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 6,490 as of February 2026. This showed an increase of 5 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,485. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,490 in June 2024 and 6 validated new addresses post-Census. This resulted in a density ratio of 781 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 62.6% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For uncovers areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with 2021 as the base year are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Kariong is expected to expand by 2 persons by 2041, reflecting a 0.0% increase over 17 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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, offering buyers good choice while new properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $248,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. 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, 73.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This trend is also lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and 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 population count of 1483 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kariong is expected to grow by two 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 top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Northside Private Hospital, Gosford Private Hospital redevelopment, Pacific Highway and Manns Road Upgrade, and Gosford Bypass. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Kariong has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.4% in the past year. Employment growth was estimated at 2.5%.

As of September 2025, there were 3,701 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 1.8%, below Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation was 73.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. A high 30.2% worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Health care had a strong share of employment at 1.2 times the regional level. Professional & technical services were under-represented at 6.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by Census data comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5% and labour force by 3.2%, raising unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney had employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth at 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, though this is a simplified 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 for financial year 2023 shows Kariong SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $59,505 and an average of $74,984. This is higher than the national averages. Greater Sydney's median was $60,817 with an average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $64,777 (median) and $81,628 (average). Census data indicates household income ranks at the 78th percentile ($2,200 weekly), with personal income at the 59th percentile. Distribution data shows that 39.9% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, aligning with broader area trends where this cohort represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income. Despite this, disposable income ranks 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

Kariong's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kariong stood at 25.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 52.3% and rented ones at 22.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,080, lower than 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 the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 82.9% of all households, including 44.5% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for 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 prevalent, 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%, comprising primary education (11.4%), secondary education (9.7%), and tertiary education (3.9%).

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, served by 27 routes offering 443 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent accessibility, with an average distance of 199 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily by car (92%). Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, 30.2% of residents worked from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 63 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 12 weekly trips per stop.

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. AreaSearch's assessment indicates high mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence across various age cohorts.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.3% and 8.9% of residents respectively. Approximately 69.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Private health cover is high at around 57%, slightly lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 13.8% of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging but generally align with national rankings.

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 was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average regarding cultural diversity, with 81.0% born in Australia, 91.2% being citizens, and 88.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Kariong, comprising 51.4% of its population. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, making up 0.2% compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry, Australian is the top group in Kariong at 30.4%, substantially higher than the regional average of 17.8%. English follows at 28.4%, also higher than the regional average of 19.0%. Irish ancestry comprises 7.2%. Notably, Russian, Lebanese, and Welsh groups are overrepresented in Kariong compared to regional averages: Russian at 0.5% vs 0.4%, 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

Kariong's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37 years. This is modestly below Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kariong has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (14.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.9%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 65-74 has grown from 6.4% to 8.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 14.9% to 13.8%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 15.5% to 14.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Kariong's age profile will significantly evolve. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 97%, adding 245 residents to reach 500. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 45-54 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.