Caloundra

Population growth drivers in Caloundra are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Caloundra is around 4,086, reflecting an increase of 154 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated at 4,059 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, with an additional 255 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 1,265 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. By 2041, a significant population increase of 1,447 persons is forecast for the suburb of Caloundra, reflecting a gain of 34.8% in total over the 16 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Caloundra recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Caloundra's annual dwelling approvals averaged around 23 between FY-21 and FY-25. Over these five years, 116 homes were approved, with a further 166 approved in FY-26. On average, 0.2 new residents per year arrived for each new home during this period.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more housing options and enabling population growth. The average expected construction cost of these dwellings was $993,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, Caloundra saw $20.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Caloundra has significantly less development activity, at 60.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The majority of new building activity involves townhouses or apartments (93.0%), with detached houses making up only 7.0%.

This shift from the area's current housing composition (24.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. Caloundra has a low density population, with approximately 125 people per approval. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates the area will grow by 1,420 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Caloundra has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones include Caloundra Centre Activation Project, Caloundra Centre Activation Project - Community and Creative Hub, Holiday Inn & Suites Caloundra Sunshine Coast, and Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade (CTCU). The following list details those most 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.

Employment conditions in Caloundra face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Caloundra has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 7.1% as of an unspecified date based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. By December 2025, 1,624 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.1% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Caloundra was significantly lower at 47.3%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 14.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment in Caloundra is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing have limited presence with 0.9% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. There were 1.5 workers for every resident as of the Census, indicating that Caloundra functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending in an unspecified date, labour force decreased by 2.6% while employment declined by 2.3%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Caloundra. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Caloundra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Caloundra's median income among taxpayers was $38,538 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $49,204 during the same period. This compares to figures for Regional Qld which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By March 2026, current estimates project the median income to be approximately $42,916 and the average income to be around $54,794, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Caloundra all fall between the 2nd and 10th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 31.0% of residents (1,266 people) earn within the $400 - 799 weekly income bracket, which differs from the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is predominant at 31.7%. With 41.1% earning under $800 per week, Caloundra faces significant income constraints that impact local spending patterns. Housing affordability pressures are severe in the suburb, with only 78.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Caloundra features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Caloundra, as per the latest Census, consisted of 23.8% houses and 76.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Caloundra was at 40.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (14.8%) or rented (44.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Caloundra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Caloundra features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 54.3% of all households, including 12.1% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 45.7%, with lone person households at 42.2% and group households making up 3.3%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Caloundra aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Caloundra's residents aged 15+ have 21.0% with university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%, indicating room for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 37.9%, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (26.2%). A significant 21.1% are currently studying, with 6.7% in primary education, 5.1% in secondary education, and 4.6% in tertiary education.

A substantial 21.1% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 6.7% in primary education, 5.1% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Caloundra has 26 active public transport stops serving mixed bus routes. These stops are covered by nine different routes, offering a total of 2,358 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is high, with residents usually residing 178 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, outward commuting is common. Cars remain the primary transport mode at 81%, while walking and cycling account for 11% and 2% respectively. Vehicle ownership stands at 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 336 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 90 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Caloundra is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Caloundra. AreaSearch's assessment shows high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 47% of the total population (around 1,908 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 13.7% and 9.5% of residents respectively. However, 56.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 36.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,503 people), compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

In terms of cultural diversity, Caloundra records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Caloundra's cultural diversity aligns with the wider region's average. 84.0% of its population are citizens, 76.5% were born in Australia, and 93.4% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Caloundra, accounting for 55.2%, compared to 52.2% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups in Caloundra are English (33.6%), Australian (24.9%), and Irish (10.3%). Notably, Hungarian (0.4%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.2%. Similarly, New Zealand (1.1%) and Welsh (0.7%) groups have higher representations than their respective regional averages of 0.9% and 0.5%.

Caloundra ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Caloundra's median age is 57 years, which is higher than Regional Qld's average of 41 and older than Australia's norm of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are prominent at 14.1%, while the 5-14 group is smaller at 6.3% compared to Regional Qld. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is higher than the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has decreased by 1.1 years from 58 to 57, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes include an increase in the 25-34 age group from 8.8% to 12.1%, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.4% to 9.6% and the 55-64 group dropped from 16.1% to 14.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes, with the 85+ age cohort projected to rise by 253 people (an 89% increase) from 286 to 540, and the 15-24 cohort growing by a modest 9% (29 people).