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 Feb 2026, the population of Calista is estimated to be around 2,064, reflecting an increase of 89 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,975. This change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 2,053 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of 12 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 893 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 97.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are used to estimate post-2032 growth. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in Calista's top quartile of statistical areas, with an expected rise of 670 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 34.2% over the 17 years.

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 per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 31 homes were approved in total, with an additional two approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 2.5 people have moved to the area annually for each new home constructed over these five financial years.

The average construction value of new homes is $353,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting a focus on quality construction. This year, $894,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Calista has seen significantly reduced construction activity, with 79.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. The recent development in Calista has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining its traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes despite density pressures.

Developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating continued strong demand for family homes. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 828 people, reflecting Calista's quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Calista is forecasted to gain 705 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the area.

Calista has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting this region: Parmelia Primary School Modernisation Stage 2, Westport - Kwinana Container Port, Kwinana Education Precinct, and Mandurah Line are key projects, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

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

Calista's workforce comprises an equal mix of white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 15.1% in the past year, showing a growth of 0.9%. As of September 2025768 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 11.2% higher than Greater Perth's 4.0%.

Workforce participation was lower at 52.2%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. Only 5.1% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Manufacturing was particularly strong, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

However, education & training was under-represented at 3.6%, compared to Greater Perth's 9.2%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 0.9% while the labour force grew by 3.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 12.7% over ten years for Calista, based on its current employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Calista's median income among taxpayers is $48,312, with an average of $55,805. This is lower than national averages, compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,960 (median) and $61,173 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Calista fall between the 2nd and 3rd percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 income bracket dominates with 32.4% of residents. Unlike regional trends where 32.0% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, lower income households prevail in Calista, with 43.5% earning below $800 weekly. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Calista's dwelling structures, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 69.3% houses and 30.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calista was at 28.1%, comparable to Perth metro's level, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (32.6%) or rented (39.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Calista was $1,300, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent figure for Calista stood at $250, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Calista's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 compose 52.8% of all households, including 16.7% couples with children, 20.6% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 47.2%, with lone person households at 42.9% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 10.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, 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 actively pursuing formal education, comprising 8.7% in primary, 5.1% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

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

Calista has 17 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These are covered by four different routes offering 734 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living just 178 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily, primarily using cars (82%), while 11% use trains. On average, there's one vehicle per dwelling, below the regional norm. Only 5.1% of residents work from home, according to the 2021 Census.

Bus services run an average of 104 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 43 weekly trips per 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across a range of health conditions that affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 1,018 people), compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 12.7% and 12.0% of residents respectively. However, 50.6% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Calista has a higher proportion of seniors, with 32.7% of residents aged 65 and over (674 people), compared to 16.3% 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's population showed high diversity, with 9.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 35.2% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 43.6%. Buddhism was overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, at 1.4% versus 2.7%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (37.2%), Australian (25.7%), and Scottish (7.7%). Notably, Welsh (1.3%) and Maori (1.0%) were also overrepresented in Calista compared to regional averages of 0.7% and 0.9%, respectively.

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 individuals aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 13.3% of the population, compared to 9.4% for the 35-44 age group. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 10.1% to 10.9%, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 7.1% and the 35-44 cohort has dropped from 10.6% to 9.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 135%, adding 236 residents to reach 412. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 81% of population growth, reinforcing trends towards an aging population. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts.