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 9,242 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,061 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 305 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 13.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.6%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 66.0%.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected by 2041, with an expansion of 981 persons reflecting an increase of 4.3% over the 17 years.

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

Calen in Seaforth has seen an average of approximately 32 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 163 homes were approved, with another 16 approved so far in FY-26. This results in around 3.5 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built during these years.

The demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $395,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals amounting to $3.5 million have been recorded, indicating limited focus on commercial development.

Comparatively, Seaforth - Calen exhibits similar construction activity per person when contrasted with the Rest of Qld, contributing to market stability that aligns with regional trends. However, recent construction activity has somewhat eased. All new constructions in the area have consisted solely of detached houses, preserving its traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking spacious family homes. Currently, Seaforth - Calen reflects a transitioning market with around 332 people per approval. Population forecasts project an increase of 396 residents for Seaforth - Calen by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply is expected to meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 77 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Peak Downs Highway safety upgrades (Mackay to Eton), Nabilla Meadows Estate development, Marian Reservoir upgrade completed in June 2018, and Nell Baker Park upgrade scheduled for completion in December 2022. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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

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

Seaforth-Calen has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, an unemployment rate of 2.0% as of June 2025, and estimated employment growth of 1.1% in the past year. The area's unemployment rate is 1.9% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, with workforce participation similar at 59.1%.

Key industries for residents are mining, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing, with mining being particularly specialized at 4.2 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, at 9.2% compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, labour force decreased by 0.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.4 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Seaforth-Calen's local growth may be approximately 5.1%% over five years and 11.5% over ten years.

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

Seaforth - Calen's median taxpayer income was $55,658 and average income was $70,533 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national average of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average) for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $63,445 and average income $80,401, based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census data indicates incomes in Seaforth - Calen rank modestly, between the 38th and 45th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution shows 27.8% (2,569 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to surrounding regions at 31.7%. Housing costs allow 88.0% retention, but disposable income is 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 structure, as per the latest Census, was 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings, compared to Non-Metro Qld's 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Seaforth-Calen stood at 45.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.2% and rented ones at 13.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,755, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Seaforth-Calen was $250, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $340 and the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 compared to Seaforth-Calen's figure.

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

Family households compose 77.2 percent of all households, including 32.0 percent couples with children, 38.0 percent couples without children, and 6.8 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.8 percent, with lone person households at 20.5 percent and group households comprising 2.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, aligning with the Rest of Qld average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 45.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (37.8%).

Educational participation is high at 29.3%, including secondary education (11.7%), primary education (11.0%), and tertiary education (2.3%). Six schools operate in Seaforth-Calen, educating approximately 469 students. The educational mix includes five primary schools and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 5.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.1, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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 has below-average health outcomes with common conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is very high at approximately 55% (~5,083 people), compared to 57.0% across Rest of Qld.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.2%) and asthma (7.0%), while 68.9% reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.7% in Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.5% (1,890 people), compared to 16.2% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 has a population that is predominantly Australian, with 87.2% being citizens, 90.8% born in Australia, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. The majority religion in Seaforth-Calen is Christianity, practiced by 62.2% of the population, compared to 56.8% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (31.8%), English (29.0%), and Irish (8.3%).

Notably, Maltese people are overrepresented in Seaforth-Calen at 4.3%, compared to 2.4% regionally, as are Germans at 5.1% (vs 4.7%) and Scots at 8.2% (vs 7.8%).

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 and exceeds the national norm of 38. The 55-64 cohort is significantly over-represented at 17.4%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, 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%, while 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, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to expand by 185 people (24%), from 785 to 971. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 55-64 cohorts.