Balaklava

SA 5461 • Rest of SA

2,083
Population (2021)
$31,772
Median Income
112.08 km²
Area
75m
Elevation
Rural Service TownRacing HeritageAgriculturalCountry LivingMid North

About Balaklava

Balaklava is a prosperous agricultural service town in South Australia's Mid North region, located 92 kilometres north of Adelaide on the Wakefield River. With a population of around 2,000, it serves as the administrative centre of the Wakefield Regional Council. The town was established in 1869 and named after the famous Battle of Balaklava from the Crimean War.

The town is famous for hosting the Balaklava Cup, South Australia's largest country race meeting held annually in September for over 100 years. Impressive wheat silos and grain facilities define the skyline, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage. Balaklava offers quality schools including a high school, shops, sporting facilities, and a strong community spirit. The Plains Producer newspaper has served the region since 1903. Residents enjoy country town living with reasonable access to Adelaide and proximity to the Clare Valley wine region.

Balaklava falls under postcode 5461 and is governed by Wakefield Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Narungga electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5461
Urban Area
Wakefield - Clare and Gilbert Valleys
LGA
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.14°, 138.44°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
112.08 km²
Elevation
75m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Adelaide

Distance
92 km
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 15 mins
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 5 mins

🛣️ No public transport. Former railway line closed 2004. Car essential. 25km to Port Wakefield, 35km to Auburn/Clare Valley.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Compact town centre with shops, schools, and services walkable. Car required for regional travel and employment outside town.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing Costs 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$227
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,035
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
46 years

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,048
Census 2021
2,083
1.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$27,716
Income 2021
$31,772
14.6% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,794
Born Overseas 178

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 68
  • 2. Philippines 42
  • 3. Germany 9
  • 4. New Zealand 9
  • 5. Netherlands 8
  • 6. Scotland 7
  • 7. France 4
  • 8. Afghanistan 3
  • 9. Canada 3
  • 10. Nepal 3
  • 11. Papua New Guinea 3
  • 12. United States 3
  • 13. Wales 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 977
English 933
German 229
Scottish 202
Irish 126
Australian Aboriginal 56
Filipino 49
Italian 27
Dutch 18
French 11

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,529
Both parents born in Australia
236
Both parents born overseas
196
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
50.0%
No Religion
42.5%
Buddhism
0.6%
Hinduism
0.4%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
111 (5.3%)
5-14 years
272 (13.1%)
15-19 years
113 (5.4%)
20-24 years
102 (4.9%)
25-34 years
221 (10.6%)
35-44 years
181 (8.7%)
45-54 years
245 (11.8%)
55-64 years
254 (12.2%)
65-74 years
279 (13.4%)
75-84 years
184 (8.8%)
85+ years
106 (5.1%)