The economy of the village survives mainly on passing trade, from the busy N60 which carries over 7,000 vehicles through the town every day.

It fell into decline and lost its railway station, but has enjoyed something of a revival as a residential area for people working in Castlebar.

[6] Pat Nally (1857–1891), an athlete and member of the Supreme Council of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, was born in Rockstown House near Balla.

Nally monument, a Celtic Cross, was erected in Balla with the aid of a public subscription, and was unveiled in 1900 by Mark F.

[7] William Hamilton Maxwell (1792–1850), a Church of Ireland rector in Balla, wrote Wild Sports of the West while resident there in the 19th century.