🔍

West Ballina

NSW 2478 • Rest of NSW

3,230
Population (2021)
$52,780
Median Household Income
9.26 km²
Area
$370/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRiversideRetiree-HavenPeacefulAffordable

About West Ballina

West Ballina is a peaceful urban locality on the far north coast of New South Wales, situated on the western bank of the Richmond River approximately 30 kilometres south of Byron Bay within the Ballina local government area. The suburb covers 9.3 square kilometres and had a population of 3,230 at the 2021 Census, with a notably high median age of 54 reflecting its strong appeal to retirees and sea-changers. The median household income of around $53,000 per year is below the national average, consistent with the region's retiree demographic and the Northern Rivers' lifestyle-oriented economy.

West Ballina is characterised by a relaxed riverside lifestyle, with waterfront reserves, walking paths along the Richmond River, and easy access to the beaches and amenities of central Ballina just across the river. The suburb is a short drive from Ballina's town centre, the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, and the Pacific Highway connecting the region to the Gold Coast and Sydney. Its quiet streets, affordable housing relative to nearby Byron Bay, and scenic river setting make it a popular choice for retirees and those seeking a slower-paced coastal alternative in one of NSW's most sought-after regional areas.

West Ballina falls under postcode 2478 and is governed by Ballina Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ballina electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2478
Urban Area
Ballina
LGA / Council
Ballina
Federal Electorate
Richmond
State Electorate
Ballina
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.86°, 153.52°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
9.26 km²
Elevation
3m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

Median sale prices in West Ballina for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.

🏡House
$900K
53 sales · ▲ 7.1% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$630K
21 sales · ▼ 6% vs 2024

Source: NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information. Strata-titled sales are counted as units; all others as houses. Suburbs with fewer than 5 sales in a category are omitted.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$370
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,863
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
54 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
7.6%

87 state housing + 19 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Blanch's Bus Co local services — Ballina town centre and surrounding areas 10-20 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
185 km
By Train
No direct train service; NSW TrainLink coach connects Casino to Sydney
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 30 min to Brisbane CBD
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 15 min to Brisbane CBD

🛣️ Ballina Byron Gateway Airport approximately 4 km away with flights to Sydney and Brisbane; Pacific Highway provides main road access

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car; some walkable access to local riverside paths and nearby Ballina amenities

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
367.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
237.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 12.3%
Non-DV assault
369.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
8.3 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
381.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 1.9%
View all 62 offence types for Ballina →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,023
Census 2021
3,230
▲ 6.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$25,740
Personal Income 2021
$31,252
▲ 21.4% 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
$31,252 / yr
$601/wk
Household
$52,780 / yr
$1015/wk
Family
$70,512 / yr
$1356/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,657
Born Overseas 318

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 74
  • 2. New Zealand 63
  • 3. Netherlands 20
  • 4. Philippines 17
  • 5. Germany 16
  • 6. Scotland 16
  • 7. Canada 11
  • 8. Italy 11
  • 9. South Africa 11
  • 10. Thailand 10

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,403
Australian 1,306
Irish 356
Scottish 346
Australian Aboriginal 235
German 129
Italian 80
Dutch 36
New Zealander 35
Filipino 19

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,284
Both parents born in Australia
366
Both parents born overseas
328
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
52.9%
No Religion
35.9%
Buddhism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.3%
Islam
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
137 (4.2%)
5-14 years
298 (9.2%)
15-19 years
162 (5.0%)
20-24 years
150 (4.6%)
25-34 years
238 (7.4%)
35-44 years
280 (8.7%)
45-54 years
371 (11.5%)
55-64 years
439 (13.6%)
65-74 years
602 (18.6%)
75-84 years
425 (13.2%)
85+ years
130 (4.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is West Ballina known for? +

West Ballina is known for its relaxed riverside lifestyle along the Richmond River, affordable housing compared to nearby Byron Bay, and its appeal to retirees and sea-changers seeking a peaceful far north coast lifestyle. The suburb sits close to Ballina's town centre and the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.

How far is West Ballina from the nearest CBD? +

West Ballina is approximately 3 kilometres west of central Ballina town and about 185 kilometres south of Brisbane CBD, typically a 2.5 hour drive via the Pacific Highway. It is around 30 kilometres south of Byron Bay.

Does West Ballina have public transport? +

West Ballina is served by Blanch's Bus Co local routes connecting to Ballina town centre and surrounding areas. There is no rail service; the nearest train link is at Casino approximately 35 kilometres west, served by NSW TrainLink regional coaches. A car is the most practical way to get around.

What is the population of West Ballina? +

According to the 2021 Census, West Ballina has a population of 3,230 residents, with a high median age of 54 indicating a significant retiree and older demographic. The suburb also has a notable Indigenous Australian community.

Is West Ballina a good place to live? +

West Ballina suits retirees, sea-changers, and families looking for an affordable, relaxed coastal lifestyle on the NSW far north coast. It offers riverside amenity, proximity to Ballina and Byron Bay, and a quiet community atmosphere, though residents rely on private vehicles for most daily needs.

What is the postcode for West Ballina? +

The postcode for West Ballina is 2478, shared with the broader Ballina area.

What is the average income in West Ballina? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in West Ballina is about $601 per week (around $31,300 per year). The median household income is $1,015 per week and the median family income is $1,356 per week.

What is the median house price in West Ballina? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $900,000, up 7.1% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $630,000, down 6% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of West Ballina? +

The median age in West Ballina is 54. The largest age group is 65–74 (602 residents, around 19%). Around 18% of residents are under 20 and about 36% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is West Ballina a safe area? +

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

In West Ballina, the median weekly rent is $370, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,863 (2021 Census).