Calliope (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Calliope are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Calliope's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 5,504 people. This reflects a growth of 241 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,263. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 5,476 residents in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data and validated new addresses. This results in a density ratio of approximately 30 persons per square kilometer. Calliope's growth rate of 4.6% since the census is within 2.0 percentage points of its SA4 region's growth rate of 6.6%. Natural growth contributed around 59.0% to overall population gains, with other factors such as interstate and overseas migration also positive.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 are used, based on 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, using a base year of 2022. Future population trends project an above median growth for regional areas nationally. By 2041, the suburb of Calliope (Qld) is expected to increase by 1,227 persons, reflecting a total increase of 22.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Calliope has received approximately 5 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 26 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved in FY-26 so far. This results in an average of about 6.3 new residents per year for every home built over these years.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes is $444,000, below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY-26, there have been $1.3 million in commercial development approvals recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Comparatively, Calliope records significantly lower building activity than the Rest of Qld, with 71.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

However, development activity has picked up in recent periods. Nationally, this is also below average, which could reflect the area's maturity or possible planning constraints. All development in Calliope over recent periods has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 728 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Calliope is forecasted to gain 1,223 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Calliope has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. Two projects identified by AreaSearch are likely to impact this region. Notable projects include Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System, Calliope Residential Growth Area, Gladstone Project, and Port Of Gladstone Land And Sea Access Upgrade. The following details those most relevant:.

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Employment conditions in Calliope remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Calliope has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue collar jobs, with the construction sector being notably represented. The unemployment rate in Calliope was 4.8% as of June 2025, which is 0.9% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.0%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, there were 2,771 residents employed in Calliope, with a workforce participation rate of 65.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The key industries for employment among residents are manufacturing, construction, and retail trade. Manufacturing employs 2.4 times the regional average in Calliope.

Conversely, health care & social assistance employs only 9.6% of local workers, which is lower than Rest of Qld's 16.1%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment in Calliope increased by 4.0% while the labour force grew by 4.9%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8%, the labour force grew by 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Calliope's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.6% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for the financial year 2022 shows Calliope had a median taxpayer income of $59,706 and an average income of $73,299. Nationally, these figures are high compared to $50,780 and $64,844 in Rest of Qld respectively. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%, median income is estimated at $68,059 and average income at $83,554. Census 2021 data indicates Calliope's household, family, and personal incomes are around the 53rd percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, 34.8% of residents (1,915 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to surrounding regions at 31.7%. After housing expenses, 85.5% of income remains for other expenses.

Calliope is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Calliope's dwelling structure, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calliope was at 23.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.5% and rented ones at 30.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,600. The median weekly rent in Calliope was $300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $275. Nationally, Calliope's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Calliope features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 81.3% of all households, including 40.6% couples with children, 27.6% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.7%, comprising 16.6% lone person households and 2.3% group households of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Calliope faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 9.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 7.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 46.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (38.5%).

Educational participation is high at 33.4%, including 15.3% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education. The area has two schools serving 968 students: Calliope State School and Calliope State High School. The ICSEA value is 944, indicating varied educational conditions. Educational provision follows conventional lines, with one primary and one secondary institution.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

The level of general health in Calliope is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Calliope demonstrates above-average health outcomes with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~3,096 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.3 and 8.1% of residents respectively, while 72.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.4% across Rest of Qld. As of 2021, the area has 12.1% of residents aged 65 and over (665 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Calliope placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Calliope's population showed low cultural diversity, with 90.8% being citizens, 91.4% born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 46.4%. This figure is slightly lower than the regional average of 47.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.7%), English (29.7%), and Scottish (7.8%). Notably, German ancestry was higher in Calliope at 4.8% compared to the regional average of 5.1%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry was also slightly higher at 4.8%, matching the Maori representation at 0.8%.

Calliope hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Calliope's median age is 32 years, which is considerably lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to the Rest of Qld, Calliope has a higher concentration of residents aged 5 - 14 (18.6%) but fewer residents aged 75 - 84 (3.6%). This concentration of 5 - 14 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.2%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 10.5% to 11.5%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 10.8%, and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 19.7% to 18.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that Calliope's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 36%, adding 277 residents to reach a total of 1,043. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 6%, adding 37 people.