Ballito an affluent and healthy community defying national norms, survey finds

Ballito’s average resident is employed, in their mid-40s and earns enough to place them among the highest standard of living measure countrywide.

This is probably unsurprising to the majority of readers, but confirms Ballito’s status as one of the most affluent communities in South Africa.

Per data recorded as part of the Roots 8.0 Survey, which is the largest survey of urban areas in the country, Ballito is matched only by Fourways and Sandton in terms of average wealth.

Sixty percent of the community is over the age of 40 which naturally contributes to the wealth statistics, given those close to retirement typically have bigger asset and fund reserves.

The gender split is almost even, with men making up 51% of the community and women 49%.

And in terms of marketer’s favourite buzzword, LSM (Living Standards Measure), Ballito also ranks among the highest.

Ninety-seven percent of the community is rated LSM 8 or higher, which translates as ‘most access to wealth’.

This is supported by the average monthly household income of just under

R50 000, with 43% of households bringing in more than R50 000 per month.

How does Ballito stack up against the rest of the country?

Fifty-six percent of survey respondents either own or co-own their home, more than 10% higher than the national average.

Although Fourways and Sandton are equivalent earners, the community most similar in age to Ballito is Somerset West.

But Somerset West residents are significantly more prepared for retirement, based on their investments and pension funds exclusive of general savings.

In fact, more than 40 communities that were surveyed are better prepared for their old age, including those that are generally lower income.

It does not necessarily mean that Ballito’s older population has planned badly however, rather that residents have more freedom with their funds and do not have to be as careful with retirement preparation.

Seventy-eight percent of survey respondents were still actively working too, whether they needed to or not.

When you consider that 22% of residents have retirement annuities and pension funds, the numbers begin to make sense.

And by and large, Ballito residents are healthy too.

Ballito scored lower than the national average in 11 of 13 chronic health ailments, only exceeding the mean in regular headaches and persistent infections.

A slight anomaly in Ballito is the level of trust that residents have in their local pharmacists and pharmacy employees.

Fifty-five percent of respondents said they trusted their pharmacist for advice, while 40% would listen to a pharmacy employee – both significantly higher than the national averages.

More than 80% of the community had exercised in the past month, with just under 50% doing so weekly or more.

So despite being a largely older community, Ballito residents are wealthier and healthier than the national average, a testament to the quality of life available here.

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