Balashov is a town in Saratov Oblast, Russia, located on the Khopyor River. Population: 82,227 ; 98,330 ; 97,047. It was previously known …Balashov is a town in Saratov Oblast, Russia, located on the Khopyor River. Population: 82,227 ; 98,330 ; 97,047. It was previously known as Balashovo. It has been known as the selo of Balashovo since the end of the 18th century. In 1780, it was granted town status and became known as Balashov.