Seaforth - Calen
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Seaforth - Calen's population is around 9,231 as of August 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,050 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,181 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,657 in June 2024 and an additional 301 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 4.4 persons per square kilometer. Seaforth - Calen's growth rate of 12.8% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (6.6%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. 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, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected by 2041, with the area expected to expand by 981 persons reflecting an increase of 4.4% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Seaforth - Calen when compared nationally

Seaforth - Calen has averaged approximately 32 new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 163 homes approved over the past five financial years (between FY-2021 and FY-2025), and 7 approved so far in FY-2026. On average, around 3.5 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during these years, indicating substantial demand outstripping supply, which typically results in heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $487,000, aligning with regional patterns.

This financial year has seen $3.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Seaforth - Calen exhibits comparable building activity per capita, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, although construction activity has recently eased. Recent building activity consists solely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes and space.

With approximately 332 people per approval, Seaforth - Calen reflects a transitioning market. Future projections indicate an addition of 407 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Seaforth - Calen has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 84 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Peak Downs Highway Safety Upgrades (Mackay to Eton), Nabilla Meadows Estate development, Marian Reservoir Upgrade commencing on 15th April 2023, and Nell Baker Park Upgrade starting in late 2023. The following list details projects expected to have the most relevance.

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

Seaforth - Calen ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Seaforth - Calen has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently featured. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.0%.

This represents an estimated employment growth of 1.1% over the past year. There are 4,465 residents employed in Seaforth - Calen, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's at 59.1%. Key industries include mining, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing.

Mining in particular has a high representation with an employment share 4.2 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 9.2% of Seaforth - Calen's workforce compared to 16.1% in Rest of Qld. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data analysis. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, while labour force decreased by 0.3%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Seaforth - Calen's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.1% over five years and 11.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Seaforth - Calen's median taxpayer income is $55,658 and average is $70,533 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is above national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average). By March 2025, estimates suggest median income would be approximately $62,176 and average $78,792, factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 38th and 45th percentiles. Income distribution shows 27.8% (2,566 individuals) earn within $1,500 - $2,999 range, aligning with broader regional trends of 31.7%. Housing costs allow for retention of 88.0%, but disposable income ranks below average at the 50th percentile.

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

Seaforth-Calen's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro Qld's 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Seaforth-Calen was 45.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.2% and rented ones at 13.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,755, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in the area was $250, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $340 and significantly below the national average of $375. Nationally, Seaforth-Calen's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,755 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

Seaforth - Calen features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 77.2% of all households, including 32.0% couples with children, 38.0% couples without children, and 6.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.8%, with lone person households at 20.5% and group households making up 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

Seaforth - Calen faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area has lower university qualification rates at 11.8%, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.8% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.4%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (37.8%).

Educational participation is high at 29.3%, comprising secondary education (11.7%), primary education (11.0%), and tertiary education (2.3%). Six schools operate in Seaforth-Calen, educating approximately 469 students, with a mix of five primary and one K-12 school. School capacity is limited locally at 5.1 places per 100 residents, compared to the regional average of 17.1, leading many families to seek schooling in nearby areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Seaforth - Calen are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Seaforth-Calen shows below-average health outcomes with common conditions like arthritis (9.2%) and asthma (7.0%) more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is very high at 55% (~5,077 people), compared to 57.0% in Rest of Qld.

68.9% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 69.7% in Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of seniors at 20.5% (1,888 people) compared to 16.2% in Rest of Qld. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and perform better than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Seaforth - Calen placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Seaforth-Calen shows low cultural diversity with 87.2% citizens, 90.8% born in Australia, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 62.2%, compared to 56.8% regionally. Top ancestry groups are Australian (31.8%), English (29.0%), and Irish (8.3%).

Maltese (4.3%) and German (5.1%) are overrepresented, while Scottish representation is slightly higher at 8.2%.

Seaforth - Calen hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Seaforth - Calen's median age of 47 years is notably higher than Rest of Qld's 41, which is also older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 55-64 cohort is over-represented at 17.4% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.5%. This concentration in the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 0-4 age group has grown from 4.5% to 5.9% of the population. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 10.8%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 15.6% to 14.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Seaforth - Calen's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 186 people (24%), from 784 to 971. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 55-64 cohorts.