Calista

An assessment of population growth drivers in Calista reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, combined with new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Calista has a population estimated at approximately 2,101 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 126 people (6.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,975 residents. This demographic shift is determined from the resident population of 2,101, estimated by AreaSearch through analysing the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 909 persons per square kilometer, matching average figures recorded across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The 6.4% growth since the census places the suburb of Calista within 2.9 percentage points of the national average (9.3%), indicating competitive growth dynamics. Demographic growth in this locality was mostly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 97.0% of the overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch implements ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, published in 2024 utilizing 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 regions lacking this data, and to model expansion across all zones in the years following 2032, AreaSearch applies the growth rates by age group published by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 data). Looking at future population projections, a significant population expansion in the top quartile of statistical areas across the country is predicted, with the suburb of Calista projected to grow by 552 persons to 2041 based on compiled SA2-level projections, representing a rise of 26.3% overall across the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Calista according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Analysis by AreaSearch of ABS building approvals, distributed from statistical area statistics, indicates Calista has averaged approximately 7 dwellings receiving development approval annually, with an estimated 36 homes approved during the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2 people per year relocating to the area per new home built during the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demonstrating solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being constructed at an average value of $353,000—moderately higher than regional levels—signaling a focus on quality construction. Additionally, $894,000 in commercial approvals have been registered during this financial year, illustrating the area's residential character.

Relative to Greater Perth, Calista displays substantially lower construction activity (75.0% below the regional average per person). This restricted new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This rate is also below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and indicating potential planning limitations. Additionally, recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those desiring space. Interestingly, developers are constructing more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (69.0% at Census), pointing to sustained strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated count of 380 people in the area per dwelling approval highlights its quiet, low activity development environment.

Demographic forecasts indicate Calista will add 552 residents through to 2041 (starting from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates persist, housing supply might not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Calista has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 1 a single project has been identified by AreaSearch that is likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Parmelia Primary School Modernisation Stage 2, Cassia Estate, Westport - Kwinana Container Port, and Kwinana Education Precinct, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Employment conditions in Calista face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Calista contains a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of 15.3%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026794 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 11.1% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (51.3% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level. Meanwhile, education & training has limited presence with 3.6% employment compared to 9.2% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, the 12-month period saw labour force remained stable by natural language stable workforce level combined with employment decreasing by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. This compares to Greater Perth, where employment grew by 2.0%, labour force expanded by 2.5%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Calista. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Calista's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Calista's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb of Calista's median income among taxpayers is $48,312 and the average income stands at $55,805, which compares to figures for Greater Perth's of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,593 (median) and $61,904 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Calista all fall between the 2nd and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 32.4% of locals (680 people) in the $400 - 799 category, differing from patterns across regional levels where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 32.0%. Lower income households are notably prevalent, with 43.5% earning below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile.

Calista displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Calista, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 69.3% houses and 30.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Calista was in line with that of Perth metro, at 28.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.6%) or rented (39.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Perth metro average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Calista's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Calista features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 52.8% of all households, comprising 16.7% couples with children, 20.6% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 47.2%, with lone person households at 42.9% and group households comprising 3.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (10.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (29.9%).

A substantial 22.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 5.1% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 17 active transport stops operating within Calista comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 734 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 178 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 82%, with 11% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 5.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 104 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 43 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Calista is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Calista, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,037 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 12.7 and 12.0% of residents, respectively, while 50.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 32.0% of residents aged 65 and over (672 people), which is higher than the 16.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Calista was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Calista was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 9.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 35.2% born overseas. The main religion in Calista was found to be Christianity, which makes up 43.6% of people in Calista. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which comprises 1.4% of the population, compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Calista are English, comprising 37.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 28.0%, Australian, comprising 25.7% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 1.3% of Calista (vs 0.7% regionally), South Australian at 0.8% (vs 1.0%) and Maori at 1.0% (vs 0.9%).

Calista hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

At 48 years, Calista's median age is significantly above the Greater Perth average of 37 similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 75 - 84 year-olds are particularly prominent (13.0%), while the 35 - 44 group is comparatively smaller (10.2%) than in Greater Perth. This 75 - 84 concentration is well above the national 6.1%. In the period since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 10.1% to 11.4% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 7.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Calista. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 125%, adding 199 residents to reach 359. Senior residents (65+) will drive 83% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts.