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

Calista's population was 7,434 as of Nov 2021. By Nov 2025, it is around 7,902, an increase of 468 people (6.3%) since the 2021 Census. This growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 7,790 in June 2024 and 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 521 persons per square kilometer. Calista's 6.3% growth since the census is within 2.6 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 96.7% 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. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Population projections indicate above median growth for national statistical areas. The area is expected to grow by 1,204 persons to 2041, reflecting a 13.8% increase 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 seen approximately 12 dwellings approved for development annually. In the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 64 homes were given approval, and another 6 have been approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each dwelling constructed over these years has brought in about 1.4 new residents per year.

This balance between supply and demand indicates stable market conditions, with new properties being constructed at an average cost of $195,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. In FY-26, $3.6 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Perth, Calista has significantly lower building activity, at 89.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also lower than national averages, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. All recent building activity consists of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The current estimated population per dwelling approval is 794 people. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Calista is projected to add 1,092 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Calista has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects potentially influencing this region. Notable ones include Westport-Kwinana Container Port, Parmelia Primary School Modernisation Stage 2, Mandurah Line, and Anketell Road Upgrade (Leath Road to Kwinana Freeway). The following list details 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 Calista face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Calista has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 14.4% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.4%. There are 3,446 residents employed currently, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Perth's rate by 10.4%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Calista lags behind Greater Perth at 56.2% compared to 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, professional and technical services show lower representation at 4.2%, compared to the regional average of 8.2%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as suggested by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4% while labour force grew by 4.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 2.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth recorded higher employment growth at 2.9%. State-wide data from WA shows employment contracted by 0.27% between November 2024 and November 2025, with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%, slightly above the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Calista's current employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Calista SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $57,626 and an average income of $66,563 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was slightly above the national average, contrasting with Greater Perth's median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $65,809 (median) and $76,015 (average). Census data from 2021 shows household, family, and personal incomes in Calista all fell between the 10th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed that 29.9% of the population (2,362 individuals) had incomes within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.0% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Calista, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.6% houses and 12.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), whereas Perth metro had 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Calista stood at 22.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.5% and rented ones at 33.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,724. The median weekly rent in Calista was $275, compared to Perth metro's $315. Nationally, Calista's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents 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 constitute 62.5% of all households, including 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 is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.7.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 12.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.3%. Vocational credentials are held by 40.4% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 8.9% and certificates at 31.5%. Educational participation is 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

Transport analysis in Calista shows 49 operational public transport stops. These are served by buses on five different routes, offering a total of 749 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 211 meters.

On average, there are 107 daily trips across all routes, equating to about 15 weekly trips per stop.

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

Calista faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data.

A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older residents. The rate of private health cover in Calista is approximately 52% of the total population (~4,140 people), which is higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, impacting 11.7% and 9.1% of residents respectively. However, 60.9% of Calista's residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 71.4% across Greater Perth. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.9%, with 1,491 people falling into this age category, compared to the 10.4% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly mirroring those of the general population's health profile.

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's population, as of 2016 Census data, showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets. 12.1% spoke a language other than English at home, and 31.3% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 40.3%.

The 'Other' religious category had a lower representation in Calista (1.0%) compared to Greater Perth (2.8%). In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (31.8%), Australian (25.1%), and Other (8.3%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Maori was slightly overrepresented at 2.2% in Calista versus 2.1% regionally, Welsh at 0.9% versus 0.7%, and New Zealand at 1.1%.

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

Calista has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Perth's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. Comparing Calista's age distribution with Greater Perth's average, the 55-64 cohort stands out at 12.4%, while the 35-44 cohort is underrepresented at 12.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 8.2% to 9.0% of Calista's population. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 13.8% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Calista's age profile. The 85+ cohort is expected to surge dramatically, growing by 391 people (147%) from 267 to 659. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 78% of total population growth, reflecting Calista's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 0-4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.