Kariong

Kariong is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kariong's population is around 6,490 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 5 people (0.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,485 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,490 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 781 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 62.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of national statistical areas is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 2 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 0.0% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Kariong is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Kariong has averaged around 6 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling 34 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $248,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $284,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Kariong has significantly less development activity (73.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New building activity shows 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 1483 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Kariong is expected to grow by 2 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Kariong has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Northside Private Hospital, Gosford Private Hospital redevelopment, Pacific Highway And Manns Road Upgrade, and Gosford Bypass, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Kariong performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Kariong possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and 3.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,734 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.9% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (74.2% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 30.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. On the other hand, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 6.7% of Kariong's workforce compared to 11.5% in Greater Sydney. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.3% and the labour force increased by 3.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Kariong. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Kariong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Kariong SA2's median income among taxpayers is $59,505, with an average of $74,984. This is well above average nationally, and compares to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $64,777 (median) and $81,628 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 78th percentile ($2,200 weekly), while personal income sits at the 59th percentile. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 39.9% of the community (2,589 individuals), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 77th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Kariong is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Kariong, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Kariong was lagging that of Sydney metro, at 25.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (52.3%) or rented (22.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Sydney metro average at $2,080, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Kariong's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Kariong features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 82.9% of all households, comprising 44.5% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 17.1%, with lone person households at 15.1% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 people is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in Kariong fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (20.7%) substantially below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (29.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 35 active transport stops operating within Kariong comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 27 individual routes, collectively providing 443 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 199 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average. A high 30.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 63 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kariong is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Kariong faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~3,673 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.3% and 8.9% of residents, respectively, while 69.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 13.8% of residents aged 65 and over (894 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Kariong records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kariong was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 81.0% of its population born in Australia, 91.2% being citizens, and 88.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Kariong is Christianity, which makes up 51.4% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Kariong are Australian, comprising 30.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 17.8%, English, comprising 28.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 19.0%, and Irish, comprising 7.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Russian is notably overrepresented at 0.5% of Kariong (vs 0.4% regionally), Lebanese at 0.9% (vs 2.6%) and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

Kariong's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Kariong's median age is nearly matching the Greater Sydney average of 37 and is similarly modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Sydney, Kariong has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (14.4%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (11.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 6.4% to 8.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.9% to 13.8% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 15.5% to 14.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Kariong's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 97%, adding 245 residents to reach 500. Senior residents (65+) will drive 100% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, the 25 to 34 and 45 to 54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.