🔍

Balhannah

SA 5242 • Greater Adelaide

1,756
Population (2021)
$96,252
Median Household Income
31.61 km²
Area
$335/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricFamily-FriendlyTree-ChangeAdelaide Hills
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About Balhannah

Balhannah is a historic town in the Adelaide Hills, situated approximately 30 kilometres southeast of Adelaide in South Australia. Established in 1839 as a farming community, it sits at an elevation of 358 metres amid rolling green hills and native bushland. With a population of around 1,756, Balhannah has a strong Anglo-European heritage with significant German and English ancestry reflected in the region's character. The town falls within the Adelaide Hills Council area and is part of the Greater Adelaide statistical region.

Balhannah offers a relaxed semi-rural lifestyle popular with families and professionals seeking a tree-change from Adelaide while maintaining reasonable access to city amenities. The Onkaparinga Valley Road runs through town, connecting residents to the nearby Hahndorf village, wineries, orchards, and scenic walking trails of the Adelaide Hills. The area is well regarded for its cooler climate, charming local character, and proximity to the Barossa Valley wine region. Residents enjoy a genuine country community feel with access to local services and the broader Hills district.

Balhannah falls under postcode 5242 and is governed by the Adelaide Hills Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Mayo, while state elections fall under the Heysen electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5242
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Adelaide Hills
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Heysen
Type
Rural
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.99°, 138.84°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
31.61 km²
Population Density
56 /km²
Elevation
358m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 5242

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 5242, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$51,915
Median 2023–24
$61,259
▲ 18.0% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$85,066

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 5242; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

Census personal income 2016 vs 2021

Personal Income 2016
$36,816
Personal Income 2021
$43,836
▲ 19.1% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

2021 Census income breakdown

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

Personal
$43,836 / yr
$843/wk
Household
$96,252 / yr
$1851/wk
Family
$116,480 / yr
$2240/wk
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$335
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,647
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
44 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1%

3 state housing + 3 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Littlehampton
7.5 km
Belair Line (Infrequent)
Mount Barker
10 km
Regional bus interchange

Bus Services

  • 823,840 — Adelaide CBD via Mount Barker ~60–80 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
32 km
By Train
N/A – no direct rail service
By Bus
~75 min via Route 823/840 to city
By Car (Peak)
~40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
~30 min

🛣️ Most residents commute by car via South Eastern Freeway or Onkaparinga Valley Road.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Balhannah is a rural town where a car is essential for most daily needs. Limited footpaths connect local streets but most services require driving to nearby Hahndorf or Mount Barker.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,621
Census 2021
1,756
▲ 8.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,422
Born Overseas 222

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 110
  • 2. Germany 14
  • 3. New Zealand 11
  • 4. Scotland 10
  • 5. South Africa 9
  • 6. United States 9
  • 7. Italy 5
  • 8. Netherlands 5
  • 9. Singapore 5
  • 10. Canada 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 880
Australian 635
German 233
Scottish 208
Irish 175
Italian 88
Dutch 50
Welsh 20
Polish 13
Australian Aboriginal 12

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace

1,106
Both parents born in Australia
294
Both parents born overseas
247
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
51.3%
Christianity
40.3%
Buddhism
0.5%
Islam
0.2%

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📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
100 (5.7%)
5-14 years
224 (12.8%)
15-19 years
107 (6.1%)
20-24 years
82 (4.7%)
25-34 years
160 (9.1%)
35-44 years
209 (11.9%)
45-54 years
261 (14.9%)
55-64 years
214 (12.2%)
65-74 years
239 (13.6%)
75-84 years
114 (6.5%)
85+ years
50 (2.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Balhannah known for? +

Balhannah is a historic town in the Adelaide Hills, situated approximately 30 kilometres southeast of Adelaide in South Australia. Established in 1839 as a farming community, it sits at an elevation of 358 metres amid rolling green hills and native bushland.

How far is Balhannah from Adelaide CBD? +

Balhannah is approximately 32 km from Adelaide CBD. By car, the journey takes around ~30 min off-peak and ~40 min during peak hours.

Does Balhannah have public transport? +

Balhannah is served by Littlehampton (7.5 km away) on the Belair Line (Infrequent). Bus services also connect to Adelaide CBD via Mount Barker. The commute to Adelaide CBD takes approximately ~30 min by car.

What is the population of Balhannah? +

According to the 2021 Census, Balhannah has a population of approximately 1,756 residents. It is a mid-sized suburb within the Adelaide Hills (District Council).

Is Balhannah a good place to live? +

Balhannah suits those who value a quiet rural lifestyle with open spaces and natural surroundings. It is ideal for people seeking acreage, farming, or a secluded country retreat, with urban amenities accessible from nearby towns.

What is the postcode for Balhannah? +

The postcode for Balhannah, SA is 5242.

What is the average income in Balhannah? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Balhannah is about $843 per week (around $43,800 per year). The median household income is $1,851 per week and the median family income is $2,240 per week.

What is the age profile of Balhannah? +

The median age in Balhannah is 44. The largest age group is 45–54 (261 residents, around 15%). Around 25% of residents are under 20 and about 23% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Balhannah? +

In Balhannah, the median weekly rent is $335, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,647 (2021 Census).