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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Callala Bay is around 2,117, reflecting a decrease of 117 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,234. This decrease was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,117 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 276 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods. AreaSearch uses 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.

Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 31 persons by 2041, while the 85 and over age group is 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Callala Bay averaged around 17 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 88 homes. In FY-26 so far, 12 approvals have been recorded. The population has declined recently, suggesting that new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $661,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This year, there have also been $760,000 in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of NSW, Callala Bay has somewhat elevated construction rates, recording 16.0% 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 shift from the current housing pattern of 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 152 people per approval. Given stable or declining population forecasts, it may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

No changes can impact an area's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 0 projects expected to affect the area. Notable projects include Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan 2041, Sydney-Canberra Rail Connectivity And Capacity, South Pacific Offshore Wind Project, and Paling Yards Wind Farm, with the following list providing details on those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Callala Bay has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.8% as of December 2025. This rate is 1.2% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Callala Bay lags behind Regional NSW, at 48.2% compared to 60.5%. According to Census responses, 12.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Callala Bay has a particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share twice the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.6% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.9%, while employment decreased by 0.4%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry 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, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Callala Bay has a median taxpayer income of $48,252 and an average income of $60,823 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is below the national average, which differs from Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,232 (median) and $67,100 (average) as of March 2026. According to figures from the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Callala Bay all fall between the 18th and 19th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that the predominant cohort spans 30.4% of locals (643 people) with incomes in the $800 - 1,499 category, unlike the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains, ranking at only 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). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Callala Bay was at 53.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.9% and rented ones at 21.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,697, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Callala Bay was $390, higher than Regional NSW's figure of $330. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents higher at $375 compared to Callala Bay's figures.

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%. 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 total of 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.

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. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically living 225 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outwards, with cars being the primary mode of transport 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.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 12 trips per day, 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 51% of the total population (around 1,079 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.6 and 8.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 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 due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of the latest data (2021), Callala Bay has 32.3% of residents aged 65 and over (683 people), which is 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 cultural diversity rating below average, with 84.9% of its residents born in Australia, 93.2% being citizens, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Callala Bay, accounting for 56.5% of the population, slightly higher than the regional average of 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.7%), Australian (27.9%), and Scottish (9.0%).

Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Croatian was overrepresented at 1.3%, compared to 0.3% regionally, Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.2%), and Russian at 0.5% (vs 0.2%).

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 age of 38 years. The 65-74 cohort makes up 18.3% of Callala Bay's population, compared to the Regional NSW average of 12.9%, indicating an over-representation of this age group locally. Conversely, those aged 25-34 make up only 7.5% of Callala Bay's population, which is under the Regional NSW average of 10.8%. Nationally, the 65-74 cohort comprises 9.4%. Post-Census data from 2021 shows that the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 9.2% to 11.3%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has grown from 16.6% to 18.3%. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 11.3%, and the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 16.9% to 15.4%. By 2041, Callala Bay's population is expected to undergo significant demographic shifts. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 54%, reaching 88 people from the current 57. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 54% of this growth. Conversely, both the 75-84 and 45-54 age groups are predicted to decrease in number.