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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Caloundra West is around 8,246. This figure reflects a growth of 976 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,270. AreaSearch's analysis of ABS ERP data from June 2024 and new addresses validated since the Census date indicates an inferred resident population of 7,373. This results in a density ratio of 1,025 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Caloundra West's growth rate of 13.4% since the 2021 Census exceeds both the non-metro area average (8.8%) and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends predict exceptional growth for Caloundra West, placing it within the top 10 percent of national non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by 12,735 persons, reflecting an increase of 173.4% over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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 has averaged approximately 45 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25, around 228 homes were approved, with an additional 16 approved in FY26 to date. This results in about 17.6 new residents per year arriving for each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and increases competition among buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $398,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $779,000, indicating minimal commercial development activity in the area. When compared to the Rest of Qld, Caloundra West records notably lower building activity, at 59.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. New building activity shows a focus on higher-density living, with 41.0% detached houses and 59.0% attached dwellings.

This shift from the current housing pattern of 83.0% houses suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Caloundra West has approximately 147 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to gain 14,303 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag behind population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth in the area.

Caloundra West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 51 such projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable among these are Aura Business Park, Aura District Sports Parks, Aura Hotel, and Aura (Caloundra South) Infrastructure. The following list details those projects expected 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Caloundra West ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Caloundra West has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 4,629 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is at 63.8%, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Caloundra West specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.5% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.6%, while employment declined by 1.8%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 provide insights into potential future demand within Caloundra West. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Caloundra West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Caloundra West's median income among taxpayers is $49,559. The average income in the area was $63,274 during this period. This figure is slightly lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844 for the same financial year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest the median income in Caloundra West would be approximately $56,492 as of September 2025, with an average income of around $72,126 during this period. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Caloundra West all rank modestly, between the 38th and 39th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 36.9% of the population (3,042 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is similar to the regional trend where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures in Caloundra West 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

Caloundra West's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.3% houses and 16.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro Qld's 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Caloundra West stood at 29.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.8% and rented ones at 32.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,842, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was $465, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Caloundra West's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,842 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $465 against 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 make up the remaining 25.8%, consisting of 22.6% lone person households and 3.1% group households. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 18.0%, compared to Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (31.0%). Educational participation is high at 30.4%, including 11.7% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Unity College serves as the main educational institution with 1,448 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1065). All schools offer integrated K-12 education, providing continuity throughout students' academic journey. School capacity is higher than typical residential needs at 17.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.2, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together facilitate 409 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically located 309 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 58 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Caloundra West is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Caloundra West faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, higher than the average SA2 area's 46%. Mental health issues impact 9.7% of residents, while arthritis affects 9.3%. About 66.8% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.2% in Rest of Qld. The area has 16.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,327 people), lower than the 22.3% in Rest of Qld.

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 was found to align with its wider region's average, with 77.3% born in Australia, 86.9% being citizens, and 92.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Caloundra West, comprising 48.0%. Judaism showed an overrepresentation with 0.1%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.0%), Australian (26.8%), and Scottish (8.2%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.2% in Caloundra West versus 1.1% regionally, Maori at 1.2% compared to 0.7%, and Germans at 4.3% versus 4.6%.

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

Caloundra West has a median age of 36, which is lower than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Caloundra West has an over-representation of the 35-44 cohort (16.5% locally) and an under-representation of the 55-64 year-olds (8.6%). Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group grew from 15.0% to 16.5%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 12.4% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 9.6% to 8.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Caloundra West's age profile will significantly evolve. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to surge dramatically, expanding by 2,664 people (196%) from 1,360 to 4,025.