Calwell

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

Calwell's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is 5,557 as of Nov 2025. This figure represents a decrease of 173 people (3%) from the 2021 Census total of 5,730. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 5,555 in June 2024 and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,428 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% of overall gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections, also using 2022 as the base year, are adopted. According to population projections, Calwell is expected to increase by 278 persons to reach a total of 6,135 by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of approximately 4.9% 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 six new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years 2021 (FY-21) and 2025 (FY-25), 34 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26.

The population has decreased over this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice. This financial year, there have been $393,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Calwell records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 5th percentile nationally for areas assessed, indicating limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established properties. This level is below average nationally, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints in the area. Recent construction consists of 14.0% standalone homes and 86.0% medium to high-density housing, providing more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This shift from the current 87.0% houses reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options. By 2041, Calwell is projected to grow by 273 residents. If development rates continue at their current pace, housing supply may not keep up with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Calwell has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include 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 essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.5% and there was a 1.0% employment growth in the past year.

As of June 2025, 3,255 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate aligned with the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation is similar to ACT's 69.6%. Key industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Construction has a higher representation at 1.6 times the regional level, while professional & technical services show lower representation at 7.9% versus the regional average of 11.1%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data. In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0%, labour force by 1.6%, raising unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. ACT recorded higher employment growth at 1.9% with a falling unemployment rate of -0.3%. By Nov-25, ACT's year-on-year employment growth was 1.19% (adding 710 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, slightly above the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Calwell's industry 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.

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

The median taxpayer income in Calwell SA2 is $70,379 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. The average income is $78,000. This is among the highest incomes in Australia compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634. As of September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $79,951 (median) and $88,608 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Calwell rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 90th percentiles. The income distribution shows that 37.0% of individuals (2,056 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is consistent with broader trends across the area showing 34.3% in the same category. Economic strength is evident as 39.5% of households achieve high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. 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, as recorded in the latest Census, 86.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 13.2% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) figures of 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calwell stood at 30.2%, similar to the ACT average, with mortgaged properties making up 54.6% and rented dwellings accounting for 15.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Calwell was $2,000, aligning with the ACT average, while the median weekly rent was $448, compared to the ACT's $2,000 and $425 respectively. Nationally, Calwell's median monthly mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than 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 2.6.

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 them - advanced diplomas account for 12.9% and certificates for 23.1%. Educational participation is high at 28.7%, including 10.2% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing 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

Transport analysis shows 33 active stops operating in Calwell, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 9 routes, collectively facilitating 1597 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 199 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 228 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 is 3,267 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.4 and 9.0% of residents respectively. 66.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 15.9% of residents aged 65 and over, which is 882 people, lower than the 17.6% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 showed above-average cultural diversity, with 19.1% 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 had an overrepresentation of 2.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 2.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (27.8%), English (26.4%), and Other (8.9%). Notably, Spanish (1.1% vs regional 0.7%), Serbian (0.5% vs regional 0.4%), and Hungarian (0.4% vs regional 0.3%) groups were 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 aligned with the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group makes up 13.6% of Calwell's population, higher than in the Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 13.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 8.1% to 10.2%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 12.8% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Calwell. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 183 people (86%) from 215 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 to 24 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.