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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Calliope (Qld) is around 5,543. This figure represents an increase of 280 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,263. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,494 in June 2025, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 30 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate of 5.3% since the census is within 2.1 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 7.4%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration being positive factors.

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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using a base year of 2022. Future population trends project an above median growth for regional areas nationally, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,127 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 19.4% over the 16 years.

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, allocated from statistical area data, Calliope has experienced around 5 dwellings receiving development approval annually. An estimated 29 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with 3 so far in FY-26. This results in an average of approximately 9.8 new residents per year for every home built during these 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 expected construction cost value of $444,000. Additionally, there have been $1.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Compared to the rest of Queensland, 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.

Nationally, it is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development 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 838 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Calliope is expected to grow by 1,078 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Calliope has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. Two major projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this region. Notable projects include Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System, Calliope Residential Growth Area, Santos GLNG Project, and Gladstone Project. Relevant details about these projects are outlined below.

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While Calliope retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.7%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Calliope's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with construction being notably prominent. Its unemployment rate stands at 3.7%, as per AreaSearch's statistical aggregation. As of December 2025, 2,672 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is 69.1%, slightly higher than Regional Qld's 64.5%. Home-based work accounts for a low 4.8% of jobs, though Covid-19 impacts may have influenced this figure. Dominant employment sectors are manufacturing, construction, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with an employment share 2.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 9.6%, compared to Regional Qld's average of 16.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 3.7% and employment by 2.9%, leading to a 0.9 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Regional Qld, however, saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Calliope had a median income among taxpayers of $59,706 and an average level of $73,299. These figures are above the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively in Regional Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of March 2026 is approximately $66,489, with average income at $81,626. Census 2021 data shows incomes in Calliope cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, 34.8% of residents (1,928 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, consistent with broader trends across regional levels 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

In Calliope, as per the latest Census evaluation, 94.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.4% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This is compared to Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calliope stood at 23.9%, with mortgaged properties making up 45.5% and rented dwellings accounting for 30.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, exceeding Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Calliope was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Queensland's figure of $345. Nationally, Calliope's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly 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 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 constitute 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% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (38.5%). Educational participation is high at 33.4%, with 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

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Calliope. AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence shows common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population, which is about 3,117 people, compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.3 and 8.1% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 72.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 12.7% of residents aged 65 and over, which is 703 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.8% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home: 91.4% were Australian-born, and 97.1% spoke English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Calliope, comprising 46.4% of people, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.7%), English (29.7%), and Scottish (7.8%).

Notably, German ancestry was slightly higher at 4.8% in Calliope versus 4.7% regionally, Australian Aboriginal was at 4.8% compared to 3.9%, and Maori was represented equally 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. Relative to Regional Qld, Calliope has a higher concentration of 5-14 year-olds at 18.0%, but fewer 75-84 year-olds at 4.0%. This 5-14 concentration is well above the national average of 12.0%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 2.6% to 4.0%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 19.7% to 18.0% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Calliope's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 31%, adding 237 residents to reach 991. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 group is expected to contract by 2 residents.