Calamvale - Stretton

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 was around 25,338 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents an increase of 2,493 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,845. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 25,028 in June 2024 and an additional 355 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,283 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Calamvale-Stretton's growth rate of 10.9% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and the SA4 region average, positioning it as a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, 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, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 4,258 persons to reach a total of 29,596 by 2041, reflecting 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 has averaged approximately 95 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 475 homes. As of FY26, 27 approvals have been recorded. On average, around four new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This indicates substantial lagging supply compared to demand, typically leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction value of new homes is $406,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In this financial year, commercial development approvals totalling $29.9 million have been recorded, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Calamvale - Stretton shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 57.0% fewer approvals per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

New building activity comprises 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of approximately 291 people per dwelling approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Calamvale - Stretton is expected to grow by 3,948 residents through to 2041. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Calamvale - Stretton has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 44 projects likely to impact the area. Major projects include Greenbank Solar and Battery Storage Facility, Cross River Rail Enhancement, Calam Reserve, and Jade Calamvale. 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 Calamvale - Stretton has been broadly consistent with national averages

Calamvale - Stretton has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of September 2021, with an estimated employment growth of 0.5% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 13,357 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.1% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Calamvale - Stretton is broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Retail trade has particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

However, construction is under-represented, with only 6.8% of Calamvale - Stretton's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5% while labour force increased by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points in Calamvale - Stretton. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate during the same period. As of 25-Nov-21, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Calamvale - Stretton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Calamvale - Stretton SA2's median taxpayer income is $47,880 and average income is $58,956. Nationally, this is lower than the average. In Greater Brisbane, the median income is $55,645 and average is $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes are approximately $54,578 (median) and $67,204 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates household income ranks at the 61st percentile ($1,926 weekly), while personal income is at the 42nd percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 38.0% of the community (9,628 individuals). High housing costs consume 15.4% of income. Disposable income ranks at the 61st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places 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), compared to Brisbane metro's 82.0% houses and 18.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calamvale-Stretton stood at 29.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.4% and rented ones at 30.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,804, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,872. The median weekly rent 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 account for 83.9 percent of all households, including 46.0 percent couples with children, 23.7 percent couples without children, and 12.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 16.1 percent, with lone person households at 12.9 percent and group households making up 3.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is 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 significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2016 Census data, 41.6% of residents aged 15 years and over held university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 27.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.0% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Trade and technical skills were also prominent, with 25.3% of residents aged 15 years and over holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 14.0%.

Educational participation was notably high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016 Census data. This included 10.7% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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 together facilitate 2,693 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents living an average of 253 metres from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 384 trips per day across all routes, which equates to around 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 has a low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, as shown by health outcomes data. Approximately 49% (~12,440 people) have private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (5.2%) and diabetes (4.5%). A total of 80.4% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 77.2% in Greater Brisbane. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 13.4% (3,397 people), compared to 12.1% in Greater Brisbane. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with the general population's health 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 a population where 62.2% speak a language other than English at home, with 58.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion at 35.6%. Buddhism is overrepresented at 6.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (27.5%), Other (17.6%), and English (12.4%). Korean (2.9%) and Indian (7.2%) are notably higher than regional averages of 1.9% and 7.0%, respectively, while Maori remains at the same level as the region at 1.4%.

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

Calamvale-Stretton's median age in 2021 was 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36, but younger than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Calamvale-Stretton had a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (17.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.4%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 15-24 grew from 12.1% to 13.6%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 decreased from 15.8% to 13.4%. The percentage of residents aged 0-4 also dropped, from 6.8% to 5.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Calamvale-Stretton, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 age group (43%), adding 1,283 residents to reach a total of 4,271. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 25-34 cohorts.