Calwell

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

Calwell's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 5,520 as of May 2026. This figure represents a decrease of 210 individuals, amounting to a 3.7% drop from the 2021 Census's reported population of 5,730. The change can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,520 recorded by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,419 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average observed across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver behind Calwell's population growth, contributing approximately 61.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 beyond 2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also using 2022 as the base year. Looking ahead, population projections indicate lower quartile growth for statistical areas nationwide. Calwell is expected to increase by 235 persons to reach a total of 5,755 by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 4.3% over the 16-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 six new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, with 34 homes approved between FY21-FY25. No new dwellings have been approved so far in FY26. Despite a decline in population during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $166,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $393,000 in commercial approvals, indicating Calwell's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Calwell has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the fifth percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 14.0% detached dwellings and 86.0% townhouses or apartments, a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 87.0% houses, likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Calwell is projected to add 235 residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining reasonable growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as population grows.

Calwell has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and EV Fast Charging Infrastructure at Calwell Shopping Centre. Below is a list of those most likely to be relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Calwell exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Calwell has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.5% and there was a 1.2% employment growth over the year ending December 2025. As of this date, 3,163 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is at 73.6%, slightly higher than the ACT's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 9.6% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction sectors. Construction employment is particularly high, at 1.6 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence with only 7.9% employment compared to the regional average of 11.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the year ending December 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, while labour force grew by 1.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, ACT saw employment rise by 0.9% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Calwell's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

The median income among taxpayers in Calwell SA2 was $73,856 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The average income stood at $80,583 during this period. These figures compare to the ACT's median and average incomes of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, estimated current median income is approximately $81,567 as of March 2026, with average income estimated at around $88,996 during the same period. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Calwell rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 90th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 37.0% of residents (2,042 people) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 34.3% occupy this range. Notably, 39.5% of Calwell residents earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income, indicating 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Calwell's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.8% houses and 13.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calwell stood at 30.2%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 54.6% and rented dwellings making up 15.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Calwell was recorded at $448, compared to the Australian Capital Territory figure of $450. Nationally, Calwell's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially higher at $448 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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 them, including advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (23.1%). Educational participation is high at 28.7%, comprising 10.2% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Calwell has 33 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 68 different routes, offering a total of 4,244 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is high, with residents located an average of 199 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward using private cars (92%), while only 5% use buses. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.7, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

On average, there are 606 trips daily across all routes, resulting in approximately 128 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Calwell is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Calwell faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 60% of Calwell's total population (3,284 people) has private health cover, compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.4 and 9.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 66.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (906 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Calwell records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Calwell's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 19.1% born overseas and 14.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Calwell, accounting for 49.1%. Islam has a higher representation in Calwell compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, comprising 2.1% versus 3.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (27.8%), English (26.4%), and Other (8.9%). Notably, Spanish (1.1%) is more prevalent than regionally (0.5%), as are Serbian (0.5%) and Hungarian (0.4%) residents compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.3%, respectively.

Calwell's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Calwell's median age is 37 years, slightly older than Australian Capital Territory's 35 but in line with Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 55-64 has a strong representation at 13.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figure. However, the 25-34 age cohort is less prevalent at 13.0%. Since 2021, the population aged 65 to 74 has grown from 8.1% to 10.8%, while the 35 to 44 age group increased from 12.8% to 15.0%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age cohort declined from 12.3% to 10.7%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 13.2% to 12.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Calwell. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 154 people (68%) from 226 to 381. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15 to 24 and 35 to 44 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.