Callala Beach

The community is far older than the state and national averages, with 33.7% of people aged 65 and over. In contrast, children under 15 make up only 10.9% of the population, which is well below the national figure of 18.2%.

About 20.3% of residents were born overseas, which is much higher than in most similar areas, though still well below the New South Wales average of 29.3%. English, Australian, and Scottish are the most common ancestries.

English is the primary language for 90% of the community. While 6% of people use another language at home—a figure higher than most similar areas—this is still far below the state average of 26.6%.

More than 40% of residents report no religion, which is a little above the national figure of 38.9%. Christianity is the most common faith at 53.2%.

The area has a higher proportion of adults with a bachelor degree or higher than most similar places, but at 18.8%, this is well below the state average of 27.8%. Only 45.6% of residents completed Year 12, far below the national figure.

Typical weekly incomes are much lower than in most similar areas, with the typical household earning $1,146. This is well below the national figure of $1,746.

Health needs are high here, with 42% of people living with a long-term health condition, far above the national average of 27.7%. This is consistent with the older population, as 6.9% of people need help with daily activities.

Volunteering is common, with 19.2% of residents helping out, well above the national figure of 14.1%. The area also has a much higher proportion of former Defence Force members than most similar places.

There are 18 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the area. Their typical age is 34, which is far older than the national average of 24.

Homes are smaller than average, with a typical 2.1 people per household. This is partly because 28.7% of people live alone, a figure well above the national average.

The area is almost entirely made up of separate houses, with 53.6% owned outright—far above the state average of 31.5%. Most homes are large, with 82.3% having three or more bedrooms.

Cars are essential for most, as 56.5% of people drive to work and the drive to the city takes over two hours. However, almost every home is within a 10-minute walk of public transport.

The community is quite mobile, with 39.1% of people moving in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas are few, at 4.4%, which is far below the national figure.

Only 45% of adults are working or looking for work, which is far below the national average of 61.1%. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is much higher than in most similar areas.

While residents are very close to parks and bus stops, the area is mostly car-dependent. There are no grocery stores, health services, or schools within a 15-minute walk.