Caloundra

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

The estimated population of the suburb of Caloundra is around 4,067 as of Feb 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 135 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,932 people. AreaSearch estimated the resident population at 4,032 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validated an additional 250 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,259 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for this population growth during recent periods.

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. Projected demographic shifts indicate a significant population increase of 1,475 persons to 2041 for the suburb of Caloundra, reflecting an overall increase of 34.2% 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 is around $993,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. Commercial approvals this financial year amount to $20.7 million.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Caloundra's building activity is 62.0% below the regional average per person. New development consists mainly of attached dwellings (96.0%), offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. By 2041, Caloundra is projected to grow by approximately 1,392 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Looking ahead, Caloundra is expected to grow by 1,392 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that could impact this 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 has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 6.5%. The area's unemployment rate is 2.4% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly at 47.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

According to Census responses, 14.4% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area specializes particularly in accommodation & food with an employment share of 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, indicating Caloundra functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.6%, while employment declined by 1.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Caloundra. 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, assuming constant population projections.

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

Caloundra's suburb income level is below national average, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Caloundra was $38,538, with average income at $49,204. This compares to Rest of Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $42,357 (median) and $54,080 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Caloundra fall between 2nd and 10th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate largest segment comprises 31.0% earning $400 - $799 weekly (1,260 residents), differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 31.7%. Concentration of 41.1% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges faced by significant portion of community. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.2% of income remaining, ranking at 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, with the remaining 76.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Caloundra stood at 40.9%, with mortgaged properties at 14.8% and rented dwellings at 44.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Caloundra was $360, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. 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 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 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, 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 the regional average. Among residents aged 15+, 21.0% hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement. 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, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (26.2%). A significant 21.1% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, consisting of 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 active public transport stops operate within Caloundra, offering a range of bus services. These stops are served by nine different routes, together facilitating 2,358 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is deemed excellent, with residents generally situated just 178 meters from the nearest one. As a predominantly residential area, most inhabitants commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 81% of residents, while walking and cycling account for 11% and 2%, respectively. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 0.8, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.4% of residents work from home, a figure possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 336 trips daily, translating 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

Caloundra faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,899 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a 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 declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Caloundra has 36.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,480 people), higher than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than 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 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, comprising 55.2%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are English (33.6%), Australian (24.9%), and Irish (10.3%).

Notably, Hungarian, New Zealand, and Welsh groups have higher representation in Caloundra than regionally: Hungarian at 0.4% vs 0.2%, New Zealand at 1.1% vs 0.9%, and Welsh at 0.7% vs 0.5%.

Caloundra ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Caloundra's median age at 57 years is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and exceeds the national norm of 38. The age profile reveals that those aged 75-84 are notably prominent, comprising 13.8%, while individuals aged 5-14 make up only 5.8%. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, Caloundra's median age has decreased by 1.2 years from 58 to 57, suggesting a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes include an increase in the 25-34 age group, rising from 8.8% to 12.3%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 9.4% and the 65-74 group has decreased from 17.1% to 15.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Caloundra, with the 85+ age cohort projected to rise significantly by 257 people (89%), from 288 to 546.