Caloundra

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

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Caloundra is estimated at around 4,067 people. This reflects an increase of 135 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,932 people. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and validated new addresses, is 4,032. This results in a population density ratio of 1,259 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods for Caloundra.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. These state projections lack age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied where utilized. By 2041, Caloundra's population is projected to increase by 1,506 persons, reflecting a total increase of 36.2% over the 17-year period, as per aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

Caloundra averaged approximately 23 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years ending FY-25, totalling an estimated 116 homes. As of FY-26, 31 approvals have been recorded. The average expected construction cost value for new properties is around $993,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. This year has also seen $20.7 million in commercial approvals.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Caloundra's building activity is 61.0% below the regional average per person. The area's new supply consists of 7.0% standalone homes and 93.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. By 2041, Caloundra is projected to grow by approximately 1,471 residents, potentially leading to increased competition among buyers if current development rates do not keep pace with population growth.

Looking ahead, Caloundra is expected to grow by 1,471 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Twenty-one infrastructure projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. Notable projects include the Caloundra Centre Activation Project, Holiday Inn & Suites Caloundra Sunshine Coast, Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade (CTCU), and Sunset Caloundra. The following list details those likely to be 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 December 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In December 2025, 1,594 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.0% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Caloundra lagged at 46.4%, compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses from 2021, 14.4% of residents worked from home. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade sectors. Caloundra showed strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 0.9%.

There were 1.5 workers for every resident as of the Census, indicating that Caloundra functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.1% and employment declined by 2.7%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Caloundra's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Caloundra had an income level below the national average in financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The median income among taxpayers was $38,538 and the average income stood at $49,204. These figures compared to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $42,357 (median) and $54,080 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%. Census data showed household, family and personal incomes in Caloundra fell between the 2nd and 10th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket comprised 31.0% earning $400 - $799 weekly (1,260 residents), unlike regional levels where $1,500 - $2,999 dominated with 31.7%. The concentration of 41.1% in sub-$800 weekly brackets indicated economic challenges faced by a significant portion of the community. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 78.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile.

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

In Caloundra, as per the latest Census, 23.8% of dwellings were houses while 76.1% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Caloundra stood at 40.9%, with the rest either mortgaged (14.8%) or rented (44.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, lower than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Caloundra was $360, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Caloundra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents also below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 45.7%, with lone person households at 42.2% and group households comprising 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 educational qualifications trail Australian averages. 21.0% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 26.2%.

A significant 21.1% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 6.7% in primary, 5.1% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education.

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

A total of 26 operational public transport stops exist in Caloundra, all offering bus services. These stops are covered by nine different routes, collectively facilitating 2,358 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 178 meters to the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 81%, followed by walking at 11% and cycling at 2%. On average, there are 0.8 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 336 trips daily, translating to approximately 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

Caloundra faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (1,899 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (13.7%) and mental health issues (9.5%). Only 56.4% of residents report being completely clear of 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 aged 65 and over at 36.2% (1,472 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 population showed cultural diversity comparable to the wider region, with 84.0% being citizens, 76.5% born in Australia, and 93.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Caloundra, accounting for 55.2%, slightly higher than Regional Qld's 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.6%), Australian (24.9%), and Irish (10.3%).

Notably, Hungarian (0.4%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.2%, as were New Zealanders (1.1% vs 0.9%) and Welsh people (0.7% vs 0.5%).

Caloundra ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Caloundra's median age in 2021 was 57 years, higher than the Regional Queensland average of 41 and national norm of 38. The age profile showed a prominent group aged 75-84 (13.7%), compared to Regional Queensland's 6.1%. The 5-14 age group was smaller at 5.9%. Between 2021 and the present, the median age decreased by 1.2 years to 57, indicating a younger demographic shift. Key changes included growth in the 25-34 age group from 8.8% to 12.4%, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.4% to 9.6% and the 65-74 group dropped from 17.1% to 15.5%. Population forecasts for Caloundra in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 85+ age cohort projected to rise substantially by 260 people (91%), from 284 to 545.