🔍

Ballarat Central

VIC 3350 • Rest of VIC

5,378
Population (2021)
$75,608
Median Household Income
3.78 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
HistoricHeritageUniversity TownCafé CultureCBD-Adjacent

About Ballarat Central

Ballarat Central is the historic heart of the City of Ballarat, situated approximately 110 kilometres north-west of Melbourne at an elevation of around 450 metres above sea level. With a population of around 5,400 across 3.8 square kilometres, it encompasses the city's CBD, civic precinct, and surrounding inner residential streets. The suburb has a median age of 41 and a median household income of roughly ,450 per week, reflecting a mix of city workers, students, and longer-term residents.

Ballarat Central is home to some of Victoria's most significant gold-rush heritage architecture, with Sturt and Lydiard Streets lined by Victorian-era buildings, the landmark art gallery, and Ballarat's thriving café and restaurant scene. Federation University Australia has a strong presence in the area, contributing a youthful student population alongside the predominantly Anglo-Australian community. Residents enjoy walkable access to the city's services, cultural institutions, and Ballarat railway station — the main hub for V/Line trains to Melbourne.

Ballarat Central falls under postcode 3350 and is governed by Ballarat Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Wendouree (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3350
Urban Area
Ballarat
LGA / Council
Ballarat
Federal Electorate
Ballarat
State Electorate
Wendouree (Western Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.56°, 143.85°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
3.78 km²
Elevation
450m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

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

🏡House
$575K
29 sales · ▲ 8.5% YoY
🏢Unit / Apartment
$415K
6 sales · ▲ 12.2% 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)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,600
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
41 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.3%

21 state housing + 10 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Ballarat CBD 330-440 min

Commute to Ballarat CBD

Distance
110 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
99-132 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
83-110 min

🛣️ Car is the primary mode of transport for most residents

Walkability Car-Dependent

Some local services are accessible; car needed for most errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
467.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 46.3%
Motor vehicle theft
449.8 / 100k
2yr Up 23.3% 10yr Up 11.4%
Non-FV assault
395.7 / 100k
2yr Up 38.7% 10yr Up 20.1%
Robbery (unarmed)
1.6 / 100k
2yr Down 52.3% 10yr Up 67.2%
Steal from vehicle
1,167 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 27.0%
View all offence subgroups for Ballarat →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,328
Census 2021
5,378
▲ 0.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$32,396
Personal Income 2021
$42,692
▲ 31.8% 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
$42,692 / yr
$821/wk
Household
$75,608 / yr
$1454/wk
Family
$110,240 / yr
$2120/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,387
Born Overseas 701

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 129
  • 2. India 96
  • 3. New Zealand 60
  • 4. United States 28
  • 5. China 27
  • 6. Nepal 23
  • 7. Scotland 23
  • 8. Malaysia 19
  • 9. Netherlands 18
  • 10. Philippines 16

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,227
Australian 1,880
Irish 1,078
Scottish 783
German 230
Italian 164
Dutch 129
Indian 103
Chinese 80
Australian Aboriginal 57

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,517
Both parents born in Australia
890
Both parents born overseas
616
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
49.6%
Christianity
38.9%
Buddhism
1.2%
Hinduism
1.1%
Islam
0.8%
Sikhism
0.7%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
253 (4.7%)
5-14 years
516 (9.6%)
15-19 years
260 (4.8%)
20-24 years
399 (7.4%)
25-34 years
808 (15.0%)
35-44 years
701 (13.0%)
45-54 years
711 (13.2%)
55-64 years
723 (13.4%)
65-74 years
600 (11.2%)
75-84 years
285 (5.3%)
85+ years
121 (2.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ballarat Central known for? +

Ballarat Central is the historic heart of the City of Ballarat, situated approximately 110 kilometres north-west of Melbourne at an elevation of around 450 metres above sea level. Ballarat Central is home to some of Victoria's most significant gold-rush heritage architecture, with Sturt and Lydiard Streets lined by Victorian-era buildings, the landmark art gallery, and Ballarat's thriving café and

How far is Ballarat Central from Melbourne CBD? +

Ballarat Central is approximately 110 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 132-198 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Ballarat Central have public transport? +

Ballarat Central has limited public transport options. V/Line coach services connect some regional towns, but a car is the most practical way to get around in this area.

What is the population of Ballarat Central? +

According to the 2021 Census, Ballarat Central has a population of approximately 5,378 residents, reflecting a well-established community. The suburb falls within the Ballarat (City) local government area.

Is Ballarat Central a good place to live? +

Ballarat Central offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with access to local parks, shops, and community services. It suits a broad range of residents including families, professionals, and retirees looking for a connected and well-serviced neighbourhood.

What is the postcode for Ballarat Central? +

The postcode for Ballarat Central, VIC is 3350. This postcode covers Ballarat Central and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Ballarat Central? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Ballarat Central is about $821 per week (around $42,700 per year). The median household income is $1,454 per week and the median family income is $2,120 per week.

What is the median house price in Ballarat Central? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $575,000, up 8.5% year-on-year, and the median unit/apartment price is $415,000, up 12.2% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Ballarat Central? +

The median age in Ballarat Central is 41. The largest age group is 25–34 (808 residents, around 15%). Around 19% of residents are under 20 and about 19% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Ballarat Central a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Ballarat Central is part of the Ballarat 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 Ballarat Central? +

In Ballarat Central, the median weekly rent is $300, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,600 (2021 Census).