Calliope (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Calliope are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Calliope (Qld) is around 5,505, reflecting an increase of 242 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was reported as 5,263 people. This growth rate is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 5,472 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 30 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Calliope has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, outpacing its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed about 59.0% to overall population gains recently, with other factors like interstate and overseas migration also being positive contributors.

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 or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population trends project an above median growth for regional areas nationally, with Calliope expected to increase by 1,215 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 21.5% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Calliope had approximately 5 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 29 homes were approved, with another 3 in FY-26 so far. This results in an average of 5.7 new residents per year for every home built over the past five financial years.

The demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New homes are being built at an average value of $444,000. There have also been $1.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of Qld, Calliope records markedly lower building activity, 67.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

The area's recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 840 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Calliope is expected to grow by 1,182 residents through to 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Calliope has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely impacting the area: Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System, Calliope Residential Growth Area, Gladstone Project, and Port Of Gladstone Land And Sea Access Upgrade. The following details projects expected to have the most relevance.

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The labour market in Calliope demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Calliope has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notably represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate was 3.6%, lower than Regional Qld's 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Calliope was 71.0% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%. In December 2025, 2,720 residents were employed. Only 4.8% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Dominant employment sectors include manufacturing, construction, and retail trade.

Manufacturing is particularly strong with an employment share of 2.4 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance has lower representation at 9.6% compared to Regional Qld's average of 16.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force decreased by 3.4%, employment decreased by 2.5%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Calliope's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.6% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation, the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 indicates that Calliope had a median income among taxpayers of $59,706 and an average income of $73,299. This is higher than both the national average ($53,146) and the regional Queensland average ($66,593). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes in Calliope as of September 2025 would be approximately $65,623 and $80,563 respectively. Census data from 2021 shows that income levels in Calliope cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is dominant with 34.8% of residents (1,915 people), which aligns with broader regional trends showing 31.7% in the same category. After accounting for 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calliope was recorded at 23.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.5% and rented ones at 30.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure stood at $300. Regional Qld's averages were $1,655 for mortgages and $345 for rents. Nationally, Calliope's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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%, with lone person households at 16.6% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Regional Queensland 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 46.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (38.5%). Educational participation is high at 33.4%, comprising 15.3% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.3% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Calliope are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Calliope's health indicators show below-average results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions were found to be slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover was very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~3,096 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld. The most common medical conditions were mental health issues (8.3%) and asthma (8.1%). 72.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. Calliope has 12.3% of residents aged 65 and over (677 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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, accounting for 46.4%, compared to 52.2% regionally. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (35.7%), English (29.7%), and Scottish (7.8%).

Notably, German ancestry was slightly higher in Calliope at 4.8% versus the regional average of 4.7%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry was also higher at 4.8% compared to 3.9% regionally, while Maori ancestry remained the same 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 Regional Queensland's average of 41 and substantially under Australia's median of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, Calliope has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 at 17.8%, but fewer residents aged 75-84 at 3.8%. This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.1%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 10.5% to 11.8%, while the 75 to 84 age group increased from 2.6% to 3.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 19.7% to 17.8%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 11.9% to 10.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Calliope's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow strongly at a rate of 34%, adding 262 residents to reach a total of 1,033. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age group grows modestly by 2% (an increase of 12 people).