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

As of Feb 2026, Calala's population is estimated at around 5,041, reflecting an increase of 464 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 10.1% rise from the previous population count of 4,577. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 4,870 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 248 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 78 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Calala's growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA4 region (4.9%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the area. Natural growth contributed approximately 44.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate a median increase just below Australia's regional areas, with Calala expected to increase by 573 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 7.1% in total 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 for Calala shows approximately 39 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 196 homes. In FY26 so far, seven approvals have been recorded. The average population growth rate in the area is 1.2 people per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. Developers target the premium market segment as new dwellings are constructed at an average value of $514,000.

This financial year has seen $3.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Calala has 81.0% more construction activity per person. Building activity has slowed in recent years, with new developments consisting of 64.0% detached dwellings and 36.0% attached dwellings, including townhouses and apartments, offering options across different price points. This shift from the area's existing housing (96.0% houses) reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 246 people per dwelling approval, Calala has a developing market.

AreaSearch projects Calala to add 357 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond current population 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 likely impacting this region. Notable projects include Calala Battery Energy Storage System, Goonoo Goonoo Commercial Precinct, The Outlook Estate, and Redbank Estate (Calala). Below is a list detailing 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's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 0.7% in September 2025, lower than the Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.4%.

Workforce participation in Calala was 76.5%, higher than the Rest of NSW's 61.5%. As of September 2025, 2,861 residents were employed. 13.8% of residents worked from home, based on Census responses. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Education & training has a strong presence with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.9%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.8 in September 2025. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.4% while labour force also rose by 1.4%, keeping unemployment flat. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a 0.5% decrease in employment and a 0.4% increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Calala's industry mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Calala suburb has a median taxpayer income of $58,006 and an average of $69,882, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is slightly above national averages, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $63,145 and the average $76,074, accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Calala are around the 59th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 38.5% of the community (1,940 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region at 29.9%. After housing expenses, 86.5% of income remains for other costs, and the area'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

The dwelling structure in Calala, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.1% houses and 3.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calala stood at 30.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (42.6%) or rented (26.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Calala was $350, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Calala's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 21.7% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of 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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 31.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.5% of residents 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 collectively facilitate 270 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically living within 107 meters of the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward from Calala. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 95% of residents. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

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 relative to the location's centrepoint.

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% of the total population, which consists of around 2,750 people. This compares to a rate of 51.9% in the rest of NSW. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.2% and 9.4% of residents respectively. Notably, 66.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in the rest of NSW. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 15.1% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling approximately 761 people, which is lower than the 23.4% figure for the rest of NSW. National rankings indicate even higher rates of chronic conditions among the general population.

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 was found to be predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 92.2% being citizens, 93.2% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Calala, accounting for 64.4%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.9%), English (29.5%), and Scottish (8.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 7.7% in Calala than the regional average of 4.6%. Welsh and South African populations were also notably present, at 0.5% each, compared to 0.5% and 0.2% regionally respectively.

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

The median age in Calala is 33 years, which is considerably lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and substantially under the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Calala at 16.1%, while the 55-64 age group is under-represented at 8.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.4% to 16.1% of Calala's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.9% to 9.1%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 17.0% to 15.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Calala. Leading this shift, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 21%, reaching 978 people from 811. Meanwhile, both the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.