Callala Bay

Callala Bay is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Callala Bay is around 2,218, reflecting a decrease of 16 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,234. This decrease is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,211 based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 289 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts 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, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

Projections indicate an overall population decline by 35 persons by 2041, but growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably the 85 and over age group projected to expand by 33 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Callala Bay shows an average of around 16 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 83 homes. So far in FY26, 3 approvals have been recorded. The population has declined recently, suggesting that new supply is likely keeping up with demand and offering good choice to buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $661,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have also been $1.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Callala Bay maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns, although construction activity has eased recently. New development consists of 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 95.0% houses. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 198 people per dwelling approval, Callala Bay exhibits characteristics of a low density area. The population is expected to remain stable or decline, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

Callala Bay has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

No factors influence an area's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this region. Significant projects include Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan 2041, Sydney-Canberra Rail Connectivity And Capacity, South Pacific Offshore Wind Project, and Paling Yards Wind Farm. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Callala Bay well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Callala Bay has a skilled workforce with key sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.4%.

As of June 2025901 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.6% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation lags at 49.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Major industries of employment include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Public administration & safety is particularly specialized with an employment share twice the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.6% versus the regional average of 5.3%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 3.4%, labour force grew by 2.5%, and unemployment fell by 0.9 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. Applying these projections to Callala Bay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Callala Bay's median taxpayer income was $48,252 and average income was $60,823 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below the national average of $51,977 for median income and $71,085 for average income. In Rest of NSW, median income was $49,459 and average income was $62,998 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $54,337 and average income is $68,493 as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Callala Bay fall between the 18th and 19th percentiles nationally, with family incomes at the 18th percentile and personal incomes at the 19th percentile. Income distribution shows that 30.4% of locals (674 people) earn between $800 - 1,499 annually, differing from the broader area where 29.9% earn between $1,500 - 2,999. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains in Callala Bay, ranking at the 22nd percentile nationally for disposable income.

Callala Bay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Callala Bay, as assessed at the 2016 Census, consisted of 94.6% houses and 5.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Callala Bay was 53.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.9% and rented ones at 21.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of June 2020, was $1,697, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $390, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $1,733 and $350 respectively. Nationally, Callala Bay's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as of June 2020, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Callala Bay has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 72.7% of all households, including 24.3% couples with children, 36.2% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.3%, consisting of 25.2% lone person households and 1.7% group households. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Callala Bay fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.2%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (32.0%).

A substantial 23.8% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.7% in secondary education, 7.4% in primary education, and 2.8% in tertiary education. Callala Public School serves the area with an enrollment of 158 students as of a recent report. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas from 2021 onwards. School places per 100 residents (7.1) are below the regional average (12.7), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Callala Bay has 12 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 94 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 226 meters, indicating good accessibility.

On average, there are 13 daily trips across all routes, translating to about seven weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Callala Bay faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 51%, or around 1,131 people, have private health cover, which is relatively low. The most prevalent medical issues are arthritis (affecting 12.6% of residents) and mental health problems (8.7%). Conversely, 57.8% report no medical ailments compared to 59.4% in the Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.9%, or 707 people, compared to the state average of 27.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are generally positive, performing well on health metrics.

Callala Bay ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Callala Bay's population showed low cultural diversity, with 84.9% born in Australia, 93.2% being citizens, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 56.5%, compared to 52.6% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.7%), Australian (27.9%), and Scottish (9.0%).

Notably, Croatian (1.3%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.4%. Similarly, Hungarian (0.4%) and Russian (0.5%) groups had higher percentages than their respective regional averages of 0.2% each.

Callala Bay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Callala Bay's median age is 51 years, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and the Australian median of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Callala Bay at 19.0%, compared to the Rest of NSW average of 12.8% and the national average of 9.4%. The 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.9%, compared to the Rest of NSW average of 16.3%. Post-Census data from 2021 shows that the 65-74 cohort has grown from 16.6% to 19.0% and the 75-84 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.7%, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.5% to 11.3%. By 2041, Callala Bay's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ group will grow by 64 people to reach 80, comprising 53% of the projected growth. Both the 65-74 and 0-4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.