🔍

Balmain

NSW 2041 • Greater Sydney

10,454
Population (2021)
$158,028
Median Household Income
1.54 km²
Area
$625/wk
Median Rent
Heritage PeninsulaFerry AccessVillage AtmosphereInner West Character

About Balmain

Balmain occupies a heritage-rich peninsula in Sydney's Inner West, about 5 kilometres from the CBD. This characterful suburb of roughly 10,500 residents combines working-class maritime history with contemporary harbourside living. Darling Street's pubs, cafes, and Saturday markets create a village atmosphere unusual for such a central location.

The demographic has shifted from waterfront workers to wealthy professionals, but the suburb retains genuine character. Heritage pubs serve excellent beer, terraces line narrow streets, and ferry commutes beat any other option. The community is passionate about their suburb - local issues generate strong opinions and active participation. It's gentrified but not sanitised, sophisticated but not pretentious.

Balmain falls under postcode 2041 and is governed by Inner West Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Balmain electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2041
Urban Area
Leichhardt
LGA / Council
Inner West
Federal Electorate
Sydney
State Electorate
Balmain
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.86°, 151.18°
Statistical Area
Greater Sydney
Area
1.54 km²
Elevation
36m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Sydney CBD Varies

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
3 km
By Train
Train access via local station
By Car (Peak)
15-25 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10-15 min

🛣️ Located 3 km from Sydney CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    276 Darling Street Balmain 2041 NSW

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There are 8 heritage-listed places in or near Balmain, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Ewenton
6 Ewenton Street Balmain • SHR #00197
Louisaville
2 Wells Street Balmain • SHR #00189
Fenwick & Co Boat Store
2-8 Weston Street Balmain • SHR #01396
Hampton Villa
12B Grafton Street Balmain • SHR #01725
Dawn Fraser Swimming Pool
Glassop Street, Balmain • SHR #01398
Waterview Wharf Workshops
37 Nicholson Street Balmain • SHR #00687
Mort's Dock
Thames, Mort, College, McKell, Cameron, Yeend Streets, Balmain • SHR #01854
Balmain Hospital - Main Building
Booth Street, Balmain • SHR #00814

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
163.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 5.2%
Motor vehicle theft
147.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Non-DV assault
333.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
6.8 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
291.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 5.6%
View all 62 offence types for Inner West →

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$625
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$3,986
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
42 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
6.1%

233 state housing + 38 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
10,453
Census 2021
10,454
▲ 0.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$69,784
Personal Income 2021
$82,004
▲ 17.5% 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
$82,004 / yr
$1577/wk
Household
$158,028 / yr
$3039/wk
Family
$237,224 / yr
$4562/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

⚖️ Compare Balmain With

🏘️Paddington
View comparison →🏘️Glebe
View comparison →🏘️Pyrmont
View comparison →

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 6,778
Born Overseas 3,259

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 949
  • 2. New Zealand 292
  • 3. United States 174
  • 4. Ireland 140
  • 5. China 130
  • 6. Scotland 107
  • 7. South Africa 100
  • 8. Italy 81
  • 9. India 68
  • 10. Germany 66

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 4,266
Australian 2,889
Irish 1,908
Scottish 1,359
Italian 494
Chinese 451
German 403
Greek 208
Dutch 178
Indian 166

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,210
Both parents born in Australia
4,052
Both parents born overseas
1,765
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
52.6%
Christianity
38.2%
Buddhism
1.3%
Judaism
0.8%
Hinduism
0.7%
Islam
0.5%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
636 (6.1%)
5-14 years
1,173 (11.2%)
15-19 years
421 (4.0%)
20-24 years
395 (3.8%)
25-34 years
1,297 (12.4%)
35-44 years
1,784 (17.1%)
45-54 years
1,709 (16.3%)
55-64 years
1,342 (12.8%)
65-74 years
1,047 (10.0%)
75-84 years
522 (5.0%)
85+ years
136 (1.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Balmain known for? +

Balmain is a well-established residential suburb in Inner West, NSW, with a population of approximately 10,454 residents. The suburb is valued for its local schools, parks, and community facilities.

How far is Balmain from Sydney CBD? +

Balmain is approximately 3 kilometres from Sydney CBD, typically a 10-15 min drive outside peak hours.

Does Balmain have public transport? +

Balmain is served by local bus services connecting to the broader NSW network. Nearby train stations provide access to Sydney CBD.

What is the population of Balmain? +

According to the 2021 Census, Balmain has a population of approximately 10,454 residents.

Is Balmain a good place to live? +

Balmain offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $79,809, it attracts a broad demographic mix.

What is the postcode for Balmain? +

The postcode for Balmain, NSW is 2041.