Calga - Kulnura

Calga - Kulnura is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Calga-Kulnura's population was 4,716 as of May 2021. By June 2025, it had decreased to 4,678, a drop of 38 people (0.8%). This decrease is inferred from ABS data and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 6.1 persons per square kilometer in May 2021. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered SA2 areas, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for uncovered areas. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Calga-Kulnura is expected to increase by 398 persons by 2041, reflecting an 8.5% total increase over the 16 years.

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

Calga - Kulnura has recorded approximately 9 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 46 homes. In FY-2025-26, 6 approvals have been recorded to date. The population has fallen during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $423,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

Additionally, $28.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Calga - Kulnura records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 17th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. New construction has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 937 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Calga - Kulnura is forecasted to gain 398 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Calga - Kulnura has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 66 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include West Gosford Village shopping centre refurbishment, Narara Valley Estate development, Narara Ecovillage project, and Narara Community Centre and Library Redevelopment. 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.

The labour market strength in Calga - Kulnura positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Calga-Kulnura has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.5%. As of December 2025, 2,658 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0%, below Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, 36.7% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries included agriculture, forestry & fishing (32.0 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and construction. Finance & insurance had limited presence at 1.6%, compared to the regional 7.3%.

The area functioned as an employment hub with 1.3 workers per resident, attracting labour from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 3.5% while labour force rose by 3.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Calga-Kulnura's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The median income among taxpayers in Calga - Kulnura SA2 was $54,085 and the average income stood at $69,823 in financial year 2023. These figures compare to national averages of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $59,667 (median) and $77,029 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Calga - Kulnura SA2 rank modestly between the 44th and 51st percentiles. The income distribution shows that 29.3% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 30.9%. After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Calga-Kulnura dwellings were 96.7% houses and 3.2% other dwellings in the latest Census, compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership was at 43.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.5% and rented dwellings at 22.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, below Sydney metro's $2,427. Median weekly rent was $350, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863 and rents lower than the national figure of $375.

Calga - Kulnura has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.8% of all households, including 31.2% couples with children, 30.4% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.2%, with lone person households at 24.8% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in Calga - Kulnura fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 23.0%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (29.5%). Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.2% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Calga-Kulnura has 119 active public transport stops offering a mix of ferry, train, and bus services. These are covered by 26 routes serving 947 weekly passenger trips. Residents' access to transport is limited, with an average distance of 979 meters to the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 83%, while 11% walk. Each dwelling owns an average of 2.0 vehicles, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 36.7% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 135 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

Calga - Kulnura's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows Calga - Kulnura residents have relatively positive health outcomes. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions indicates results broadly in line with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level. The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~2,521 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.7%) and mental health issues (8.4%). 66.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 24.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,154 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Calga - Kulnura ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Calga-Kulnura's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 86.9% being Australian citizens, 82.3% born in Australia, and 90.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 55.0%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

For ancestry, the top groups were English (29.3%), Australian (27.6%), and Scottish (8.2%). Notably, Maltese (2.7%) Lebanese (0.7%) and Italian (4.3%) populations diverged from regional averages of 1.0%, 2.6% and 3.4%, respectively.

Calga - Kulnura hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Calga-Kulnura's median age is 48 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent at 17.8%, while the 25-34 age group is smaller at 8.6% compared to Greater Sydney. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has grown from 12.7% to 14.2%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 6.6% to 7.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 16.0% to 12.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Calga-Kulnura. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 62%, adding 228 residents to reach 599. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 77% of population growth, highlighting aging trends. However, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 5-14 age cohorts.