Calwell

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Calwell is around 5,557, a decrease of 173 people from the 2021 Census figure of 5,730. This decline was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 5,555, based on ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024) and additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 1,428 persons per square kilometer, above the national average according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56% of overall population gains in recent periods. AreaSearch uses 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, using 2022 as the base year. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median for statistical areas nationwide. By 2041, Calwell is projected to grow by 278 persons, reflecting an increase of approximately 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 recorded approximately six residential properties granted approval each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 34 homes were approved.

No residential approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. Commercial development approvals totalled $393,000 this financial year. Calwell has about half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person compared to the Australian Capital Territory and ranks among the sixth percentile nationally for new dwelling approvals. This results in relatively constrained buyer choice, with interest in existing dwellings supported. New building activity shows 11.0% standalone homes and 89.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift from the area's existing housing stock of 87.0% houses indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles.

With around 5579 people per dwelling approval, Calwell reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Calwell will gain 273 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Calwell has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects potentially impacting this region. Key projects 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 was 3.5% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1%.

As of June 2025, 3,255 residents were employed, mirroring the Australian Capital Territory's unemployment rate of 3.4% and workforce participation rate of 69.6%. Dominant sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction, with a strong specialization in construction at 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 7.9% compared to the regional average of 11.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory saw employment growth of 1.9% and a decrease in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall 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 growth of 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are illustrative extrapolations not accounting for local 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 shows Calwell's median income among taxpayers is $70,379. The average income in Calwell during this period was $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 as of September 2025 would be approximately $79,951 (median) and $88,608 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Calwell rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 90th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 37.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, consistent with broader trends across the region where 34.3% fall into this category. Notably, 39.5% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting areas of prosperity that contribute to robust local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Calwell is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Calwell's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.8% houses and 13.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calwell was at 30.2%, similar to the ACT's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (54.6%) or rented (15.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Calwell was $2,000, aligning with the ACT average. The median weekly rent figure was $448, compared to the ACT's $425. 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 comprise the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 19.1% and group households making up 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is 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 them, including advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (23.1%). Educational participation is high at 28.7%, comprising primary education (10.2%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (4.2%).

Calwell's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,060 students, serving typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. The area has two primary schools and one secondary school, with capacity exceeding residential needs at 19.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.9, indicating it serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by nine different routes that together facilitate 1,597 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 199 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 228 trips per day across all routes, which amounts 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, which is 3,223 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.4% and 9.0% of residents respectively. 66.9% of residents declared 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, totaling 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.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Calwell was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Calwell's cultural diversity was above average, with 19.1% of its population born overseas and 14.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Calwell, making up 49.1% of its people. However, Islam showed notable overrepresentation, comprising 2.1% of Calwell's population compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.4%.

The top three represented ancestry groups were Australian at 27.8%, English at 26.4%, and Other at 8.9%. Spanish was notably overrepresented in Calwell at 1.1%, compared to the regional figure of 0.7%. Hungarian also showed overrepresentation, with 0.4% in Calwell versus 0.3% regionally, as did Serbian at 0.5% versus 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 closely aligned with Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 55-64 is strongly represented at 13.6%, higher than in the Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 13.2%. From 2021 to present, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 8.1% to 10.2% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 12.8% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 13.2% to 11.9%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Calwell. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to rise substantially by 182 people (84%), from 216 to 399. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.