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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Callala Bay's population is estimated at around 2,306 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 72 people (3.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,234 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,202 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 301 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Callala Bay's 3.2% growth since census positions it within 1.6 percentage points of the SA4 region (4.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 41 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 35 to 44 age group, which is projected to increase by 34 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 indicates Callala Bay averaged around 17 new dwelling approvals annually from FY-21 to FY-25. Approximately 88 homes were approved over these five financial years, with an additional 9 approved in FY-26. Despite a falling population during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost for new dwellings is $661,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment. Commercial approvals totaled $760,000 in FY-26, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Callala Bay has slightly more development (13.0% above regional average per person over the five-year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. Recent construction comprises 65.0% standalone homes and 35.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points.

This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 95.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 150 people per approval, Callala Bay is a low-density area. Given population expectations to remain stable or decline, reduced pressure on housing may create opportunities for buyers in the future.

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

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance like alterations to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 0 projects that are expected to affect this area. Notable projects include Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan (2041), Sydney-Canberra Rail Connectivity And Capacity project, South Pacific Offshore Wind Project, and Paling Yards Wind Farm. The following details those most likely to be relevant.

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AreaSearch assessment positions Callala Bay ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Callala Bay has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.8%. As of September 2025903 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation lags at 48.9%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Only 12.8% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction, with a strong specialization in the latter at 2.0 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.6%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.8% while labour force increased by 3.5%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Callala Bay had a median taxpayer income of $48,252 and an average income of $60,823 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was lower than national averages, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $52,527 and the average income will be around $66,212, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Callala Bay are between the 18th and 19th percentiles nationally. In Callala Bay, 30.4% of individuals earn within the $800 - $1,499 band, while this range captures only 26.7% at regional levels. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains in Callala Bay, which ranks at the 22nd percentile nationally.

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

Callala Bay's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.6% houses and 5.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), differing from Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Callala Bay stood at 53.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.9% and rented ones at 21.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,697, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent figure was $390, higher than Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Callala Bay's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,697 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $390 against the national figure of $375.

Callala Bay has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 72.7% of all households, including 24.3% that are couples with children, 36.2% that are couples without children, and 11.3% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.3%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of NSW.

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 the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 32.0%. A total of 23.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 7.7% in secondary education, 7.4% in primary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

A substantial 23.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.7% in secondary education, 7.4% in primary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Callala Bay has 18 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together offer 89 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility in the area is rated as good, with residents typically located 225 meters from their nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 95%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 12 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Callala Bay is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Callala Bay faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 51% (~1,176 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most common medical conditions in Callala Bay are arthritis (impacting 12.6% of residents) and mental health issues (8.7%). In comparison, 57.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, while this figure stands at 63.3% across the Rest of NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Callala Bay has 32.5% (749 people) of its residents aged 65 and over, which is higher than the 23.4% in the Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 had a lower cultural diversity, with 84.9% born in Australia, 93.2% being citizens, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 56.5%, compared to 55.9% regionally. Top ancestry groups were English (30.7%), Australian (27.9%), and Scottish (9.0%).

Notably, Croatian (1.3% vs 0.3%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.2%), and Russian (0.5% vs 0.2%) groups had higher representation than the regional averages.

Callala Bay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Callala Bay's median age is 51 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 19.4% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.0%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national average of 9.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 16.6% to 19.4%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 10.7%. By 2041, Callala Bay is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group will grow by 45%, reaching 80 people from 55. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 62% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.