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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Calga - Kulnura's population is around 4,829 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 113 people (2.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,716 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,694 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 51 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 6.3 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Calga - Kulnura's 2.4% growth since the census positions it within 0.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 65.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 423 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 6.0% in total over the 17 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 experienced around 9 dwellings receiving development approval annually, totalling 46 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, a positive for buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $423,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. Also, $28.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against Greater Sydney, Calga - Kulnura shows approximately half the construction activity per person while it places among the 17th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Further, new construction has been completely comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 937 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Calga - Kulnura will gain 288 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Calga - Kulnura has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 68 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Narara Ecovillage Expansion, West Gosford Village (Shopping Centre) Refurbishment, Narara Valley Estate, and Narara Ecovillage, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and 3.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,658 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.0% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (66.8% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 36.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 32.0 times the regional level. On the other hand, finance & insurance is under-represented, with only 1.6% of Calga - Kulnura's workforce compared to 7.3% in Greater Sydney. With 1.3 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.5% and the labour force increased by 3.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Calga - Kulnura. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Calga - Kulnura's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Calga - Kulnura SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,085 with the average level standing at $69,823. This is slightly above average nationally and compares to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,877 (median) and $76,009 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Calga - Kulnura, between the 44th and 51st percentiles. Distribution data shows 29.3% of the population (1,414 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 30.9% occupy this bracket. After housing, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses and 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

Dwelling structure within Calga - Kulnura, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.7% houses and 3.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Calga - Kulnura was well beyond that of Sydney metro, at 43.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.5%) or rented (22.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Sydney metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Calga - Kulnura's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 71.8% of all households, comprising 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 of 2.6 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (23.0%) substantially below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (29.5%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 119 active transport stops operating within Calga - Kulnura, comprising a mix of ferry, train, and buses. These stops are serviced by 26 individual routes, collectively providing 947 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 979 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 83%, with 11% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 36.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 135 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Calga-Kulnura's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~2,602 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.7% and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 66.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 24.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,188 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.9% of its population being citizens, 82.3% born in Australia, and 90.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Calga - Kulnura is Christianity, which makes up 55.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Calga - Kulnura are English, comprising 29.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 19.0%, Australian, comprising 27.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 17.8%, and Scottish, comprising 8.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 2.7% of Calga - Kulnura (vs 1.0% regionally), Lebanese at 0.7% (vs 2.6%) and Italian at 4.3% (vs 3.4%).

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

At 48 years, Calga - Kulnura's median age is significantly above the Greater Sydney average of 37 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (17.8%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (9.0%) than in Greater Sydney. This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. In the period since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 12.7% to 14.2% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 6.6% to 8.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 16.0% to 12.4% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 10.1% to 9.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Calga - Kulnura. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 58%, adding 224 residents to reach 614. Senior residents (65+) will drive 83% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 55 to 64 cohorts.