Balaclava

VIC 3183 • Greater Melbourne

5,392
Population (2021)
$60,944
Median Income
0.76 km²
Area
13m
Elevation
Inner CityJewish CommunityWalkableCulturally Rich

About Balaclava

Balaclava is a compact, vibrant inner suburb in Melbourne's Port Phillip council, located just 7 kilometres southeast of the CBD. With around 5,400 residents packed into less than 1 square kilometre, it's one of Melbourne's most densely populated areas. The suburb is renowned as the heart of Melbourne's Jewish community, with synagogues, kosher eateries, and cultural institutions defining its unique character.

Carlisle Street is the suburb's bustling commercial spine, offering diverse dining from kosher bakeries to trendy cafes. The tram and train connections make it exceptionally well-connected, while proximity to St Kilda's beaches adds lifestyle appeal. Balaclava attracts young professionals, students, and families drawn to its cultural richness, walkability, and inner-city convenience. It's cosmopolitan Melbourne with genuine community soul.

Balaclava falls under postcode 3183 and is governed by Port Phillip Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Caulfield (Southern Metropolitan) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3183
Urban Area
Port Phillip
Federal Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.87°, 144.99°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
0.76 km²
Elevation
13m

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cnr Camden Street & Alfred Street Balaclava 3183 VIC
  • Woolworths
    220 Carlisle Street Balaclava 3183 VIC

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing Costs 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$386
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,223
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
35 years

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,396
Census 2021
5,392
0.1% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$49,452
Income 2021
$60,944
23.2% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,253
Born Overseas 1,782

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 251
  • 2. India 157
  • 3. New Zealand 138
  • 4. Ireland 88
  • 5. United States 82
  • 6. Nepal 62
  • 7. China 53
  • 8. South Africa 53
  • 9. Greece 47
  • 10. Italy 40
  • 11. Philippines 39
  • 12. France 38
  • 13. Scotland 37
  • 14. Germany 36
  • 15. Malaysia 29

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,640
Australian 1,311
Irish 689
Scottish 529
Italian 259
German 233
Chinese 182
Indian 178
Greek 170
Polish 161

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,934
Both parents born in Australia
2,213
Both parents born overseas
853
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
51.0%
Christianity
22.7%
Judaism
11.6%
Hinduism
3.2%
Buddhism
1.2%
Islam
0.9%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
260 (4.8%)
5-14 years
432 (8.0%)
15-19 years
167 (3.1%)
20-24 years
394 (7.3%)
25-34 years
1,409 (26.1%)
35-44 years
990 (18.4%)
45-54 years
659 (12.2%)
55-64 years
479 (8.9%)
65-74 years
369 (6.8%)
75-84 years
170 (3.2%)
85+ years
56 (1.0%)

Nearby Suburbs