Calwell

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

The population of Calwell is estimated at 5,552 as of Feb 2026, based on ABS data analysis and AreaSearch validation. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 5,730 people, indicating a drop of 178 residents (3.1%). The current population is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,427 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove recent population growth, contributing approximately 56% of overall population gains during these periods.

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, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, Calwell is anticipated to grow by 278 persons to reach a total of 5,830 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Calwell has recorded around 6 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 34 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26.

The population decline over recent years suggests that new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers. Additionally, $80,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Calwell has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 6th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This level is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New building activity shows 11.0% standalone homes and 89.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 87.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 5579 people per dwelling approval, Calwell reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate that Calwell will gain 278 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 identified seven projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones are Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and EV Fast Charging Infrastructure at Calwell Shopping Centre. The following details those 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 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, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, there are 3,158 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.1% below the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation is at par with ACT's 72.5%. According to Census responses, only 9.6% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are 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% compared to the regional average of 11.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.7%, while labour force grew by 0.7%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.5%. In comparison, ACT recorded employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a decrease in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years. Applying these projections to Calwell's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023 for financial year 2023, the suburb of Calwell's median income among taxpayers is $70,379. The average income in Calwell was $78,000 during this period. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981 for financial year 2023. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $76,896 (median) and $85,223 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 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 and $2,999 weekly (2,054 individuals), which is consistent with broader regional trends showing 34.3% in the same category. Significantly, 39.5% of residents earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting areas of prosperity that drive local economic activity. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Calwell, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.8% houses and 13.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calwell was at 30.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.6% and rented dwellings at 15.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $448, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 19.1% and group households comprising 2.5%. 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

The area's university qualification rate is 29.1%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 19.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (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 a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 68 different routes, offering a total of 4,244 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 199 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 92%, with buses used by 5% of residents. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.7 per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 606 trips per day, equating to approximately 128 weekly trips per 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 according to 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 3,220 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. About 66.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.8% of residents aged 65 and over, around 932 people, which is 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 shows above-average cultural diversity, with 19.1% born overseas and 14.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Calwell, accounting for 49.1% of its population. Notably, Islam is overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, making up 2.1% versus 3.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (27.8%), English (26.4%), and Other (8.9%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Spanish is overrepresented at 1.1% compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and 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 aligned with the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group has strong representation at 13.4%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.7%. Between 2021 and the present, the 65-74 age group has grown from 8.1% to 10.8% of the population, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 12.8% to 14.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 14.1% to 12.7%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.2% to 11.8%. Population forecasts for Calwell indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 165 people (71%) from 233 to 399. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 77% 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.