Catalina

Population growth drivers in Catalina are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Catalina is around 2,735. This figure reflects an increase of 213 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,522. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,637 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 706 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 8.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (3.5%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections 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. Examining future population trends, an above median population growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with the area expected to increase by 544 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 16.4% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Catalina has experienced around 7 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 35 homes. So far in FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. Over these 5 years (FY-21 to FY-25), there's an average of 2.3 new residents per year for each dwelling, reflecting robust demand that underpins property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $634,000, indicating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $22.6 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Catalina has significantly less development activity (54.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is also below national 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 376 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Catalina adding 448 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.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. One major project identified by AreaSearch may impact the area: The Sebel Hotel, Batemans Bay Community Health Facility, Batemans Bay Dredging, and Greater Batemans Bay Structure Plan are key projects. Relevant details follow.

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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 that includes both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. According to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data, Catalina's unemployment rate is 7.1%.

As of September 2025920 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 3.2% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Catalina lags significantly at 44.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. 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% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.4% while employment declined by 5.0%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, the labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Catalina. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, 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.

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

Catalina's income level is lower than average nationally, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers is $38,456 and the average income stands at $47,751, compared to Rest of NSW's figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Catalina would be approximately $41,863 (median) and $51,982 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, incomes in Catalina fall between the 7th and 9th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 31.2% of locals (853 people), earning $800 - 1,499 annually, contrasting 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 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), whereas Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Catalina stood at 50.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.1% and rented ones at 25.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Catalina was $355, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Catalina's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 making up 30.0% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (32.9%). Educational participation is high at 25.1%, comprising 10.4% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

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.

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 operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by 24 different bus routes that together offer 252 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 123 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Catalina's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 95%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.2, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 36 trips per day across all routes, equating to 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (around 1,255 people), compared to 51.9% in the rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.7% of residents) and mental health issues (10.0%). However, 56.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in the rest of NSW. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.7% (894 people), compared to 23.4% in the rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, generally aligning 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, found lacking in cultural diversity, had 89.3% citizens, 85.9% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 59.9%, compared to 55.9% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (6.4%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 4.6%. Similarly, Maltese (0.8%) and French (0.6%) were also overrepresented relative to their regional percentages of 0.4% each.

Catalina ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Catalina is 52 years, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and well above the national norm of 38. The 85+ cohort is notably over-represented in Catalina at 6.2%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 8.2%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 9.0% to 10.4%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 16.8% to 15.6%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate substantial changes in Catalina's population structure. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 58%, adding 98 residents to reach a total of 268. Conversely, the number of people aged 15 to 24 is expected to fall by 5%.