Calamvale - Stretton
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Calamvale - Stretton are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Calamvale-Stretton's population is around 25,331 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,486 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,845. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 25,028 in June 2024 and an additional 353 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,283 persons per square kilometer. Calamvale-Stretton's growth rate of 10.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both national (8.6%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are used. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the area, with an expected increase of 4,258 persons to 2041 based on the latest numbers. This reflects an overall increase of 15.6% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Calamvale - Stretton among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Calamvale-Stretton averaged approximately 95 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is provided by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 475 approvals from FY-21 to FY-25, with 8 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 4 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed over these years. This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $659,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. There have been $29.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Calamvale-Stretton has significantly less development activity, which is 57.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

New development consists of 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 291 people per dwelling approval, Calamvale-Stretton indicates a developing market. Future projections show Calamvale-Stretton adding approximately 3,955 residents by 2041. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Calamvale - Stretton has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 41 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives comprise Logan Hospital Expansion, Brisbane Metro Project - M1 Route, Calam Reserve, and Jade Calamvale.

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

The labour market in Calamvale - Stretton demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Calamvale - Stretton has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 4.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6% over the past year.

There were 13,180 residents employed by June 2025, with an unemployment rate in line with Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries of employment among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Retail trade had notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

Construction had a limited presence, with 6.8% employment compared to 9.0% regionally. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data showed that during the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6% and labour force increased by 1.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 4.4%, the labour force grew by 4.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 showed QLD employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. This compared favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, but lagged behind national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggested that while national employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Calamvale - Stretton's employment mix indicated potential local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Calamvale-Stretton had a median taxpayer income of $47,880 and an average income of $58,956 in the financial year 2022. These figures were below Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520 for the same period. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,487 (median) and $65,860 (average), based on a 11.71% growth in wages since 2022. According to Census 2021 data, household income ranked at the 61st percentile ($1,926 weekly), with personal income at the 42nd percentile. Income analysis showed that 38.0% of locals (9,625 people) fell into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, which was consistent with broader regional trends showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consumed 15.4% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 62nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

Calamvale-Stretton's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.0% houses and 29.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had a higher proportion of houses at 82.0%, with 18.1% being other dwellings. Home ownership in Calamvale-Stretton was at 29.2%, compared to mortgaged dwellings at 40.4% and rented ones at 30.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,804, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,872. The median weekly rent figure in Calamvale-Stretton was $420, higher than Brisbane metro's $400. Nationally, Calamvale-Stretton's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Calamvale - Stretton features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 83.9% of all households, including 46.0% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 16.1%, with lone person households at 12.9% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 3.0.

The educational profile of Calamvale - Stretton exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Calamvale-Stretton is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 41.6% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.3% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.3% and certificates for 14.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education. The five schools in Calamvale-Stretton have a combined enrollment of 8,422 students. The area functions as an educational hub with 33.2 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 15.6.

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

Calamvale-Stretton has 50 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 19 different routes that collectively facilitate 2693 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 253 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 384 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 53 weekly trips per individual stop.

Calamvale - Stretton's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Calamvale - Stretton shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 49% (~12,437 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (5.2%) and diabetes (4.5%). Around 80.4% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Brisbane's 77.2%. About 13.4% (~3,396 people) are aged 65 and over, more than Greater Brisbane's 12.1%. Senior health outcomes align closely with the general population's profile.

Calamvale - Stretton is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Calamvale-Stretton has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 62.2% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 58.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Calamvale-Stretton, accounting for 35.6% of the population. However, Buddhism is more prevalent here compared to Greater Brisbane, with 6.7% vs 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (27.5%), Other (17.6%), and English (12.4%). Notably, Korean (2.9%) and Indian (7.2%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages, while Maori representation matches the region at 1.4%.

Calamvale - Stretton's population is younger than the national pattern

In Calamvale - Stretton, the median age is 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years, but slightly younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Calamvale - Stretton has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (17.6%) and fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.4%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 12.1% to 13.6%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 has declined from 15.8% to 13.4%. The percentage of residents aged 0-4 has also decreased, from 6.8% to 5.7%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecast for Calamvale - Stretton. The population aged 45-54 is projected to grow by 43%, adding 1,284 residents to reach a total of 4,271. Conversely, declines are projected for the populations aged 0-4 and 25-34 years.