Calwell

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

The population of the Calwell statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at 5,730 people as of Nov 2021. By Nov 2025, this had decreased to around 5,552 people, a change inferred from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This decrease reflects a reduction of 178 people (3.1%). The current population density is 1,427 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. 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 and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Calwell (SA2) is expected to grow by 278 persons to reach a population of approximately 5,810 people by 2041, reflecting an increase of around 5% 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 recorded approximately six residential properties granted approval each year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 34 homes were approved, with none so far in FY26.

This suggests new supply has likely kept up with demand despite population decline, offering good choice to buyers. Commercial development approvals totaled $80,000 this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Calwell has approximately half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the sixth percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This level is also below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity shows 11.0% standalone homes and 89.0% medium to high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 87.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles.

With around 5579 people per dwelling approval, Calwell reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Calwell will gain 278 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to affect this region. Notable projects include Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and EV Fast Charging Infrastructure at 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 significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, with estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025, there are 3,158 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation is similar to ACT's at 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level, while professional & technical services have lower representation at 7.9% compared to the regional average of 11.1%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.7%, with labour force growth also at 0.7%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In comparison, ACT recorded higher employment and labour force growth rates, with a decrease in unemployment. State-level data from November 25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth at 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 on an unspecified date. In Calwell suburb, 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. As of September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $76,896 (median) and $85,223 (average), based on a 9.26% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 income data ranks Calwell's household, family, and personal incomes highly, between the 89th and 90th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 37.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, consistent with regional trends at 34.3%. Notably, 39.5% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th 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. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calwell was 30.2%, similar to the ACT's level. Mortgaged dwellings were at 54.6% and rented ones at 15.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Calwell was $2,000, aligning with the ACT average. 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 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%. 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 the most common 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a total of 68 different routes that collectively facilitate 4,244 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 199 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there is an average service frequency of 606 trips per day, which translates 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

Health indicators show below-average outcomes in Calwell.

Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover rate is very high at approximately 58% of the total population, which is around 3,220 people. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.4% and 9.0% of residents respectively. 66.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. As of 2021, 15.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (882 people), which is lower than the 17.6% in the 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 showed above-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% of its population. Notably, Islam was slightly overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average (2.1% vs 2.4%).

The top three parental ancestry groups were Australian (27.8%), English (26.4%), and Other (8.9%). Some ethnic groups had notable divergences: Spanish (1.1% in Calwell vs regional 0.7%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), and Serbian (0.5% vs 0.4%) were overrepresented.

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 comprises 13.6%, higher than in the Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 13.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 8.1% to 10.2%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 12.8% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Calwell. The 75 to 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 to 24 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.