Calwell

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

Calwell's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 5,557 people. This figure represents a decrease of 173 individuals from the 2021 Census total of 5,730 people, indicating a decline of around 3.0%. The change was 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 approximately 1,428 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Recent population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing around 56.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch has adopted 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 used, also based on 2022. According to population projections, Calwell is expected to experience a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas. By 2041, the latest annual ERP population numbers suggest an increase of approximately 278 persons, reflecting a gain of around 4.9% in total 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 annually over the past five financial years, with a total of 34 homes approved between FY21 and FY25. No new dwellings have been approved in FY26 to date. Despite population decline 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 for new dwellings is $166,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $393,000 in commercial approvals, indicative of 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 in terms of buyer choices. This suggests limited housing options for buyers, supporting demand for existing properties. The current development pattern consists of 14.0% detached dwellings and 86.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the existing housing patterns (currently 87.0% houses).

This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Future projections estimate Calwell to add 273 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning 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 has identified seven projects likely to impact 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 a well-educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year.

As of this date, 3,158 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.1% below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to ACT's 69.6%. Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Construction employment levels were particularly notable at 1.6 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services had limited presence with 7.9% employment compared to the regional average of 11.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.7%, while labour force increased by 0.7%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, ACT saw employment rise by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points over this period. State-level data from 25-Nov shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase 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, although these figures are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized 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 was $70,379 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $78,000 during the same period. These figures compare to those for Australian Capital Territory's of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $79,951 (median) and $88,608 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Calwell, between the 89th and 90th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 37.0% of residents (2,056 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. A significant 39.5% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income. 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 per the latest Census evaluation, 86.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 13.2% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) figures of 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calwell stood at 30.2%, closely matching ACT's rate, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 54.6% and rented ones making up 15.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Calwell was $2,000, aligning with ACT's average, while the median weekly rent was $448, compared to ACT's figures of $2,000 and $425 respectively. Nationally, Calwell's median mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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, 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 held by 36.0% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificates at 23.1%. Educational participation is high, with 28.7% 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 operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of bus routes totaling nine individual services. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 1,597.

Residents' accessibility to public transport is rated excellent, with an average distance of 199 meters from their nearest stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages 228 trips per day, 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

Calwell shows below-average health indicators, with common conditions affecting both younger and older residents.

Mental health issues impact 9.4%, while asthma affects 9.0%. Around 66.9% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the ACT average of 66.1%. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% (3,267 people). The area has 15.9% residents aged 65 and over (882 people), lower than the ACT's 17.6%. 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 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, comprising 49.1% of people. Islam is overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory, making up 2.1% of Calwell's population versus 2.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (27.8%), English (26.4%), and Other (8.9%). Notably, Spanish (1.1%) Serbian (0.5%) and Hungarian (0.4%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Calwell compared to regional averages of 0.7%, 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 aligned with Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 55-64 shows strong representation at 13.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's percentage. However, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent in Calwell at 13.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 8.1% to 10.2%, while 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%. Population forecasts for Calwell in the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 183 people (86%) from 215 to 399. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above 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.