Caloundra West

Caloundra West lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the estimated population of Caloundra West as of May 2026 is around 8,841. This reflects a growth of 1,571 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,270. The current resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 8,290, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 106 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,099 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Caloundra West's growth rate of 21.6% since the 2021 census exceeds the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to grow by 4,698 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 46.9% in total over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Caloundra West was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Caloundra West averaged approximately 77 new dwelling approvals annually, with 386 homes approved between FY21 and FY25, and 88 in FY26. This resulted in an average of 4.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the same period. The area has shown significant demand exceeding supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New dwellings are developed at an average construction cost value of $396,000. In FY26, Caloundra West registered $197,000 in commercial approvals, indicating its residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Caloundra West exhibits approximately 69% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 85th percentile nationally. New development consists of 52.0% standalone homes and 48.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points.

This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, differing from the current housing mix of 83.0% houses. Caloundra West has approximately 105 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. By 2041, population forecasts estimate a gain of 4,147 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Caloundra West 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 49 projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Aura Business Park, Aura District Sports Parks, Aura Hotel, and Aura (Caloundra South) Infrastructure, with the following list detailing those likely 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 West demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Caloundra West has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate as of December 2025 was 2.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 3,216 residents were in work, and the unemployment rate was 1.6% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 51.1%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Based on Census responses, only 12.4% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Caloundra West has particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.5% of Caloundra West's workforce compared to 4.5% in Regional Qld. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 13.7%, alongside a 13.7% employment decline, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Caloundra West. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Caloundra West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Caloundra West had a median income among taxpayers of $49,559 and an average income of $63,274. These figures are lower than the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $55,189 (median) and $70,462 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Caloundra West rank modestly, between the 38th and 39th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 36.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (3,262 residents), which is consistent with broader trends across the area showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 36th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Caloundra West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Caloundra West, as per the latest Census data, 83.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 16.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Caloundra West stood at 29.5%, with mortgaged properties making up 37.8% and rented dwellings accounting for 32.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,842, higher than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Caloundra West was $465, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Caloundra West's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $465 versus the national figure of $375.

Caloundra West has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.2% of all households, including 33.1% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.8%, with lone person households at 22.6% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Caloundra West exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 18.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (31.0%). Educational participation is high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising primary education (11.7%), secondary education (8.6%), and tertiary education (4.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Caloundra West has 19 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by four different bus routes in total, offering 370 weekly passenger trips combined. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 309 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the primarily residential nature of the area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 96%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 52 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Caloundra West are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Caloundra West shows below-average health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions are higher than average, particularly among younger and older age groups. Private health cover is slightly more prevalent at approximately 52% of the total population (~4,622 people). Mental health issues affect 9.7% of residents, while arthritis impacts 9.3%. About 66.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,794 people). National rankings are generally in line with the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Caloundra West 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 West's cultural diversity aligns with the broader region, as seen in its population born in Australia (77.3%), citizens (86.9%), and English-only speakers at home (92.3%). Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 48.0% of residents. While Judaism represents a similar proportion to the regional average (0.1%), notable overrepresentation occurs among New Zealanders (1.2% vs 0.9%) and Maori (1.2% vs 0.8%).

The top ancestry groups are English (33.0%), Australian (26.8%), and Scottish (8.2%).

Caloundra West's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Caloundra West's median age is 37 years, which is lower than the Regional Queensland average of 41 and nearly aligned with Australia's median age of 38. The 35-44 age group is notably higher at 16.7% locally compared to the Regional Queensland average, while the 55-64 age group is under-represented at 6.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group increased from 6.5% to 8.7%, and the 35-44 cohort rose from 15.0% to 16.7%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group decreased from 9.4% to 6.4%, and the 25-34 age group fell from 12.4% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Caloundra West's age profile, with the strongest growth expected in the 45-54 cohort, which is projected to grow by 74%, adding 851 residents to reach a total of 2,010.