Callala Bay - Currarong
Statistical Area - sa2

Callala Bay - Currarong has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Callala Bay - Currarong's population is 3,614 as of Aug 2025. This shows a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 3,642 people, a drop of 28 (0.8%). This change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 21 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration primarily drove growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area's population is projected to decline by 36 persons overall, but specific age cohorts like those aged 85 and over are expected to grow, with an increase of 68 people anticipated in that group.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Callala Bay - Currarong according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Callala Bay - Currarong has averaged approximately 31 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 156 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25. Six approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. The area has experienced population decline, maintaining adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $661,000, indicating a focus on the premium market and high-end developments. This financial year, $1.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus compared to other NSW regions. Callala Bay - Currarong records somewhat elevated construction activity, 23.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, while maintaining good buyer choice and supporting existing property values. New development consists of 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, expanding the range of medium-density options to create a mix of opportunities across price brackets.

This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently 96.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 159 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. With population projections showing stability or decline, Callala Bay - Currarong is expected to experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Callala Bay - Currarong has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include Jervis Bay Road Intersection Upgrade, Culburra Beach Access Stairs - Penguins Head Road, Vincentia Village Shopping Mall Precinct revitalisation, and West Culburra Development. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment conditions in Callala Bay - Currarong demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Callala Bay - Currarong has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.5%.

As of June 2025, there are 1,464 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 47.5% compared to the regional average of 56.4%. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Public administration & safety stands out with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 1.2% of the workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.5%, labour force grew by 2.5%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.1% with unemployment rising by 0.4%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, losing 19,270 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 4.3%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Callala Bay - Currarong's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5%% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Callala Bay - Currarong's median income among taxpayers is $47,654. The average income in this area is $60,069. Nationally, the median and average incomes are higher. Rest of NSW has a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. By March 2025, with a 10.6% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes in Callala Bay - Currarong would be approximately $52,705 and $66,436 respectively. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in this area fall between the 16th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 29.3% of locals (1,058 people) have incomes ranging from $800 to $1,499, which is different from the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. After housing costs, 86.3% of income remains, ranking at the 19th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Callala Bay - Currarong, as recorded at the latest Census, consisted of 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Callala Bay - Currarong stood at 56.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.7% and rented ones at 19.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with the Non-Metro NSW average. The median weekly rent figure was $380, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $350. Nationally, Callala Bay - Currarong's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Callala Bay - Currarong has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 70.7% of all households, including 20.2% couples with children, 39.0% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households at 27.2% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, matching the average for the Rest of NSW.

Educational outcomes in Callala Bay - Currarong fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has university qualification rates at 20.1%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (32.1%).

A significant 21.4% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, comprising 6.9% in secondary, 6.7% in primary, and 2.6% in tertiary education. Callala Public School serves the area with an enrollment of 158 students. The region has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 972) with balanced educational opportunities. It has one school focused exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 4.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.8, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Callala Bay - Currarong has 53 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses on 10 individual routes, collectively offering 184 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in the area is rated as good, with residents typically located 399 meters from their nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Callala Bay - Currarong is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Callala Bay - Currarong faces significant health challenges, with various health conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 50% (~1,788 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.3%) and mental health issues (8.2%). Conversely, 56.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 59.4% in Rest of NSW. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 35.6% (1,285 people), higher than the 27.8% in Rest of NSW. While health outcomes among seniors present challenges, they perform better than the general population on health metrics.

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

Callala Bay-Currarong, as per data from June 2016, had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 84.1% of its residents born in Australia and 92.9% being Australian citizens. English was spoken at home by 94.6%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practised by 55.0% of the population.

Notably, Judaism had a higher representation compared to the rest of NSW, with 0.3% versus 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (31.4%), Australian (26.6%), and Irish (9.6%). Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.5%, compared to 8.1% regionally. Similarly, Croatian ancestry was higher at 1.0% versus 0.4%, and Hungarian ancestry was slightly above the regional average at 0.4%.

Callala Bay - Currarong ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Callala Bay - Currarong's median age is 55 years, which is considerably higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and older than the national norm of 38. The age profile as of 2021 shows that the 65-74 year-olds are particularly prominent at 20.9%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 6.7% compared to Rest of NSW. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the 65-74 age group has grown from 18.6% to 20.9%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 10.0% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.6% to 10.0%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 7.8% to 6.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Callala Bay - Currarong's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 61 people (54%) from 113 to 175. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 58% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 75-84 cohorts.