Balldale vs Howlong
Balldale (median $100,000) is roughly 82% cheaper to buy into than Howlong ($569,000).
Buying in Balldale or Howlong?
Selling in Balldale? The free selling guide
Balldale and Howlong side by side
| Measure | Balldale | Howlong |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $100,000 | $569,000 |
| Median unit | $188,640 | $205,920 |
| House price change, 12 months | – | +17.3% |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | $465/wk | $490/wk |
| Unit rent | $305/wk | – |
| Owner occupied | 78.0% | 79.0% |
| Renter occupied | – | 18.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 7 |
| Average ICSEA | 990 | 997 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | – | 0 |
| Transit score | – | 0 |
| Bike score | – | 0 |
| Population | 168 | 2,997 |
| Median age | 47 | 49 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 515 mm | 544 mm |
| Mean max, January | 32.7°C | 32.5°C |
Green dot: better on that measure (lower price, higher growth, higher walkability, lower risk). Each suburb’s profile gives the source and period of its figures.
Which suits whom
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Howlong (997) sits above Balldale (990).
- For buyers
- Balldale is the lower entry point at $100,000 median, 82% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
- For investors
- Balldale offers the higher gross rental yield (24.18% vs 4.48%), favouring cash-flow investors.
- For families
- Howlong edges out on average school ICSEA (997 vs 990). Howlong also has a higher family-household share (71% vs 55%), so the catchment community skews family-heavy.
Balldale vs Howlong: common questions
Is Balldale or Howlong cheaper to buy in?
Balldale has the lower median house price at $100,000, roughly 82% below Howlong ($569,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Balldale or Howlong have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Howlong scores 997 vs 990 in Balldale. ICSEA is a school-community indicator, not a quality rating, so always check NAPLAN results and catchment boundaries for the specific address you're considering.
Which suburb has higher rental yield, Balldale or Howlong?
Gross rental yield on houses is 24.18% in Balldale vs 4.48% in Howlong. Gross yield equals annual rent divided by purchase price. Net yield (after strata, rates, insurance, agent fees and maintenance) typically runs 1.5-2 percentage points lower.
Keep comparing
The two suburbs
Compare Balldale with
Choosing between Balldale and Howlong?
The free buying guide: budget, schemes, inspections and how not to overpay.