Calista (WA)

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According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, combined with new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Calista has a population estimated at approximately 2,101 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 126 people (6.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,975 residents. This demographic shift is determined from the resident population of 2,101, estimated by Districts through analysing the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 909 persons per square kilometer, matching average figures recorded across locations assessed by Districts. The 6.4% growth since the census places the suburb of Calista within 2.9 percentage points of the national average (9.3%), indicating competitive growth dynamics. Demographic growth in this locality was mostly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 97.0% of the overall population gains during recent periods.

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Calista contains a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of 15.3%, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026794 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 11.1% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.2%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (51.3% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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The suburb of Calista's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The suburb of Calista's median income among taxpayers is $48,312 and the average income stands at $55,805, which compares to figures for Greater Perth's of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,593 (median) and $61,904 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Calista all fall between the 2nd and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 32.4% of locals (680 people) in the $400 - 799 category, differing from patterns across regional levels where - dominates with . Lower income households are notably prevalent, with earning below weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the rd percentile.

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Dwelling structure within Calista, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 69.3% houses and 30.7% 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 in line with that of Perth metro, at 28.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.6%) or rented (39.3%). 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 $250, 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.

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Family households dominate at 52.8% of all households, comprising 16.7% couples with children, 20.6% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 47.2%, with lone person households at 42.9% and group households comprising 3.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (10.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (29.9%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 17 active transport stops operating within Calista comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 734 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 178 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 82%, with 11% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 5.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Critical health challenges are evident across Calista, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,037 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth. The national average is 55.7%.

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Calista was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 9.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 35.2% born overseas. The main religion in Calista was found to be Christianity, which makes up 43.6% of people in Calista. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which comprises 1.4% of the population, compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

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At 48 years, Calista's median age is significantly above the Greater Perth average of 37 similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 75 - 84 year-olds are particularly prominent (13.0%), while the 35 - 44 group is comparatively smaller (10.2%) than in Greater Perth. This 75 - 84 concentration is well above the national 6.1%. In the period since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 10.1% to 11.4% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 7.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Calista. The + cohort shows the strongest projected growth at , adding residents to reach . Senior residents (+) will drive of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the to and to cohorts.

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Calista currently has an estimated 111 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 81 children aged 0-2 and 55 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 21% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 6% by 2041 (to approximately 104 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 192. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.