Urban Centre · Area profile
Calala
3 km²
A rapid increase in population defines Calala, which grew by 43% since 2011 to reach 3,930 people. This is a noticeably young community where the typical resident is 34 and children under 15 make up 22.9% of the population. The area is characterized by large family homes and a strong presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who now make up 10.8% of the community. It serves as a growing residential hub with a workforce that is more likely to be employed full-time than in most similar areas.
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The community is much younger than the national figure, with children under 15 making up 22.9% of the population. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population has risen sharply since 2011 to 10.8%, which is well above the New South Wales figure of 3.4%.
Most residents were born in Australia, and those born overseas make up only 6.9% of the population, a figure that has fallen since 2011 and is far below the state average.
English is the primary language for 90.8% of residents. While 4.4% use another language at home, which is higher than in similar areas, this is still far below the New South Wales average of 26.6%.
Christianity is the most common religion at 60.4%. Those reporting no religion make up 31.9%, a figure that has risen since 2011 but remains well below the national average.
Qualifications are higher than in most similar areas, though the proportion of adults with a bachelor degree or higher has fallen since 2011 to 18.3%, which is well below the state average.
Typical weekly household income is $1,868, which is about the same as the national figure. However, personal and family incomes have all fallen since 2011.
Long-term health conditions are more common here than in the state and nation, with 31.6% of people affected. Mental health conditions are also more frequent, at 11.1%.
Unpaid care for children is much more common here than in most areas, at 31.7%. Volunteering is also more frequent than the national average, with 17.1% of people pitching in.
Families tend to be larger than usual, with 2.7 people per home. This is consistent with the high number of couples with children, who make up 57.8% of households.
Most people live in separate houses, and 94.2% of homes have three or more bedrooms, which is far above the national figure. Renting is more common here than in most similar areas, and 26.9% of homes are rented.
Cars are essential, as 65.6% of people drive to work and only 1.9% of homes have no motor vehicle. Working from home is more common here than in most similar areas, at 11.9%.
The area is very mobile, with 46.4% of people moving in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas have also increased since 2011 to 19.8%.
Employment levels are very strong, with a low unemployment rate of 2.8% and a high proportion of full-time workers (65.8%) compared to the state average.
While almost every home is within 10 minutes of public transport or a park, the area is generally less walkable than the state average due to a lack of nearby health services and groceries.