Catalina

Catalina has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the estimated population of the suburb of Catalina is around 2,541 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 19 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,522. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,531 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2025 and validation of seven new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 656 persons per square kilometer. Catalina's growth rate of 0.8% since the census is within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.6%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections indicate an above median population growth for regional areas nationally, with the suburb expected to increase by 416 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 16.0% over the 16 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 using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Catalina has averaged approximately six new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 34 homes were approved, with an additional seven approved so far in FY26. On average, about 2.8 people per year have moved to the area for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $634,000, reflecting a developer focus on premium properties. In FY26, $22.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Catalina has significantly less development activity, 54.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, the area also reflects below-average development activity, possibly due to its maturity or planning constraints.

New development consists of 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Catalina's low-density nature with a focus on detached housing that appeals to space-seeking buyers. As of now, there are approximately 376 people in the area per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Catalina is projected to add around 406 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Catalina has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile 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, with the following details provided for those likely to be 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.

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, featuring significant representation from essential services sectors. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 6.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In December 2025846 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.9% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Catalina is significantly lower at 42.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census responses show that only 8.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are retail trade, health care & social assistance, and construction. Retail trade is particularly notable 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%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 6.1%, while employment declined by 5.2%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with differing growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Catalina's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Catalina had a lower than average national income level according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $38,456 and the average income stood at $47,751. This compares to figures for Regional NSW of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $42,425 (median) and $52,679 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Catalina all fell between the 7th and 9th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spanned 31.2% of locals (792 people) in the $800 - 1,499 category, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket led at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile.

Catalina is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Catalina's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Catalina was recorded at 50.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.1% and rented dwellings at 25.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,560, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Catalina was $355, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Catalina's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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 the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 9.6% and certificates for 32.9%.

Educational participation is high at 25.1%, including 10.4% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

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

Catalina has 55 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 24 different routes that together provide 252 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 123 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outwards, and cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 95%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 8.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 36 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Catalina is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Catalina faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% of Catalina's total population (around 1,166 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.7 and 10.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 56.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. Catalina has a higher proportion of seniors, with 34.1% aged 65 and over (866 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly aligned with national rankings.

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 89.3% of its population being citizens, 85.9% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Catalina, comprising 59.9% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal were overrepresented at 6.4%, compared to 4.6% regionally, Maltese at 0.8% (vs 0.4%) and French at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

Catalina ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Catalina has a median age of 53, which is higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and significantly exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Catalina has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (16.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.9%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is notably higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 9.0% to 10.0% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 14.2% to 13.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Catalina's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 57%, reaching 252 people from the current 160. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 3 people.