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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Catalina is $715k, with units at $660k. House values have moved 3.2% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Catalina has an estimated 2,541 residents. That puts 657 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the suburb of Catalina's population is estimated at around 2,541 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 19 people (0.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,522 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,531, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date.
This level of population equates to a density ratio of 656 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb of Catalina's 0.8% growth since census positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to increase by 416 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 16.0% in total over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
21 new dwellings have been approved in Catalina over the past five years, an average of 4 a year. That is 1.6 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 1, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Catalina has experienced around 4 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling an estimated 21 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 1 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new homes are being built at an average value of $634,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.
Also, $22.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity. When measured against Rest of NSW, Catalina has significantly less development activity (72.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 5083 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Catalina adding 406 residents by 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Catalina
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 28 current infrastructure and development projects close to Catalina, worth an estimated $1.29 billion. 10 are already under construction and 8 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 1 a single project has been identified by AreaSearch that is likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Sebel Hotel, Batemans Bay Community Health Facility, Batemans Bay Dredging, and Greater Batemans Bay Structure Plan, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
The Sebel Hotel
Replacement of the Batemans Bay Hotel with a four-storey hotel and luxury apartments, including more than 70 hotel rooms, 11 luxury three-bedroom townhouse apartments, a gym, breakfast room, business centre, and 72 carparking spaces.
Batemans Bay Community Health Facility
New purpose-built community health facility offering various healthcare services including allied health, Aboriginal health, community mental health, drug and alcohol, child, youth and family services, primary healthcare, consultation, treatment, pathology, group rooms, and a gymnasium. The facility will bring together a range of services in one location including women's health and mental health services.
Batemans Bay Dredging
Regular dredging of the Clyde River Bar to maintain safe vessel movement, improve navigation, and support local businesses, tourism, and the economy. Includes removing approx. 30,000 cubic metres of sand and placing it in water to nourish nearby beaches.
24 Beach Road Residential Development
DA approved residential development site with an existing motel offering holding income. Proposed for 34 apartments with unobstructed views, designed for building efficiency. Waterfront locale.
3 Clyde Street Mixed Use Tourist, Residential & Retail Development
Proposed hotel/serviced apartment, permanent residential apartment, and retail development in two, 4 and 5 level buildings. Comprises 46 hotel rooms/serviced apartments, 10 permanent residential apartments, 2 ground level retail tenancies, and on-site parking.
Greater Batemans Bay Structure Plan
A visionary document setting out the strategic planning framework for development over 25 years, guiding the scale, pattern, and broad location of development, including provision for new housing and business. It aims to balance demands for new housing, commercial development, and servicing with environmental preservation and character retention.
Batemans Bay Waterfront Master Plan and Activation Strategy
A master plan and activation strategy for the Batemans Bay waterfront, aiming to create a richer variety of uses, programs, and amenity, enhance public spaces, improve access, and stimulate mixed-use development.
Lot 5 Bunderra Circuit Residential Subdivision
DA-approved 21-lot residential subdivision on a 52,684 sqm englobo site at Malua Bay on the NSW South Coast. Lots range from 619 sqm to 11,470 sqm, all north-facing, with a leafy coastal setting near Malua Bay Beach and Batemans Bay. Vegetation clearing is complete and the site is ready for civil works. The englobo parcel sold in 2024/25 for $2.7 million.
852 residents of Catalina are employed, from a labour force of 918. Unemployment sits at 7.2%, with participation at 43.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,175, about 86% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Catalina possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 7.2%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026852 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.1% above Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (43.1% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents comprise retail trade, health care & social assistance, and construction.
The area demonstrates particularly notable concentration in retail trade, 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 predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, over the 12 months to March 2026, labour force levels decreased by 4.0% while employment declined by 3.2%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 0.9%, the labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Catalina. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ 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 (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Catalina is $1,130 a week (about $59,000 a year), with median personal income at $564 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $38,456 a year against an average of $47,751. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The suburb of Catalina's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb of Catalina's median income among taxpayers is $38,456 and the average income stands at $47,751, which compares to figures for Regional NSW's 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 fall between the 7th and 9th percentiles nationally.
Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 31.2% of locals (792 people) in the $800 - 1,499 category, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Catalina had 957 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 88% detached houses and 2% apartments. 24% are owned with a mortgage, 26% rented and 50% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $355 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,560 a month. Rent absorbs 31.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 31.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Dwelling structure within Catalina, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Catalina was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 50.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.1%) or rented (25.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional NSW average at $1,560, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $355, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330.
Nationally, Catalina's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Catalina counted 957 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 20% are couples with children, fewer than in 88% of areas nationally, against 34% couples without children. 30% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households dominate at 67.0% of all households, comprising 19.5% couples with children, 33.8% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
13.6% of adults in Catalina hold a university qualification, including 8.1% with a bachelor degree and 3.1% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 32.9% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.6%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (32.9%). Educational participation is notably high, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Catalina reaches 55 stops on 24 routes, timetabled for about 250 services a week. The typical home sits about 120 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport analysis reveals 55 active transport stops operating within Catalina comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 24 individual routes, collectively providing 252 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 123 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 8.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions). Service frequency averages 36 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
56.2% of residents in Catalina report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 90% of areas nationally. 11.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 45.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Catalina, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,166 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.7 and 10.0% of residents, respectively, while 56.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW.
The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 34.1% of residents aged 65 and over (866 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Catalina is largely Australian-born, at 85.9% of residents, with 3.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.1%) and Australian (28.0%). 6.4% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Catalina was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.3% of its population being citizens, 85.9% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Catalina was found to be Christianity, which makes up 59.9% of people in Catalina. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW. In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Catalina are English, comprising 32.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.0% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.7% of the population.
Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 6.4% of Catalina (vs 4.6% regionally), Maltese at 0.8% (vs 0.4%) and French at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Catalina is 53, older than 95% of areas nationally. 17.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
With a median age of 53, Catalina is considerably higher than the Regional NSW figure of 43 similarly substantially exceeding the national norm of 38. Relative to Regional NSW, Catalina has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (16.1%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (7.9%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 9.0% to 10.0% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.2% to 13.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Catalina's age structure.
Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 57% (91 people), reaching 252 from 160. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 3 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Catalina
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 7 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,522 at the 2021 Census → 2,541 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL10852). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.