Calwell

Calwell has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Calwell is around 5,520, a decrease of 210 people from the 2021 Census figure of 5,730. This reduction represents a drop of approximately 3.7%. The current population estimate was derived by AreaSearch following an analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and the validation of 30 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,419 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver behind recent population growth, contributing approximately 56% of overall population gains during these periods.

AreaSearch employs 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, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also using 2022 as the base year. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth for national statistical areas. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Calwell is expected to grow by 230 persons to reach a population of approximately 5,750 by 2041. This projected increase represents an approximate 4.2% rise in total population over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Calwell is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Calwell recorded approximately six residential properties granted approval each year, with an estimated 34 homes approved between financial years FY-21 and FY-25. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26.

Commercial development approvals totalled $80,000 this financial year. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Calwell has about half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the sixth percentile nationally, indicating relatively constrained buyer choice. New building activity comprises 11.0% standalone homes and 89.0% medium and high-density housing. The population is forecast to increase by 230 residents by 2041.

Population forecasts indicate Calwell will gain 230 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Calwell has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and EV Fast Charging Infrastructure - Calwell (Calwell Shopping Centre). The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The employment environment in Calwell shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Calwell has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of December 2025, 3,163 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, 0.3% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate.

Workforce participation is 73.7%. According to Census responses, 9.6% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 7.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison of working population vs resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, labour force by 1.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment growth of 0.9% with a rise in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Calwell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. In Calwell, the median income among taxpayers was $70,379 with an average of $78,000. Nationally, this is high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. By March 2026, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $77,727 and an average of $86,143 based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data shows Calwell's incomes rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 90th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile indicates that 37.0% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (2,042 individuals), consistent with regional trends of 34.3%. Notably, 39.5% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 7th decile.

Calwell is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Calwell, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 86.8% houses and 13.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calwell stood at 30.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (54.6%) or rented (15.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Calwell was recorded at $448, compared to the Australian Capital Territory figure of $450. Nationally, Calwell's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Calwell features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 78.1% of all households, including 38.5% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 19.1% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

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

In the area, university qualification rates stand at 29.1%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.0% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificates at 23.1%. Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.2% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Calwell has 33 active public transport stops serving buses. These stops are covered by 68 different routes that facilitate 4,244 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 199 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 92%, with buses used by 5% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, surpassing the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.6% of residents work from home, which could be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 606 trips daily, equating to approximately 128 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Calwell are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Calwell's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (around 3,201 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, impacting 9.4 and 9.0% of residents respectively. Around 66.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.5% of residents aged 65 and over (910 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Calwell records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Calwell's population showed higher than average cultural diversity, with 19.1% born overseas and 14.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Calwell, accounting for 49.1%. Islam was overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory, comprising 2.1% of Calwell's population versus 3.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (27.8%), English (26.4%), and Other (8.9%). Notably, Spanish (1.1%) was more prevalent in Calwell than regionally (0.5%), as were Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%) and Serbian (0.5% vs 0.4%).

Calwell's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Calwell's median age is 37 years, slightly older than the Australian Capital Territory's 35 but aligned with the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group makes up 13.5% of Calwell's population compared to the Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 13.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has grown from 8.1% to 10.7%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 12.8% to 14.9%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort declined from 12.3% to 10.6%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.2% to 12.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Calwell. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 160 people (73%) from 220 to 381. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 77% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.