Calwell
Statistical Area - sa2

Calwell has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Calwell's population was approximately 5,554 as of August 2025. This figure represents a decrease of 176 people, or 3.1%, from the 2021 Census total of 5,730 individuals. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,552 in June 2024 and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio was around 1,427 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Recent population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 56.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also with a base year of 2022. According to population projections, Calwell is expected to have a population increase just below the national median statistical areas' average by 2041. The area is projected to gain 278 persons by then, representing an overall increase of approximately 5.0% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Calwell is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Calwell has averaged approximately zero new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data, sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, indicates two homes approved over the past five financial years, spanning from FY20 to FY25, with no approvals recorded thus far in FY26. The area's population decline suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good choice for buyers.

Commercial approvals this financial year total $393,000, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, Calwell has significantly less development activity, 51.0% below regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is also below national average, indicating the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 14.0% detached dwellings and 86.0% townhouses or apartments, promoting more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the current housing mix of 87.0% houses reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With approximately zero people per dwelling approval, Calwell exhibits characteristics of a low density area.

Calwell has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that may impact the region. Notable projects include Calwell Group Centre improvements, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and EV Fast Charging Infrastructure - Calwell (Calwell Shopping Centre). The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

The labour market in Calwell demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Calwell's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.5% as of June 2025.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 1.0%. In June 2025, 3,255 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate aligned with the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%, and workforce participation similar to ACT's 69.6%. Key industries for Calwell residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Notably, construction employment is high at 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 7.9% compared to the regional average of 11.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population with resident population. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% and a fall in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. As of Sep-25, ACT's employment contracted by 0.33% (losing 1,480 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Calwell's employment mix indicates potential local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Calwell's median income among taxpayers was $70,379 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $78,000 during the same period. These figures compare to those for the Australian Capital Territory, which were $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $77,966 (median) and $86,408 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Calwell rank highly nationally, between the 90th and 91st percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 37.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, with 2,054 residents in this category. This is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 34.3% in the same income bracket. The district demonstrates considerable affluence with 39.5% earning over $3,000 per week, which supports premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Calwell is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Calwell's dwelling structures, as reported at the latest Census, 86.8% were houses while 13.2% were other dwellings such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calwell was at 30.2%, similar to the ACT's level, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.6% and rented ones at 15.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment for Calwell was $2,000, matching the ACT average, whereas median weekly rent stood at $448 compared to the ACT's $2,000 and $425 respectively. Nationally, Calwell's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Calwell features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households compose 78.1% of all households, including 38.5% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 19.1% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Calwell exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 29.1%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificates at 23.1%. Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.2% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education. Calwell's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,060 students as of the latest data. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1013) with balanced educational opportunities. There are 2 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds residential needs, with 19.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.9, indicating it serves as an educational center for the broader region.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis indicates 33 active stops operating within Calwell, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 9 distinct routes, facilitating 1,597 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents on average situated 199 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 228 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 48 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Calwell are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Calwell.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population, which consists of 3,265 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.4 and 9.0% of residents respectively. A total of 66.9% of residents declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. The area has 15.9% of residents aged 65 and over, which totals 881 people, lower than the 17.6% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Calwell was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Calwell's cultural diversity is above average, with 19.1% of its population born overseas and 14.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Calwell, accounting for 49.1% of its population. Notably, Islam is overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average, comprising 2.1% of Calwell's population versus 2.4%.

The top three ancestral groups are Australian (27.8%), English (26.4%), and Other (8.9%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences in representation: Spanish is overrepresented at 1.1% compared to the regional average of 0.7%, Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Serbian at 0.5% against a regional average of 0.4%.

Calwell's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Calwell's median age is 37 years, slightly older than the Australian Capital Territory's 35 but aligned with the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group makes up 13.6% of Calwell's population compared to the Australian Capital Territory's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 13.3%. Between 2021 and the present day, the 65-74 age group has increased from 8.1% to 10.2%, and the 35-44 cohort has risen from 12.8% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Calwell. The 75-84 age group is projected to rise substantially by 184 people (86%), from 214 to 399. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.