Calista

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Calista statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,060 people. This figure reflects an increase of 85 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 1,975 people. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the ABS' ERP data release from June 2024, indicating a resident population of 2,053. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 891 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this growth was overseas migration, contributing around 97.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate post-2032 growth, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections from 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, significant population growth is forecast for Calista (SA2), with an expected increase of 666 persons to reach a total of 2,726 people by 2041. This reflects a projected increase of approximately 34.2% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Calista, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Calista has received approximately six dwelling approvals annually since FY-21. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 31 homes were approved, with two more approved in FY-26 so far. Each new home constructed attracted an average of 2.5 people per year over this period.

The average construction value for these homes was $353,000. This financial year has seen $894,000 in commercial approvals registered, reflecting Calista's residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Calista shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 79.0% below the regional average per person. Recent development has been entirely detached houses, maintaining the area's low-density character and appealing to families seeking space. This is despite a current mix of housing that suggests otherwise (69.0% at Census).

The estimated population per dwelling approval in Calista is 828 people. By 2041, the area is forecasted to gain 705 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not meet population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project that may impact this region. Notable projects include Parmelia Primary School Modernisation Stage 2, Westport - Kwinana Container Port, Kwinana Education Precinct, and Mandurah Line. The following details those most relevant:.

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

Calista has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, an unemployment rate of 15.1%, and estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year (AreaSearch). As of September 2025, there are 762 employed residents, with an unemployment rate at 11.2%, significantly higher than Greater Perth's 4%.

Workforce participation is lower in Calista at 45.3%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, education & training has a lower representation at 3.6% versus Greater Perth's 9.2%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparisons. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.8%, while labour force grew by 3.6%, leading to a 2.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate (AreaSearch). State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows WA's employment contracted by 0.27% with an unemployment rate of 4.6%. National employment forecasts project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections vary significantly based on industry-specific growth rates. Applying these projections to Calista's employment mix suggests potential increases of 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, the suburb of Calista's median income among taxpayers is $48,312, with an average of $55,805. This is lower than average nationally, and compares to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates for Calista would be approximately $52,960 (median) and $61,173 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Calista all fall between the 2nd and 3rd percentiles nationally. The data shows the $400 - 799 income bracket dominates with 32.4% of residents (667 people), unlike trends at regional levels where 32.0% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. 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 after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Calista displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Calista's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 69.3% houses and 30.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calista stood at 28.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.6% and rented dwellings at 39.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,724. The median weekly rent in Calista was $250, compared to Perth metro's $315. Nationally, Calista's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 52.8 percent of all households, including 16.7 percent that are couples with children, 20.6 percent consisting of couples without children, and 13.9 percent being single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 47.2 percent, with lone person households making up 42.9 percent and group households comprising 3.9 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.7.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (29.9%). A total of 22.6% of the population is currently engaged in formal education, comprising 8.7% in primary, 5.1% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 17 active stops operating in Calista, with a mix of bus services. These stops are covered by 4 routes, offering 734 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport access is rated excellent, with residents usually within 178 meters of the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 104 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 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

Calista faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~1,016 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Perth's 53.9% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 12.7% and 12.0% of residents respectively.

However, 50.6% report having no medical ailments, compared to Greater Perth's 71.4%. Calista has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.7% (653 people), compared to Greater Perth's 10.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging but generally align with the overall population's health profile.

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's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 9.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 35.2% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Calista, comprising 43.6% of its population. Buddhism, however, showed an overrepresentation compared to Greater Perth, making up 1.4% of Calista's population versus 1.5%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 37.2%, Australian at 25.7%, and Scottish at 7.7%. Notably, Welsh (1.3%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.7%, while South African (0.8% vs 1.1%) and Maori (1.0% vs 2.1%) showed lower representation than regionally.

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

Calista's median age is 48 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 75-84 year-old group is particularly prominent at 13.2%, while the 35-44 year-old group is comparatively smaller at 9.7%. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.0%. Between 2021 and the present, the 5 to 14 year-old cohort has declined from 10.1% to 7.5%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Calista. The 85+ year-old cohort is projected to grow by 165%, adding 271 residents to reach a total of 436. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 86% of population growth, emphasizing the trend towards an aging population. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 year-old and 35 to 44 year-old cohorts.