Caloundra

Population growth drivers in Caloundra are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Caloundra's population is estimated at around 4,141 people, reflecting an increase of 209 individuals since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,932. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 4,111 residents based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density stands at 1,282 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove recent population growth in Caloundra. For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia figures for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

Post-2032 and for areas not covered, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied to age cohorts following ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. By 2041, Caloundra's population is projected to increase by 1,463 persons, reflecting a total increase of 31.6% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Caloundra averaged approximately 23 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling about 119 homes. As of FY-26, 32 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $993,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment by developers.

In FY-26, there have been $4.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Caloundra records significantly lower building activity, approximately 60.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, although construction activity has intensified recently. New development consists of about 4.0% standalone homes and 96.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 24.0% houses), suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 110 people per dwelling approval, Caloundra exhibits characteristics of a low-density area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Caloundra is expected to grow by approximately 1,307 residents through to 2041. 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are 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 has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.9%.

Employment stability over the past year is relative. As of June 2025, 1,666 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.0% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 42.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Resident employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade.

The area specializes particularly 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 at the Census, indicating the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.2% while employment declined by 0.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.9 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Caloundra. These projections estimate 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 not accounting for localised population projections.

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

Caloundra's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $38,538. The average income stood at $49,204 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Caloundra would be approximately $43,929 (median) and $56,088 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Caloundra all fall between the 2nd and 10th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 31.0% earning $400 - $799 weekly (1,283 residents), differing from patterns across regional levels where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 31.7%. The concentration of 41.1% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of the community. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.2% of income remaining, 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, Non-Metro Qld had 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Caloundra was 40.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (14.8%) or rented (44.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Caloundra was $1,600, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Caloundra was $360, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 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 comprising 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

Educational qualifications in Caloundra are below the regional average, with 21.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the 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 such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 26.2%. A significant number, 21.1%, are actively pursuing formal education: 6.7% in primary, 5.1% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education.

Caloundra's four schools have a combined enrollment of 2,248 students and offer balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA score: 1027). The educational mix includes one primary school, two secondary schools, and one K-12 school. As an education hub, Caloundra provides 54.3 school places per 100 residents, higher than the regional average of 13.2, attracting students from neighboring communities. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrollments, please refer to their parent campus.

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 indicates 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 facilitated by these routes amount to 2,612.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 178 meters to the nearest transport stop. The service frequency across all routes averages 373 trips per day, which equates to approximately 100 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 residents. The private health cover rate in Caloundra is low at approximately 47%, covering around 1,933 people, compared to Rest of Qld's 52.7% and the national average of 55.3%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 13.7 and 9.5% of residents respectively.

However, 56.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 66.2%. Caloundra has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 36.3% (1,503 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 22.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in the area are better than those of the general population.

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 broader region, as 84.0% of its residents 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% of the population, compared to 50.0% across the Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are English (33.6%), Australian (24.9%), and Irish (10.3%).

Notable differences exist in the representation of Hungarian (0.4% vs regional 0.2%), New Zealand (1.1% vs 1.1%), and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.6%) ethnic groups.

Caloundra ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Caloundra's median age is 57 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and older than the national norm of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent (13.8%), while the 5-14 group is comparatively smaller at 6.0% compared to Rest of Qld's figures. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.8% to 11.6% of Caloundra's population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 17.1% to 15.5%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 11.4% to 10.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Caloundra's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 91%, expanding from 289 to 553 people. Meanwhile, the 5-14 group displays more modest growth of 7%, adding only 18 residents.