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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Calista has an estimated 7,891 residents, up from 7,434 at the 2021 Census — a change of 457 people, or 6.1%. Growth has averaged 0.5% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 98.4% of that increase. That puts 521 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
According to research from AreaSearch, the resident count in Calista stands at roughly 7,891 as of Aug 2026. This marks an expansion of 457 people (6.1%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 7,434 people. This estimate incorporates ABS estimated resident population figures of 7,882 as of June 2025 alongside 58 validated new addresses added post-Census. With 521 persons per square kilometer, the locality maintains a modest density level that offers ample personal space and scope for future urban expansion. The upward demographic movement has been overwhelmingly supported by overseas migration, which made up around 98.4% of total population additions over recent times.
AreaSearch relies on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for statistical areas, published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. In locations without this coverage, as well as for all territory-wide forecasts extending beyond 2032, growth rates across age cohorts from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region release (grounded in 2022 data) are applied. Factoring in these shifting cohort dynamics, local growth is projected to track slightly below the national SA2 median, with population projected to rise by 898 persons to 2041 relative to latest annual ERP benchmarks, representing an overall expansion of 11.3% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
62 new dwellings have been approved in Calista over the past five years, an average of 12 a year. That is 1.6 approvals per 1,000 residents. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals in Calista have averaged approximately 12 homes per annum, generating 62 homes over the past 5 financial years. With an inflow of 3.4 people per year for every home constructed across the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), local housing demand substantially outstrips new construction, creating upward pricing pressure and heightened buyer competition. Concurrently, approved dwellings carry an average construction value of $276,000—under the broader regional standard—pointing to relatively affordable building costs. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $3.6 million this financial year, underscoring the area's overwhelmingly residential orientation.
Relative to Greater Perth, residential construction in Calista remains substantially subdued (88.0% below regional average per person). While building activity has gained pace in recent years, this constrained pipeline tends to support buyer demand and asset values across established dwellings. Construction rates also sit below countrywide levels, indicating established maturity alongside possible constraints on new development. All recent building approvals have centered on standalone detached houses, reinforcing the low-density urban fabric and catering to purchasers prioritizing spacious allotments. A high ratio of 451 people per approved dwelling highlights the tranquil, low-scale nature of local construction activity. Demographic projections suggest Calista will add 889 residents through to 2041 (anchored to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If present building volumes persist, the supply of new dwellings could fall short of resident inflows, thereby intensifying market competition among purchasers and sustaining price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Calista
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| 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 3 current infrastructure and development projects inside Calista, worth an estimated $9.22 billion. A further 98 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $41.7 billion. 33 are already under construction and 43 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and communities. 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
Local economic momentum and property dynamics are heavily shaped by planning frameworks, public works, and capital investments. AreaSearch has pinpointed 14 development initiatives poised to influence the district. Prominent projects comprise Cassia Estate, Westport - Kwinana Container Port, Parmelia Primary School Modernisation Stage 2, and Mandurah Line, with detailed profiles outlined in the following summary.
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
Cassia Estate
Cassia is a masterplanned residential community delivered by Satterley Property Group in partnership with DevelopmentWA, spanning two precincts - Cassia Glades in Kwinana Town Centre and Cassia Rise in Parmelia. The estate will deliver 910 homes upon completion across a range of lot sizes, supported by 9 planned parks and open spaces, and close to Kwinana Marketplace, Kwinana Train Station, and a range of schools and childcare. The North precinct is sold out with the Glades and Rise precincts actively selling.A further release is planned for mid-2026.
Westport - Kwinana Container Port
Westport is the Western Australian Government program to plan and deliver a future container port and integrated freight supply chain in Kwinana, relocating container trade from Fremantle when required in the late 2030s. The preferred design includes a new port terminal in the Kwinana Industrial Area, marine infrastructure in Cockburn Sound, a new shipping channel, upgraded Anketell Road, Kwinana Freeway and Roe Highway connections, rail duplication and level crossing removals between Kwinana and Cockburn, and logistics links to Kenwick, Kewdale and Forrestfield.The program is in final planning and definition, with current works focused on design, approvals, site and marine investigations, land, risks, costs and delivery strategy. In March 2026 the State introduced the Westport Bill 2026 to establish a Westport Authority, but construction remains subject to environmental approvals and a final investment decision.
Mandurah Line
70.8km suburban railway line connecting Perth CBD to Mandurah with 13 stations including Rockingham and Warnbro stations. Operates through Kwinana Freeway median with dedicated underground tunnels through Perth CBD. Serves as vital transport link for region. Recent extensions include integration with Thornlie-Cockburn Link in June 2025.
Parmelia Primary School Modernisation Stage 2
Stage 2 modernisation of Parmelia Primary School delivering new early childhood classrooms and a covered assembly area. Works are funded through the WA Government school building program and managed by Building Management and Works (BMW) on behalf of the Department of Education.
Bollard Bulrush West Local Structure Plan
A local structure plan proposal covering lots along Bertram Road and Wellard Road on the western side of the Bollard Bulrush Wetland. The framework proposes approximately 97 residential lots, public recreation reserves, and dedicated wetland conservation buffer zones.
Wellard Green
Wellard Green is a 146-lot residential land estate by Wolfdene in partnership with Blueways Group. Located adjacent to the Wellard Bulrush Nature Reserve and close to Wellard Train Station, the estate is being delivered in staged releases with civil works underway and Stage 1 sold out.
Wellard West Community Facility
A $6.32 million community infrastructure project delivered by the City of Kwinana to build a modern community center and sports pavilion in Wellard West, providing multi-purpose indoor spaces, changing facilities, and community gathering spaces.
Parmelia Community Centre Redevelopment
Planned refurbishment and modest expansion of the Parmelia Community Centre to improve accessibility, modernise the existing facility and provide additional flexible community spaces for local programs and events. The project remains listed within the City of Kwinana capital works program with planning activities underway.
3,376 residents of Calista are employed, from a labour force of 3,947. Unemployment sits at 14.5%, with participation at 61.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 6,617, about 84% 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
The local labour market features a mix of white-collar and blue-collar occupations, with prominent representation in industrial and manufacturing trades, alongside an unemployment rate of 14.5%. As of March 2026, employed residents count at 3,376, with the local jobless rate tracking 10.3% above Greater Perth's 4.2%, highlighting ongoing workforce capacity, while labor force participation is comparatively subdued (61.2% versus 69.9% across Greater Perth). According to Census metrics, just 4.9% of workers performed their duties from home, though this figure was captured during Covid-19 restrictions. Resident employment is primarily clustered within health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.
Industrial manufacturing represents a major pillar, employing workers at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical roles are underrepresented, accounting for 4.2% of local workers compared to 8.2% across the wider region. An assessment of Census resident numbers against local job positions indicates that local commercial opportunities within the immediate area remain relatively limited. Analysis conducted by AreaSearch using SALM and ABS figures indicates that the labour force shrank by 0.9% and employment fell by 2.0% in the year to March 2026, which pushed unemployment up by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 2.0%, the labour force expand by 2.5%, and unemployment increase by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Mar-26 provide additional perspective on likely future demand in Calista. These projections, which span five and ten-year horizons, were overlaid with the local employment profile to estimate potential growth trajectories. Although national employment is expected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, expansion varies considerably across different industry sectors. When these sector-specific forecasts are applied to Calista's current employment composition, local employment is projected to grow by 5.8% over five years and by 12.6% over ten years. It is important to note that this estimate relies on a straightforward weighting extrapolation for illustrative reasons and does not incorporate localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Calista is $1,213 a week (about $63,000 a year), with median personal income at $594 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $61,230 a year against an average of $70,259. 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
ATO taxpayer records at the postcode level for financial year 2023, compiled by AreaSearch, show Calista SA2 registered a median taxpayer income of $61,230 and an average income of $70,259. This exceeds national averages, while aligning against benchmarks of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth. Applying the 10.93% Wage Price Index increase recorded since financial year 2023, modeled earnings stand at roughly $67,922 (median) and $77,938 (average) as of March 2026. Across household, family, and individual income tiers, Census metrics place Calista within the 10th to 14th percentiles across Australia.
The primary earnings cohort covers 29.9% of residents receiving $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,359 residents), mirroring regional trends where 32.0% fall into this bracket. Significant housing cost burdens leave residents with 81.5% of income after shelter outlays, sitting at the 13th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Calista had 2,874 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 88% detached houses and 3% apartments. 45% are owned with a mortgage, 33% rented and 22% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $275 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 22.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing inventory in Calista was composed of 87.6% separate houses and 12.4% other dwellings (incorporating semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures), contrasting with the wider Perth metro breakdown of 77.8% separate houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Outright property ownership in Calista trailed metropolitan figures at 22.4%, with remaining properties held under a mortgage (44.5%) or occupied by tenants (33.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,300 sits well beneath the Perth metro benchmark of $1,907, while median weekly rent was $275 compared to $350 across the metro area.
On a countrywide basis, local mortgage outlays are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents sit substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Calista counted 2,874 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 3,051 today, averaging 2.4 people each. 24% are couples with children, against 21% couples without children. 33% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the predominant living arrangement, making up 62.5% of households; this includes couples with children (23.7%), couples without children (20.5%), and single parent families (16.6%). The balance of 37.5% represents non-family dwellings, consisting of single-person occupants at 33.3% and group arrangements at 4.1%. The typical household size stands at 2.4 people, slightly below the Greater Perth standard of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
12.6% of adults in Calista hold a university qualification, including 9.0% with a bachelor degree and 2.3% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 88% of areas nationally. A further 31.5% hold a vocational qualification. 6 schools serve the area, with 1,061 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 930 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary educational attainment in the locality is comparatively low, with university qualification levels (12.6%) sitting well below the national rate of 30.4%, highlighting significant scope for targeted educational upskilling. Bachelor degree holders account for 9.0% of the community, while postgraduate credentials represent 2.3% and graduate diplomas comprise 1.3%. Vocational and technical qualifications are widespread, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.9%) alongside certificate-level awards (31.5%). Participation in formal study across the district is robust, with 29.3% of the resident base presently attending educational institutions.
This student group comprises 11.4% in primary education, 8.1% attending secondary education, and 3.3% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Calista reaches 51 stops on 5 routes, timetabled for about 750 services a week. The typical home sits about 210 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. 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
The local transit network features 51 active public stops across Calista catering to bus transport. Operating across 5 distinct routes, these services deliver 749 weekly passenger journeys. Commuter access is favorable, with residents situated an average of 211 meters from their closest transit stop. Given the district's residential profile, outward commuting is standard; private vehicles serve as the primary mode for 81% of trips, alongside 10% by train and 5% by bus. Household vehicle density averages 1.2 per dwelling, below regional norms. In addition, 4.9% of workers operated from home at the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.
Transit frequency averages 107 daily trips across the combined route network, translating to approximately 14 weekly services per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
60.9% of residents in Calista report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 95% of areas nationally. 8.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 8.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic disease prevalence indicate significant health burdens across Calista, with conditions impacting both younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is around 54% of the population (~4,253 people), slightly above the SA2 national benchmark and below the 59.0% observed across Greater Perth. Mental health conditions and arthritis represent the most prevalent health issues locally, affecting 11.7 and 9.1% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 60.9% of residents reported having no long-term medical ailments, compared to 71.9% throughout Greater Perth.
Chronic ailments place a notable burden on the working-age population. Senior residents aged 65 and over constitute 17.0% of the community (1,344 people), tracking above the Greater Perth level of 15.9%. Health metrics among older age brackets present ongoing challenges, generally mirroring wider national rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
31.3% of Calista residents were born overseas and 12.1% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.8%) and Australian (25.1%). 3.3% 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
Cultural diversity in Calista ranks above the majority of comparable markets, with 12.1% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 31.3% born overseas. Christianity constitutes the primary religious affiliation, encompassing 40.3% of residents. The most distinct variance appears in the Other category, which represents 1.0% of the population compared to 1.4% across Greater Perth. Regarding parental birthplace and ancestry, the three primary heritage backgrounds reported in Calista are English at 31.8%, Australian at 25.1%, and Other at 8.3%. In addition, certain specific cultural backgrounds show distinctive local representation: Maori residents account for 2.2% of the population (compared to 0.9% regionally), Welsh ancestry represents 0.9% (versus 0.7%), and New Zealand heritage stands at 1.1% (relative to 0.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Calista is 39. 26.7% 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
The age distribution in Calista aligns closely with Greater Perth benchmarks, showing a maximum divergence of 3.6 percentage points across the four main demographic bands. As of August 2026, the estimated median age is 39, matching the 2021 Census reading and sitting 2 years higher than the Greater Perth median of 37 recorded at that time. By 2041, expansion will be driven predominantly by older cohorts, with persons aged 65 and above projected to add 817 residents (61%) to reach 2,162, while younger adult and child demographics are expected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Calista
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 SA2 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) | Aug 2026 last month 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jun 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 last 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, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Apr 2026 5 months ago all 3 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 Apr 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 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 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago 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 — 58 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (7,434 at the 2021 Census → 7,891 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 Aug 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 (507031170). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.