Calwell

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

Calwell's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 5,552 people. This figure represents a decrease of 178 individuals, equivalent to a 3.1% decline since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,730. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 5,552 as of June 2024 and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,427 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

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 post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also based on 2022. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated for statistical areas across the nation. By 2041, Calwell's population is projected to increase by 278 persons, reflecting a total gain of 5.0% over the 17-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, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 34 homes approved during this period. No dwellings have been approved in FY26 so far. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction cost value for new dwellings is $166,000, below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, there have been $393,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area'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 buyer choices and supporting demand for existing properties. This is below average nationally, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints in the area. 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.

This trend indicates diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Future projections estimate Calwell will add 278 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and driving price growth.

Calwell has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones are Banks Gateway Estate, 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.

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 has been broadly consistent with national averages

Calwell has an educated workforce with high representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year (ending September 2025). As of that month, 3158 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, 0.1% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation is at 72.5%, matching the ACT's figure. According to Census responses in September 2025, 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 notable, with levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

However, 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, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.7%, while labour force grew by 0.7%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, ACT's employment rose by 1.4%, labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Calwell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localised population projections.

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 is $73,856, with an average income of $80,583, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest ATO data for financial year 2023. This compares nationally to figures of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively for the Australian Capital Territory. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $80,695 (median) and $88,045 (average). Census data indicates 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 (2,054 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. Notably, 39.5% of 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 8th decile.

Calwell is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Calwell's dwelling structure, 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 at 54.6% and rented ones at 15.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Calwell was $448, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Calwell's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which is 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 held by 36.0% of residents aged 15+, with 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.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 68 different routes that together facilitate 4,244 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 199 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. In this predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents, while only 5% rely on buses. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Calwell, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 9.6% of residents work from home, a figure that might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 606 trips per day, equating to 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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Calwell based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups, with mental health issues affecting 9.4% of residents and asthma impacting 9.0%.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (3,303 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Notably, 66.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, lower than the 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Calwell has 16.8% of residents aged 65 and over (934 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than 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 cultural diversity was above average, with 19.1% of its population born overseas and 14.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Calwell, accounting for 49.1%. Islam was overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory, comprising 2.1% of Calwell's population versus 3.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (27.8%), English (26.4%), and Other (8.9%). Notable divergences included Spanish (1.1% vs regional 0.5%), Serbian (0.5% vs 0.4%), and Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%) groups being overrepresented in Calwell.

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 in line with the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group makes up 13.4% of Calwell's population compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figure, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has grown from 8.1% to 10.8%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 12.8% to 14.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 14.1% to 12.7%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.2% to 11.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Calwell. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 163 people (69%) from 235 to 399. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 77% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.