Calwell

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Calwell statistical area (Lv2) is around 5,557, a decrease of 173 people from the 2021 Census figure of 5,730. This decrease reflects a resident population estimate of 5,555 by AreaSearch, based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 1,428 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, ACT Government's SA2 area projections with a 2022 base are used. Demographic trends indicate that the Calwell (SA2) is expected to grow by 278 persons to reach approximately 6,145 by 2041. This projected increase reflects a growth rate of about 4.9% over the 17-year period.

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

Calwell has seen approximately six residential properties approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 34 homes were granted approval over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with no approvals recorded so far in FY26.

The population decline in recent years suggests new supply has been keeping pace with demand, offering buyers good choice. Commercial development approvals this year totalled $393,000, indicating minimal commercial activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Calwell has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the sixth percentile nationally, implying constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. New building activity comprises 11.0% standalone homes and 89.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift contrasts with the area's current housing composition of 87.0% houses, suggesting decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. With around 5579 people per dwelling approval, Calwell reflects a mature market.

Population forecasts indicate Calwell will gain 273 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, intensifying buyer competition and potentially driving price increases.

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

Seven projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These key projects include Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and EV Fast Charging Infrastructure - Calwell (Calwell Shopping Centre). The following details those considered 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.

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

Calwell's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of this date, 3,158 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.1% lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Calwell was similar to ACT's 69.6%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Construction showed particularly strong specialization with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 7.9% compared to the regional average of 11.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.7% while labour force increased by 0.7%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable in Calwell. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, and a decrease in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. As of 25-Nov, ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Calwell's employment mix indicates 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 and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 reports Calwell's median income among taxpayers at $70,379. The average is $78,000. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Calwell would be approximately $79,951 (median) and $88,608 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Calwell rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 90th percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that 37.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, consistent with broader trends across the region at 34.3%. Notably, 39.5% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Calwell, as per the latest Census evaluation, 86.8% of dwellings were houses while 13.2% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calwell stood at 30.2%, similar to the ACT average, with mortgaged properties at 54.6% and rented ones at 15.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with the ACT average, while median weekly rent was $448 compared to the ACT's $425. Nationally, Calwell's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 comprise 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 making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 29.1%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - 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 operating currently. These are all bus stops. Nine different routes service these stops, together offering 1,597 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Calwell is rated excellent, with residents usually located just 199 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 228 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 48 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

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Calwell.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 58% of the total population (3,223 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.4 and 9.0% of residents respectively. 66.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across Australian Capital Territory. As of 2021, 15.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (883 people), which is lower than the 17.6% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 shows above-average cultural diversity, with 19.1% born overseas and 14.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Calwell, accounting for 49.1% of its population. Islam, however, is slightly overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, making up 2.1% of Calwell's population.

The top three ancestral groups are Australian (27.8%), English (26.4%), and Other (8.9%). Notable differences exist in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Spanish is overrepresented at 1.1%, Hungarian at 0.4%, and Serbian at 0.5%.

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 closely aligned with Australia's national average of 38 years. The population aged 55-64 represents a strong 13.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figure. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is less prevalent at 13.2%. Since 2021, the 65-74 age group has grown from 8.1% to 10.2%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 12.8% to 14.8%. However, the 45-54 age group has declined from 13.2% to 11.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Calwell. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 182 people (84%) from 216 to 399. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.