mild summers supporting sheep and cattle farming across large rural holdings. Given its low population density and minimal local services, residents rely on nearby towns such as Guyra and Armidale for shopping, health care, and schooling. The area suits those seeking a deeply rural lifestyle and the clean air and sweeping vistas of the New England region, one of the most elevated pastoral landscapes in eastern Australia.

Balala falls under postcode 2358 and is governed by the Uralla Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Lyne, while state elections fall under the Northern Tablelands electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2358
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.54°, 151.30°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
357.16 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2358

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2358, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$36,672
Median 2023–24
$48,324
31.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$54,044

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2358; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Guyra / Armidale 30-50 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
480 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Armidale for XPT / NSW TrainLink intercity service
By Car (Peak)
5h 30min - 6h 30min
By Car (Off-Peak)
5h - 5h 30min

🛣️ New England Highway connects to Tamworth and Sydney; Armidale regional airport ~45km east for flights to Sydney

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for all daily needs in Balala; the nearest services are in Guyra or Armidale

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
122
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
229.7 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
147.6 / 100k
Non-DV assault
213.3 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
nc / 100k
Steal from vehicle
246.1 / 100k

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Balala known for? +

Balala is a remote rural locality in the New England Tablelands of NSW, primarily known for sheep and cattle grazing across its elevated pastoral landscape. It is part of the broader Armidale and Guyra district, characterised by open grasslands and a cool New England climate.

How far is Balala from the nearest major town? +

Balala is in the general vicinity of Guyra (approximately 25–35 kilometres) and Armidale (approximately 40–50 kilometres to the east). Armidale is the nearest major regional centre with a full range of services and a regional airport.

Does Balala have public transport? +

Balala has no rail service and very limited public transport. Residents typically rely on private vehicles for all travel. Armidale, the nearest large town, has NSW TrainLink intercity rail connections to Sydney and regional bus services.

What is the population of Balala? +

According to the 2021 Census, Balala has a population of 122 residents across a locality of over 357 square kilometres, making it one of the more sparsely settled rural localities in the New England region of NSW.

Is Balala a good place to live? +

Balala suits people who value a remote rural lifestyle in one of the most scenic and elevated pastoral regions of NSW. Its cold winters, open landscapes, and distance from urban services mean it appeals primarily to farming families and those who prefer solitude over convenience.

What is the postcode for Balala? +

The postcode for Balala, New South Wales is 2358.

Is Balala a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Balala is part of the Uralla 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.