Caloundra West (Qld)

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According to assessments of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, combined with fresh address validations performed by Districts after the Census, the suburb of Caloundra West has a residency count estimated at 8,841 in May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 1,571 people (21.6%) compared to the 2021 Census, when the recorded population was 7,270 individuals. The figure is derived from the resident population of 8,290, calculated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP data, plus another 106 verified new addresses registered after the Census date. With these numbers, the local density ratio stands at 1,099 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical values observed across places analyzed by Districts. The 21.6% growth rate in the suburb of Caloundra West since the 2021 census outstripped the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and the national benchmark, making it a regional growth leader. Population expansion was mostly powered by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly of the overall population rise in recent times, though all demographic components, including natural increase and overseas migration, contributed positively.

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The suburb of Caloundra West has a capable labor force, with strong representation in critical services industries and an unemployment rate of only 2.4%, according to Districts' compilation of local statistical area data. As of March 2026, there are 2,996 working residents, and the local jobless rate is 1.5% below the Regional Qld level of 3.9%, though the rate of participation in the labor force is much lower (47.6% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld). Census returns show that a small proportion of 12.4% of working residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.

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Based on Districts' aggregation of the most recent postcode-level tax data released by the ATO for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Caloundra West recorded a median income of $49,559 and an average income of $63,274. These figures are below the nationwide benchmarks and compare to median and average levels of $53,146 and $66,593 throughout Regional Qld. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current projections estimate these values at approximately $55,189 (median) and $70,462 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and individual incomes are all relatively low, positioning between the 38th and 39th percentiles. In terms of income brackets, the largest group consists of 36.9% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 per week ( residents), which aligns with the broader region where fall into the same bracket. Affordability pressures are high, leaving just of income after housing costs, which ranks in the th percentile, while the local SEIFA income score falls within the th decile.

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According to the latest Census, the housing mix in the suburb of Caloundra West consisted of 83.3% separate houses and 16.7% alternative housing styles (such as semi-detached units, apartments, or other structures), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options across Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Caloundra West lagged behind Regional Qld at 29.5%, with the remaining properties being purchased under a mortgage (37.8%) or occupied by tenants (32.7%). The median monthly home loan payment was recorded at $1,842, which is notably higher than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rent stood at $465, compared to $345 in Regional Qld. On a national level, home loan repayments are below the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rental costs are much higher than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 74.2%, with couples with children accounting for 33.1%, couples without children at 26.3%, and single-parent homes at 14.0%. The remaining 25.8% of households are non-family units, including single-occupant homes at 22.6% and shared residences making up 3.1% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.6 residents is slightly higher than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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The local community experiences educational discrepancies, with university completion rates (18.0%) falling far short of the national level of 30.4%. This represents both a hurdle and a chance for focused learning programs. Undergraduate degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational and technical training are highly represented, with 43.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a trade qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (31.0%).

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An assessment of public transport shows 19 operational stops within the suburb of Caloundra West, consisting of various bus options. These stops are served by 4 different routes, which together accommodate 370 passenger trips each week. Transport connectivity is classified as good, with residents living an average of 309 meters from their nearest stop. Given the residential nature of the area, the vast majority of working residents commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice for 96% of commuters. Household car ownership averages 1.4 vehicles per home. A relatively low proportion of 12.4% of residents worked from home (2021 Census; this may reflect temporary pandemic arrangements).

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Health measures indicate below-average outcomes in the suburb of Caloundra West, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality patterns and the frequency of chronic conditions. Common health concerns are slightly more prevalent than average across both young and old cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is just above the average SA2 region at approximately 52% of the population (~4,622 people).

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The suburb of Caloundra West shows cultural diversity levels similar to the regional average, with 77.3% of the population born in Australia, 86.9% holding citizenship, and 92.3% using only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 48.0% of the population. The most prominent statistical overrepresentation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of residents, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

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With a median age of 37 years, the suburb of Caloundra West is notably younger than the Regional Qld average of 41 and closely matches the national median of 38. Relative to Regional Qld, there is a distinct concentration of residents in the 35 - 44 age bracket (16.7% locally), whereas the 55 - 64 cohort is underrepresented (6.4%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 6.5% to 8.7%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has expanded from 15.0% to 16.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has shrunk from 9.4% to 6.4%, and the to group has decreased from to . Population modeling suggests that the age structure of the suburb of Caloundra West will change markedly by with the to group showing the fastest growth at , adding residents to total .

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Caloundra West currently has an estimated 636 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 395 children aged 0-2 and 264 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 29% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 65% by 2041 (to approximately 1,049 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,022. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally.