Calista

Calista is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Calista's population is around 7,816 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 382 people (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,434 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,790 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 56 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 516 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 96.7% 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, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,204 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 15.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Calista, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Calista has recorded around 12 residential properties granted approval each year, with 64 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 12 so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $195,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. There have also been $3.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

When measured against Greater Perth, Calista has significantly less development activity (89.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 794 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Calista is expected to grow by 1,178 residents through to 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.

Calista has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 11 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Westport - Kwinana Container Port, Parmelia Primary School Modernisation Stage 2, Mandurah Line, and Anketell Road Upgrade (Leath Road to Kwinana Freeway), with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 Calista face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Calista possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 14.2%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,402 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 10.1% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (61.3% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 4.2% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 8.2%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.7% alongside a 0.4% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.3%, labour force growth of 2.6%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Calista. 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 Calista's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The Calista SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $61,230 and an average of $70,259 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is above the national average, contrasting with Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $67,120 (median) and $77,018 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Calista all fall between the 10th and 14th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.9% of residents (2,336 people), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Calista, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.6% houses and 12.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Calista was lagging that of Perth metro, at 22.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (44.5%) or rented (33.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Perth metro average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $275, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Calista's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 62.5% of all households, comprising 23.7% couples with children, 20.5% couples without children, and 16.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.5%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Calista faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (31.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 51 active transport stops operating within Calista, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 753 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 211 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 81%, with 10% by train and 5% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 4.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 107 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Critical health challenges are evident across Calista, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is just above the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~4,212 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 11.7% and 9.1% of residents, respectively, while 60.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 20.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,561 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Calista was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Calista was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 12.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 31.3% born overseas. The main religion in Calista is Christianity, which makes up 40.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.0% of the population, compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Calista are English, comprising 31.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.1% of the population, and Other, comprising 8.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 2.2% of Calista (vs 0.9% regionally), Welsh at 0.9% (vs 0.7%) and New Zealand at 1.1% (vs 0.8%).

Calista's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

With a median age of 40, Calista is somewhat higher than the Greater Perth figure of 37 and similarly marginally higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Perth average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (12.8% locally), while 35 - 44 year-olds are under-represented (12.5%). In the period since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 8.2% to 9.6% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 11.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Calista's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to surge dramatically, expanding by 364 people (124%) from 294 to 659. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 73% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.