Catalina

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

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Catalina statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 2,731 people. This reflects an increase of 209 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,522 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 2,637, estimated by AreaSearch 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 equates to a density ratio of 705 persons per square kilometer. The growth rate of 8.3% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (3.4%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth 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. Future population trends project an above median growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with the area expected to increase by 559 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 16.7% 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 shows Catalina has received around 7 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 35 homes from FY-21 to FY-25, with 8 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling adds approximately 2.3 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are built at an average construction cost of $634,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In this financial year, $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, it is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and potential planning constraints. New development consists of 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Catalina's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 376 people, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Catalina is projected to add 455 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, 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 49thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence performance. One major project identified by AreaSearch impacts 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 list detailing 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.

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

Catalina's workforce comprises an equal mix of white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 7.1%.

AreaSearch data shows that 920 residents are employed, but this is 3.2% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Catalina lags behind Rest of NSW, at 40.9% compared to 56.4%. Key employment sectors include retail trade, health care & social assistance, and construction. Retail trade is particularly prominent, 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%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as shown by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.4%, and employment declined by 4.8%, 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. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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 are 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 for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 31.2% of locals (852 people) earn between $800 - 1,499, 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, 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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Catalina, dwelling structures consisted of 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Catalina was at 50.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.1% and rented ones at 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 recorded at $355, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $320. Nationally, Catalina's mortgage repayments were 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 higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.0% of all households, including 19.5% that are couples with children, 33.8% that are couples without children, and 12.7% that are 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 is 2.3 people, which is 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

In the given area, educational attainment is lower than the state average. Only 13.6% of residents have a university qualification, compared to NSW's average of 32.2%. This discrepancy presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%.

Vocational skills are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 42.5% holding credentials such as advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (32.9%). Educational participation is 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, all of which are bus stops. There are 24 different bus routes operating in the city, providing a total of 252 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to their nearest transport stop is 123 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 36 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 4 weekly trips per individual bus 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% (~1,253 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.7% of residents) and mental health issues (10.0%). Conversely, 56.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 59.6% in Rest of NSW. As of 31 December 20XX, 33.1% (~903 people) are aged 65 and over, higher than the 31.7% in Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but better than those for the general population.

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 and 85.9% born in Australia. English was spoken exclusively at home by 96.1%. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 59.9%, compared to 49.0% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestral groups were English (32.1%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (9.7%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 6.4% in Catalina than the regional average of 3.6%. Maltese and French populations were also relatively larger at 0.8% and 0.6%, respectively, compared to their regional averages of 0.4%.

Catalina ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Catalina has a median age of 53, which is higher than the Rest of NSW 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 residents aged 25 to 34 (8.2%). Between the 2016 and 2021 Census periods, the population aged 35 to 44 grew from 9.0% to 9.8%, while the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 16.8% to 15.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Catalina's age structure. The 85 and above group is projected to grow by 63 people, reaching 280 from 172. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 1 person.