Calala

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

Calala's population is estimated at around 5,041 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 464 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,577 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,870 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 248 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 78 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 10.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.9%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for Calala was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 44.0%.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas, with Calala expected to increase by 586 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an 8.2% total gain over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Calala recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Calala had approximately 39 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 199 homes. As of FY26, 10 approvals have been recorded. The average population growth per dwelling built in Calala between FY21 and FY25 was 1.2 people per year, indicating a balanced market with stable conditions. Developers target the premium segment, with new dwellings valued at an average of $514,000.

This financial year has seen $3.5 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Rest of NSW, Calala has 88.0% more construction activity per person. Building activity has slowed recently, but buyers have ample choice due to increased activity. New development consists of 64.0% detached dwellings and 36.0% attached dwellings, including townhouses and apartments, offering diverse housing options. This shift from the existing 96.0% houses indicates decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles.

With around 240 people per dwelling approval, Calala's developing market is projected to add 415 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, supporting buyers and potential population growth beyond projections.

Calala has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Calala Battery Energy Storage System, Goonoo Goonoo Commercial Precinct, The Outlook Estate, and Redbank Estate (Calala). 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Calala places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Calala has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 0.7%. This rate remained stable over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 2,841 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.2% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Calala stands at 76.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses indicate that 13.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Notably, employment levels in education & training are at 1.5 times the regional average. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 2.9% employment compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.3%, combined with employment decreasing by 0.3%, while unemployment remained essentially unchanged. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Calala's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The suburb of Calala has a median taxpayer income of $58,006 and an average of $69,882 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is slightly above the national average, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,145 (median) and $76,074 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Calala are around the 59th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 38.5% of Calala's population (1,940 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses and Calala's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Calala is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Calala's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 96.1% houses and 3.9% other dwellings. In Regional NSW, this was 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calala stood at 30.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.6% and rented ones at 26.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,600, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Calala was $350, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Calala's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,600 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $350 than the national figure of $375.

Calala has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 75.6% of all households, including 34.0% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 21.7% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.9%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 31.0%. Educational participation is high, with 34.5% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.6% in secondary education, 11.2% in primary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Calala has 110 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 39 different routes that together facilitate 270 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing 107 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential region, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 95%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 13.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 38 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

Health performance in Calala is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Calala faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 55%, affecting around 2750 people in total, compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 10.2 and 9.4% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point seven percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.2% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 766 people, which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. National rankings for these figures are not provided.

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

Calala's population showed low cultural diversity: 92.2% were citizens, 93.2% were born in Australia, and 95.8% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 64.4%, compared to 55.9% regionally. Top ancestral groups were Australian (34.9%), English (29.5%), and Scottish (8.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher in Calala at 7.7% versus 4.6% regionally. Welsh and South Australian representations were similar to regional levels: 0.5% each for Welsh, and 0.3% for South Australian.

Calala's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

The median age in Calala is 33 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 and significantly below the national average of 38. The 25-34 age cohort makes up 16.1% of Calala's population, compared to 9.7% in Regional NSW, indicating a notable over-representation. Conversely, those aged 55-64 comprise only 8.6% of Calala's population, compared to 12.3% in Regional NSW, showing under-representation. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of people aged 25-34 has increased from 14.4% to 16.1%, while those aged 45-54 have decreased from 10.9% to 9.1%. The 5-14 age group has also dropped from 17.0% to 15.4%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic changes for Calala. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 22%, reaching 988 people from its current total of 811. Meanwhile, both the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.