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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Calala is around 5,411, reflecting an increase of 834 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents an 18.2% growth from the previous population count of 4,577. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,397 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 249 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 84 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (3.6%) 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 other factors such as overseas migration and interstate migration also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate an expected increase just below Australia's regional median by 2041, with the suburb projected to gain 544 persons over this period, reflecting a total growth of 9.8%.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Calala when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Calala had around 39 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 199 homes. By FY26, 11 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 resulted in an average of 2.4 new residents per year, indicating strong demand supporting property values. The average construction cost value for new homes was $514,000, suggesting developers targeted the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year, Calala recorded $3.5 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting its residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Calala had 83.0% more development activity per person as of FY26. New development consisted of 64.0% detached dwellings and 36.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently 96.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. With around 242 people per dwelling approval, Calala shows a developing market.

Population forecasts indicate Calala will gain 530 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current 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 the region. Notable initiatives include Calala Battery Energy Storage System, Goonoo Goonoo Commercial Precinct, The Outlook Estate, and Redbank Estate (Calala). The following 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. The unemployment rate was 1.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1%. As of December 2025, 3,185 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.9% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was at 77.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 13.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Calala showed strong specialization in education & training with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with 2.9% employment compared to 5.3% regionally. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicated a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, while labour force increased by 2.2%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Calala. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific 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 had a median taxpayer income of $58,006 and an average income of $69,882 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is slightly above the national average, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215 in the same period. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $63,992 (median) and $77,094 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Calala are around the 59th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 38.5% of the community (2,083 individuals) falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band, which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 29.9% in the same category. After housing expenses, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th 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, consisted of 96.1% houses and 3.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calala was at 30.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (42.6%) or rented (26.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, lower than 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 significantly 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 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 comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, 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 among qualified residents 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, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (31.0%). Educational participation is high, with 34.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 13.6% in secondary, 11.2% in primary, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 bus services. These are covered by 39 routes offering 270 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is excellent with residents typically 107 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode at 95%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.6.

In 2021 Census data, 13.8% of residents worked from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 38 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 2 weekly trips per stop. The map shows the 100 nearest stops 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 evaluation 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 2,952 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. Conversely, 66.7% 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 14.5% of residents aged 65 and over, which totals 784 people, lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. National rankings for these figures are even higher than those of 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 showed low cultural diversity, with 92.2% citizens, 93.2% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 64.4%, compared to 55.9% regionally. Ancestry-wise, Australian (34.9%), English (29.5%), and Scottish (8.0%) were the top groups.

Notably, Australian Aboriginal were overrepresented at 7.7% versus 4.6% regionally, while Welsh and South Australian remained similar to regional proportions at 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively.

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

The median age in Calala is 32 years, which is notably lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional NSW, Calala has a higher concentration of 15-24 year-olds at 16.8%, but fewer 55-64 year-olds at 8.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 15.0% to 16.8%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 14.4% to 16.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 10.9% to 8.9%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 9.3% to 8.2%. By 2041, Calala is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 25-34 group will grow by 23%, adding 202 people and reaching 1,068 from 865. Meanwhile, the 15-24 group will contract by 62 residents.