Catalina

Population growth drivers in Catalina are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Nov 2025 the estimated population of the suburb of Catalina is around 2,630. This reflects an increase of 108 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,522 people in the suburb. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,623 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 679 persons per square kilometer in the suburb. Catalina's growth rate of 4.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.6%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for the suburb.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where data was not available, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends project an above median growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally, with the suburb expected to increase by 555 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 21.0% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Catalina according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Catalina has experienced around 6 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 30 homes. So far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.7 new residents per year have been associated with each dwelling approved between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $634,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development.

In the current financial year, $1.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. When measured against Rest of NSW, Catalina has significantly less development activity, 60.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated count of 527 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Catalina is projected to add 552 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Catalina has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

One major project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: The Sebel Hotel, Batemans Bay Community Health Facility, Batemans Bay Dredging, and Greater Batemans Bay Structure Plan are key projects.

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

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Employment conditions in Catalina face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Catalina has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 8.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 920 residents employed, while the unemployment rate is 4.4% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Catalina lags significantly at 40.9%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The leading employment industries among residents include retail trade, health care & social assistance, and construction. Retail trade has a particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.9% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.7%, while employment declined by 5.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW, where employment contracted by 0.1%, the labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Catalina. These projections estimate that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Catalina's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Catalina's median income among taxpayers was $38,456 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $47,751 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of NSW's median and average incomes of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. By September 2025, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated median income in Catalina would be approximately $43,305 and average income around $53,772. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Catalina fall between the 7th and 9th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 31.2% of locals (820 people), with incomes ranging from $800 to $1,499. This contrasts with the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Catalina, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

Catalina is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Catalina, as per the latest Census evaluation, 87.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 12.2% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This is similar to Non-Metro NSW's dwelling structure, which was 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Catalina stood at 50.2%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 24.1% and rented ones 25.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,560, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Catalina was $355, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $320. Nationally, Catalina's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower at $1,560 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $355 compared to the national figure of $375.

Catalina features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.0% of all households, including 19.5% couples with children, 33.8% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.2.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.6%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are common, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (32.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.4%), secondary education (7.5%), and tertiary education (2.1%). However, educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Catalina has 52 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 23 different routes that together offer 243 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 123 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 34 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 4 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Catalina is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Catalina faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 46% (~1,207 people) have private health cover, significantly lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.7% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 10.0%). Conversely, 56.2% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 59.6% in the Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.2% (873 people), compared to 31.7% in the Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Catalina is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Catalina's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with its population composed of 89.3% citizens, 85.9% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Catalina, accounting for 59.9% of its population, compared to 49.0% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, some ethnic groups had different representations: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 6.4%, Maltese at 0.8%, and French at 0.6%.

Catalina ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Catalina has a median age of 53, which is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Catalina has a higher concentration of residents aged 85 and above (6.3%) but fewer individuals aged 25 to 34 (8.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 9.0% to 9.8%. Conversely, the age group of 65 to 74 has declined from 16.8% to 15.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Catalina's age structure. The 85 and above age group is projected to grow by 68%, adding 112 people to reach a total of 278 from the current figure of 165. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age cohort is expected to grow by a modest 4%, with an increase of 8 individuals.