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

Kariong's population was around 6,388 as of May 2026, a decrease of 97 people from the 2021 Census figure of 6,485. This change is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density in Kariong was 768 persons per square kilometer in recent periods. Natural growth contributed approximately 58.1% of overall population gains during these times. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

Considering these projections, Kariong is expected to expand by 6 persons to the year 2041, reflecting an increase of 0.1% over the 16-year period.

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

Kariong has averaged approximately six new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 34 homes. As of FY26, seven approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $248,000, which is below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options.

This financial year, $284,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kariong has significantly less development activity, 72.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1483 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kariong is expected to grow by six residents through to 2041. 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 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that could affect this region. Notable initiatives include Northside Private Hospital, Gosford Private Hospital redevelopment, Pacific Highway And Manns Road Upgrade, and Gosford Bypass. The following list details those likely to have the most relevance.

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

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

Kariong has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 2.3% as of December 2025. This is lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. The employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.3%.

As of December 2025, 3,734 residents are in work and workforce participation is 75.7%, higher than Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A high proportion of residents, 30.2%, work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 6.7% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.3% and 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%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kariong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Kariong SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $59,505 and an average of $74,984. These figures are higher than the national averages. Comparing with Greater Sydney, Kariong's median is $59,505 vs $60,817, and its average is $74,984 vs $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $65,646 (median) and $82,722 (average). Census data reveals household income ranks at the 78th percentile ($2,200 weekly), while personal income is at the 59th percentile. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 39.9% of Kariong's community (2,548 individuals), aligning with the broader area where this cohort represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 77th percentile. 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

Kariong's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kariong was at 25.1%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (52.3%) or rented (22.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,080, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Kariong was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Kariong's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,080 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 82.9% of all households, including 44.5% that are couples with children, 24.4% that are couples without children, and 13.3% that are 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%. The median household size is 3.0 people, 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's university qualification rate is 20.7%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (29.2%). Educational participation is high at 32.2%, with 11.4% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

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

Kariong has 35 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 27 different routes that together facilitate 443 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 199 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this predominantly residential area commute outward using private vehicles, which remain the dominant mode of transport at 92%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a significant 30.2% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 63 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~3615 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (9.3%) and asthma (8.9%). 69.2% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of the 2016 Census, 13.8% of Kariong's population is aged 65 and over (879 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. 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's population, born in Australia, was 81.0%. Citizenship stood at 91.2%, with English spoken exclusively at home by 88.9%. Christianity dominated religious demographics at 51.4%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2% compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%. Ancestry-wise, Australian heritage led at 30.4%, higher than the regional average of 17.8%. English ancestry followed at 28.4%, exceeding the regional average of 19.0%. Irish ancestry was also notable at 7.2%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Russian at 0.5% (regional: 0.4%), Lebanese at 0.9% (regional: 2.6%), and Welsh at 0.7% (regional: 0.4%).

Kariong's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Kariong's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, which is modestly under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kariong has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.8%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 65-74 has grown from 6.4% to 8.2%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 14.9% to 13.8% and the 35-44 group has dropped from 14.4% to 13.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Kariong's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 97%, adding 243 residents to reach 496. Residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 25-34 and 45-54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.