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 Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Callala Bay is estimated at around 2,306, reflecting an increase of 72 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.2% rise from the previous population count of 2,234. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,202 in Jun 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 301 persons per square kilometer. Callala Bay's growth positions it within 1.6 percentage points of its SA4 region's growth rate (4.8%). Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate an overall population decline of 41 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, particularly the 85 and over age group with a projected increase of 32 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, allocated from statistical area data in Callala Bay, shows an average of approximately 17 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 88 homes. In FY-26 so far, 10 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 expected construction cost value of $661,000, indicating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have also been $760,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Callala Bay records somewhat elevated construction, at 13.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

New development consists of 65.0% detached houses and 35.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 95.0% houses). This suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Callala Bay reflects a low density area, with around 150 people per approval. Given stable or declining population forecasts, it may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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 likely to affect this area. Notable projects include the 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 relevant.

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Employment performance in Callala Bay exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Callala Bay has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.0% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3%. As of December 2025907 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.9% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Callala Bay was 49.9%, significantly below Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, only 12.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Callala Bay had a particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share twice the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 0.6% of its workforce compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the year ending December 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force increased by 2.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections varied significantly. Applying these projections to Callala Bay's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that median income in Callala Bay is $48,252 and average income is $60,823. This is lower than national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). Regional NSW's figures are higher at $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income is approximately $52,527 and average income is $66,212 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Callala Bay are between the 18th and 19th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 30.4% of locals (701 people) earn between $800 and $1,499, differing from the surrounding region where the predominant category is $1,500 to $2,999 at 29.9%. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains, ranking 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 dwellings were 94.6% houses and 5.3% other types in the latest Census, compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% others. Home ownership in Callala Bay was 53.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.9% and rented at 21.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,697, lower than Regional NSW's $1,733. Median weekly rent was $390 in Callala Bay, higher than Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Callala Bay's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded 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% couples with children, 36.2% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.3%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional NSW average.

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, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (32.0%). A total of 23.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 7.7% in secondary, 7.4% in primary, and 2.8% in 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, served by a mix of buses operating along five routes. These routes collectively offer 89 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 225 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature, with cars being the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 12.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 12 trips per day across all routes, equating to 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 according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,176 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and mental health issues (8.7%). 57.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 32.0% of residents aged 65 and over (737 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional 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. The predominant religion was Christianity, 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%) was overrepresented compared to regional levels (0.3%), as were Hungarian (0.4%) and Russian (0.5%).

Callala Bay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Callala Bay's median age is 51 years, which is significantly higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 years and considerably older than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 65 - 74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Callala Bay at 19.0%, while the 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.9%. This concentration of the 65 - 74 age group 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 19.0% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has declined from 13.5% to 10.6%. By 2041, Callala Bay is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 46%, reaching 81 people from 55. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 68% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.