Suburb profile · Greater Perth
Calista has an estimated 2,119 residents, up 7.3% since the 2021 Census, with 32 projects tracked in the area around Calista.
Updated 15 Oct 2026.
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The suburb of Calista is located 33 kilometres south from Perth CBD. Based on AreaSearch’s analysis of aggregated SA2-level ERP counts, released yearly, and national address file data updated each quarter, its population is estimated at around 2,119 as of Aug 2026. This is an increase of 144 people (7.3%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded 1,975 people.
Calista’s profile includes a strong semi-detached presence, low average household size, above-average children per family, and notable proportions of residents aged 85 and over and 75 to 84yo. Manufacturing employment is pronounced. The suburb of Calista also has a high share of older Australians and elderly residents, many of whom live in lone person households. Education levels are typically lower, and incomes fall in the lower quartile. Population growth shows a pattern of moderate expansion.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
The suburb of Calista is located 33 kilometres south from Perth CBD. Based on AreaSearch’s analysis of aggregated SA2-level ERP counts, released yearly, and national address file data updated each quarter, its population is estimated at around 2,119 as of Aug 2026. This is an increase of 144 people (7.3%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded 1,975 people.
Calista’s profile includes a strong semi-detached presence, low average household size, above-average children per family, and notable proportions of residents aged 85 and over and 75 to 84yo. Manufacturing employment is pronounced. The suburb of Calista also has a high share of older Australians and elderly residents, many of whom live in lone person households. Education levels are typically lower, and incomes fall in the lower quartile. Population growth shows a pattern of moderate expansion.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 1,790 in 2006 and 2,112 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 2,119 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 75 to 84, 13%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $400 - 799, 32.4%.
Calista ranks in the 74th percentile nationally for transport & access and the 71st for infrastructure drivers.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Calista is $574 a week, up 6.3% over 12 months to Sep 2026 and 21% below Greater Perth.
21% below Greater Perth on median weekly rent
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $574 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +6.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, Kwinana | $650 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Kwinana, over 12 months | +5.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, Perth - South West | $717 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent, Perth - South West, over 12 months | +6.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, Greater Perth | $723 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Perth, over 12 months | +6.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Median rent, WA | $714 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, WA, over 12 months | +7.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2026 |
AreaSearch tracks 32 projects in and around Calista, 11 of them under construction.
Boutique residential estate by Satterley Property Group set against the Bollard Bulrush Wetlands in Wellard. Features environmentally sensitive design with natural amenities, quality homesites, and active civil construction.
Stage 2 modernisation of Parmelia Primary School delivering new early childhood classrooms and a covered assembly area. Works are funded through the WA Government school building program and managed by Building Management and Works (BMW) on behalf of the Department of Education.
Cassia is a masterplanned residential community delivered by Satterley Property Group in partnership with DevelopmentWA, spanning two precincts - Cassia Glades in Kwinana Town Centre and Cassia Rise in Parmelia.
Wellard Green is a 146-lot residential land estate by Wolfdene in partnership with Blueways Group. Located adjacent to the Wellard Bulrush Nature Reserve and close to Wellard Train Station, the estate is being delivered in staged releases with civil works underway and Stage 1 sold out.
Planned refurbishment and modest expansion of the Parmelia Community Centre to improve accessibility, modernise the existing facility and provide additional flexible community spaces for local programs and events. The project remains listed within the City of Kwinana capital works program with planning activities underway.
Westport is the WA Government program to plan and deliver a future container port and integrated freight supply chain at Kwinana, relocating container trade from Fremantle when required, from the late 2030s.
Five mixed-use development sites totaling approx. 10,739 sqm adjacent to Wellard Train Station and Wellard Square. The lots are zoned Neighbourhood Centre R80 enabling retail, residential, office and community uses.
Integrated education and residential precinct in Kwinana combining educational facilities with housing development. Future residential estate of approximately 150 homes across 6.2 hectares within walking distance from Kwinana Town Centre.
Replacement of ageing change rooms and construction of new community pavilion with universal access at Parmelia Oval.
Neighbourhood main street shopping centre within The Village at Wellard transit oriented precinct. Anchored by a 3,200 sqm Woolworths with about 23 specialty tenancies and community/medical services, adjacent to Wellard Station. Designed by Buchan. Ongoing local activations and pop up leasing managed by Cygnet West.
Award-winning boutique residential estate by Urban Quarter interwoven with existing bush and wetlands. Features adventure playground, walking trails, landscaped parks, and recreational space alongside surrounding bushland. Located near Wellard train station.
70.8km suburban railway line connecting Perth CBD to Mandurah with 13 stations including Rockingham and Warnbro stations. Operates through Kwinana Freeway median with dedicated underground tunnels through Perth CBD. Serves as vital transport link for region. Recent extensions include integration with Thornlie-Cockburn Link in June 2025.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 17 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 1, 2026 6, 2027 2, 2028 4, 2029 1, 2030 3. 6 have no completion year.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS building approvals | 2.6 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 35th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 5 | ABS building approvals | 12th percentile nationally |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Calista include: Parmelia Primary School Modernisation Stage 2 (Construction); Cassia Estate (Construction); Westport - Kwinana Container Port (Planning); Kwinana Energy Transformation Hub (KETH) (Construction); and The Village at Wellard (Completed). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Calista spans multiple sectors including Transport & Logistics, Education & Training, and Communities, among others.
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On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is lower than average in Calista compared with local real estate markets nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of Calista area has seen 12 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Calista's current population of 2,119 has been supported by 5 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of Calista has seen 2.6 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 7.4 approvals in Greater Perth. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 350 people in the suburb of Calista, compared to one for every 118 in Greater Perth.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Calista's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 5, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of Calista has grown by approximately 84 people, while 27 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 3.1 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
An assessment of population growth drivers in Calista reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,119 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +7.3% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 918 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 50th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.8% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +0.3% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 1,975 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 144 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +1.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +1.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 2.31 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Calista was estimated to be approximately 2,119 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 2,112 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of Calista has added approximately 144 people and shown a 7.29% increase from the 1,975 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Calista is estimated at 917 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Calista has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.3% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Calista is driven by: Overseas migration (97.0%), Natural increase (3.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 97.0% of overall population gains.
Calista hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 48 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 88th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 31.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 13.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 22.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 45.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 48 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 5.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 7.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 9.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 12.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 10.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 12.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 10.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 10.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 13.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 7.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Calista at 48 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 48 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 48 years as at August 2026, Calista is 11 years older than the Greater Perth 2021 Census average (37 years) and 10 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Calista compared to the Greater Perth region is the 75 - 84 group, making up 13.0% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Calista compared to the Greater Perth region is the 35 - 44 group, making up 10.1% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the suburb of Calista show significant variance compared to Greater Perth. The most over-represented age groups are 85+ year-olds (7.5% vs 2.0%) and 75-84 year-olds (13.0% vs 5.5%). The most under-represented age group is 5-14 year-olds (7.6% vs 12.2%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 13.0% of the population in the suburb of Calista as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 31.3% of the population in the suburb of Calista as at August 2026.
The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $53,898 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 28th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $62,499 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $953 | 2021 Census, weekly | 2nd percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $498 | 2021 Census, weekly | 3rd percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 7.4% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,345 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 43.5% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Calista is approximately $57,692. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $53,898.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Calista is approximately $66,899. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $62,499.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Calista is approximately $57,692 compared to $68,556 in Greater Perth. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $53,898 and $64,047 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Calista is approximately $66,899 compared to $90,565 in Greater Perth. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $62,499 and $84,609 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Calista's households (~32.4% / 269 households) is the $400 - 799 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Calista is the $400 - 799 group, representing about 32.4% of households. In comparison, Greater Perth's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 32.0% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Calista is $953/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Calista is $1,345/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Calista is $498/wk.
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 FY-24. The suburb of Calista's median income among taxpayers is $53,898 and the average income stands at $62,499, which compares to figures for Greater Perth's of $64,047 and $84,609 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 7.04% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $57,692 (median) and $66,899 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Calista is $3,280 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of Calista's disposable income is $3,280 compared to $6,842 for Greater Perth, based on AreaSearch analysis.
Employment conditions in Calista face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 5% of areas assessed nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 15.2% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 50.0% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 777 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 1,734 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 916 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Calista has approximately 777 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 15.2%. The elevated unemployment rate suggests challenging labour market conditions. The area faces employment challenges compared to other regions nationally.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Calista stands at 15.2%, which is 11.0 percentage points above Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Calista is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (15.9% of employment), construction (11.6%), and retail trade (11.6%). Other significant employers include manufacturing and public administration & safety.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Calista has experienced a decline in employment, with total jobs decreasing while the labour force decreased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Greater Perth saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Calista is 50.0%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. The relatively low participation rate may indicate limited job opportunities or demographic factors affecting workforce engagement. The local rate trailing the Greater Perth average of 69.9%, suggesting potential for increased workforce participation.
The suburb of Calista shows notable specialisation in manufacturing, which employs 11.3% of the local workforce compared to 5.5% across Greater Perth. With a local vs regional employment ratio of 2.1, this represents a significant industry cluster that likely serves markets beyond the local area. The area also shows above-average employment in 2 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The suburb of Calista's employment market shows weaker performance compared to most areas nationally. This suggests the need for targeted economic development initiatives. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 4.5% growth, ranking 12th out of 37 regions nationally.
Calista faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 8.0% | 2021 Census | 5th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 1.6% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 10.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 29.9% | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 1.0% | 2021 Census | 5th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 7.9% | 2021 Census | 8th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 51.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 22.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 2.8% | 2021 Census | 25th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 8.7% | 2021 Census | 23rd percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 5.1% | 2021 Census | 9th percentile nationally |
10.6% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Calista have university qualifications, compared to 30.1% in Greater Perth.
51.6% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Calista have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.6% in Greater Perth.
The suburb of Calista ranks in the 4th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Calista are: Certificate (29.9%), Bachelor Degree (8.0%), Advanced Diploma (7.9%).
22.6% of the population in the suburb of Calista is currently engaged in formal education, including 8.7% in primary school, 5.1% in secondary school, 2.8% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Calista is 923, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 2 schools within the suburb of Calista, with a combined enrollment of approximately 438 students.
The suburb of Calista includes 2 primary schools.
Calista features high concentrations of lone person households and single parent families but relatively few family households, with a smaller average household size than Greater Perth.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.1 people | 2021 Census | 11th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 42.9% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 16.7% | 2021 Census | 7th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 20.6% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 13.9% | 2021 Census | 82nd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 3.9% | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 830 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 891 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 52.8% | 2021 Census | 5th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 2.0 per family | 2021 Census | 92nd percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Calista had 830 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 7.3% to an estimated 891 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Calista is 2.1 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Perth and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 52.8% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (42.9%), group households (3.9%), and other household types (0.4%).
Of the 438 family households, couples with children account for 16.7% of all households, couples without children at home 20.6%, and single parent families 13.9%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Perth, the suburb of Calista shows distinct household patterns. Lone person households are notably over-represented at 42.9% (versus 24.9% in Greater Perth). Conversely, family households are under-represented at 52.8% compared to 71.5% in Greater Perth. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the suburb of Calista have an average of 2.0 children, slightly above the Greater Perth average of 1.6. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 31.6% of the adult population are currently married, while 35.2% have never married. This compares to 47.6% married and 36.1% never married across Greater Perth.
Single-person households represent 42.9% of all households in the suburb of Calista, higher than the average for Greater Perth of 24.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 3.9% of households, slightly above the Greater Perth average of 3.5%.
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.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 35.2% | 2021 Census | 74th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 9.0% | 2021 Census | 39th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 91.0% | 2021 Census | 61st percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 87.3% | 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 64.8% | 2021 Census | 25th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 3.3% | 2021 Census | 76th percentile nationally |
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.
Christianity is the most commonly reported religion in Calista, at 43.6% of people, although more residents (53.5%) reported no religion. Christianity accounts for 45.0% 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 Greater Perth's 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% across Greater Perth), South African at 0.8% (vs 1.0%) and Maori at 1.0% (vs 0.9%).
35.2% of the suburb of Calista population was born overseas, compared to 37.7% across Greater Perth.
9.0% of the population in the suburb of Calista speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 22.0% in Greater Perth.
3.3% of the suburb of Calista population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 1.4% in Greater Perth.
87.3% of the suburb of Calista population holds citizenship, compared to 83.0% in Greater Perth.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Calista displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Greater Perth.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 39.3% | 2021 Census | 76th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 28.1% | 2021 Census | 34th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 69.3% | 2021 Census | 25th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,300 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 20th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 32.6% | 2021 Census | 40th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 26.7% | 2021 Census | 92nd percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $250 | 2021 Census, weekly | 14th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 26.2% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 87th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 31.5% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 93rd percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.7 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 23rd percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Calista, 28.1% of homes are owned outright, 32.6% are owned with a mortgage, and 39.3% are rented.
According to the latest data, 69.3% of dwellings in the suburb of Calista are houses.
In the suburb of Calista, 4.0% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 26.7% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Calista stands at 28.1%, compared to 29.3% in Greater Perth.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Calista is $1,300, compared to $1,907 in Greater Perth.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Calista is $849, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Calista, households with mortgages typically spend 31.5% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 26.2% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Calista is 0.7, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Calista shows mortgage holders spending 31.5% of income on repayments (vs 23.6% in Greater Perth), while renters spend 26.2% of income on rent (vs 18.8% in Greater Perth).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Calista consists of 69.3% detached houses, 26.7% semi-detached dwellings, 4.0% apartments, and 0.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Calista consumes approximately 20.6% of median household income ($4,126 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Calista show attached dwellings contributing 0% of approvals compared to 31% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 100% of applications versus 69% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. The area shows minimal growth in housing density compared to other Australian locations.
Health performance in Calista is a key challenge relative to locations nationally with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 50.1% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 30th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 50.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Need help with daily activities | 15.7% | 2021 Census | 99th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 66.1% | 2021 Census | 2nd percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 2.4% | 2021 Census | 84th percentile nationally |
Around 50.0% of people in the suburb of Calista are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 59.1% in Greater Perth.
In the suburb of Calista, 15.7% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 4.6% of people in Greater Perth require similar assistance.
7.0% of people in the suburb of Calista are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 6.8% of the population across Greater Perth is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 6.2% of the suburb of Calista population, while in Greater Perth, 4.0% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
7.0% of people in the suburb of Calista have heart disease. Across Greater Perth,3.3% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Calista, 50.0% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Perth sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 59.1%.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 74 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 74th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 17 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 17th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 734 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 30th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 124 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 4 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.0 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 5.1% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 17 public transport stops within the suburb of Calista.
The suburb of Calista has 734 weekly trips across 4 routes, averaging 104 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 178 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest school is 438 m away and the nearest child care centre 672 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 17 stops nearby, 734 weekly trips, access rating 74 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 25 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 25th percentile nationally |
| Nearest school | 438 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 557 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest child care | 672 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 695 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest pharmacy | 695 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 716 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 770 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 773 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 804 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 6.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 7.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA).
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Calista is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Calista.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is lower than average in Calista compared with local real estate markets nationally.
Calista has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47th percentile nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in Calista is $574 a week, +6.3% over 12 months to Sep 2026.
An assessment of population growth drivers in Calista reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends.
Calista hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide.
The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data.
Employment conditions in Calista face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 5% of areas assessed nationally.
Calista faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
Calista features high concentrations of lone person households and single parent families but relatively few family households, with a smaller average household size than Greater Perth.
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 displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Greater Perth.
Health performance in Calista is a key challenge relative to locations nationally with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be below the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Calista has an estimated 2,119 residents, up 7.3% since the 2021 Census, with 32 projects tracked in the area around Calista.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 15 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Calista.
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Sep 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026 and taxable income FY 2024. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL50235). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, infrastructure projects, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Calista from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Calista with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
