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 Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Callala Bay statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,305. This figure reflects an increase of 71 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,234. The growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of resident population at 2,202 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 301 persons per square kilometer. The Callala Bay (SA2) has shown competitive growth fundamentals with a 3.2% increase since census, within 1.4 percentage points of the SA4 region's 4.6%. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area's population is expected to reduce by 40 persons according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, particularly in the 85 and over age group, projected to increase 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 approximately 17 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 88 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved in FY-26 as of the current date. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $661,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year, there have been $760,000 in commercial approvals, 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 past five years, while still supporting existing property values and offering good buyer choice. Recent construction comprises 65.0% standalone homes and 35.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points.

This shift represents decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles, indicating the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 150 people per approval, Callala Bay remains a low density area. Given population is expected to remain stable or decline, reduced pressure on housing is anticipated, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

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

No factors impact an area's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially affect 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 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 2.5%.

As of September 2025897 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.1% below the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was at 49.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. The area shows strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share twice the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, while labour force increased by 3.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 localised 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 the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $52,527 (median) and $66,212 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Callala Bay all fall between the 18th and 19th percentiles nationally. In Callala Bay, 30.4% of individuals earned within the $800 - $1,499 band, while this range captures only 25.6% at regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 band dominates with 29.9%. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remained in Callala Bay, 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 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. 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. Median weekly rent in Callala Bay was $390, higher than Non-Metro NSW's $350. 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 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise 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 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15 and above 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. These are served by a mix of buses operating along five different routes. Together, these routes facilitate 89 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is considered good, with residents typically residing within 225 meters of their nearest stop. On average, services run 12 times daily across all routes, translating to roughly four 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 residents.

Approximately 51%, or around 1,175 people, have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.6% of residents) and mental health issues (8.7%). Conversely, 57.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 59.4% reported in the Rest of NSW. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 31.9%, or 735 people, which is higher than the state average of 27.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are generally positive, often outperforming the general population's 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 had a cultural diversity score below average, with 84.9% of its population born in Australia, 93.2% being citizens, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 56.5% of Callala Bay's population, compared to 52.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.7%), Australian (27.9%), and Scottish (9.0%).

Notably, Croatian (1.3%) was overrepresented in Callala Bay compared to the regional average of 0.4%, as were Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.2%) and Russian (0.5% vs 0.2%).

Callala Bay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Callala Bay's median age in 2021 was 51 years, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and considerably older than Australia's median of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 65-74 cohort was notably over-represented at 19.0% locally, while the 25-34 age group was under-represented at 8.0%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-Census data shows that between 2016 and 2021, the 65 to 74 age group grew from 16.6% to 19.0%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 13.5% to 11.3%. By 2041, Callala Bay is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 58%, reaching 80 people from 50. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 65% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.