Caloundra

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Caloundra statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,049. This figure reflects an increase of 117 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,932. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on the June 2024 ABS ERP data release and additional validated new addresses, is 4,032. This results in a population density ratio of 1,253 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods for this area.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, the Caloundra (SA2) is projected to increase by 1,475 persons, reflecting a total increase of 34.9% over the 17 years.

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

Caloundra has averaged approximately 22 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 114 homes. As of FY-26, 32 approvals have been recorded. The average construction value of these dwellings is $993,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. This year has also seen $20.7 million in commercial approvals.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Caloundra's building activity is 62.0% below the regional average per person. The majority of new developments consist of attached dwellings (96.0%), offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the area's existing housing stock (currently 24.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. Caloundra has a low density characteristic, with around 130 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, the population is expected to grow by 1,411 residents, potentially leading to increased competition among buyers if current development rates continue.

Looking ahead, Caloundra is expected to grow by 1,411 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones 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 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 drivers in Caloundra are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Caloundra's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 6.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

There were 1,618 residents in work while the unemployment rate was 2.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 42.5% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.9% versus the regional average of 4.5%. There are 1.5 workers for every resident as per Census data, indicating Caloundra functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.8% while employment declined by 1.4%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 1.3 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) with state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Caloundra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Caloundra's median income among taxpayers in the financial year ended June 2023 was $38,538. The average income stood at $49,204 during this period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91%, the median income is estimated to be approximately $42,357 and the average income around $54,080. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Caloundra fall between the 2nd and 10th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 31.0% of residents earning between $400 and $799 weekly, which is different from regional patterns where those earning between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate at 31.7%. This concentration highlights economic challenges faced by a significant portion of the community. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking Caloundra at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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 evaluation, 23.8% of dwellings were houses while 76.1% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Caloundra stood at 40.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (14.8%) or rented (44.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Caloundra was $360, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Caloundra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 45.7%, with lone person households at 42.2% and group households at 3.3%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld 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 national benchmarks; 21.0% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common (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 account for 11.7%, while certificates make up 26.2%.

A significant portion of the population is actively pursuing education: 21.1% in total, 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

The analysis of public transport in Caloundra shows that there are currently 26 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 9 individual routes providing service. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 2,358.

The accessibility of transport in Caloundra is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 178 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 336 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 90 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Caloundra is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Caloundra faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% (around 1,890 people), compared to 53.9% across the rest of Queensland and a 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, while 56.4% report having no medical ailments, compared to 66.2% in the rest of Queensland.

Residents aged 65 and over comprise 36.3% (1,469 people) of the population, higher than the 22.3% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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 its wider region, with 84.0% citizens, 76.5% born in Australia, and 93.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Caloundra at 55.2%, compared to 50.0% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups 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%. New Zealand representation stands at 1.1%, matching the regional figure. Welsh representation is slightly higher in Caloundra at 0.7% versus 0.6% regionally.

Caloundra ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Caloundra's median age is 57 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and the national norm of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 13.8%, while the 5-14 group is relatively smaller at 6.0% compared to the Rest of Qld. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is higher than the national average of 6.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 8.8% to 11.6% of Caloundra's population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 17.1% to 15.6%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 11.4% to 10.0%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Caloundra's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 59%, increasing from 469 to 745 people. The 5 to 14 group shows more modest growth at 10%, adding only 24 residents.