Kiama

Kiama lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kiama's population is around 9,851 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,065 people (12.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,786 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,014 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 215 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 710 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kiama's 12.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.9%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 53.2% 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, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national regional areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 2,180 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 13.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Kiama when compared nationally

Kiama has averaged around 64 new dwelling approvals each year, with 321 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 29 so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.9 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $324,000. Additionally, $3.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Kiama shows 16.0% lower construction activity (per person) and places in the 47th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established dwellings. Recent construction comprises 59.0% detached houses and 41.0% townhouses or apartments, showing an expanding range of medium-density options that create a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. The estimated count of 369 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Future projections show Kiama adding 1,343 residents by 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.

Kiama has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Akuna Street Mixed-Use Development, South Kiama Urban Release Area, Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan 2041, and Shoalhaven Street Precinct, 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 assessment positions Kiama ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Kiama has a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.6%, and 0.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,218 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.4% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (56.2% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 31.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.0% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.6% while the labour force increased by 0.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Kiama. 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 Kiama's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Kiama SA2's median income among taxpayers is $50,497, with an average of $72,189. This is above the national average, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,971 (median) and $78,585 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Kiama, between the 40th and 48th percentiles. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.8% of residents (2,935 people), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Kiama displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Kiama, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 58.8% houses and 41.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Kiama was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 49.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.0%) or rented (23.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional NSW average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $480, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Kiama's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Kiama has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 70.5% of all households, comprising 24.4% couples with children, 37.3% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Kiama shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Kiama significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 19.9% in the SA3 area and 21.3% in the Rest of NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.9%) and certificates (23.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 86 active transport stops operating within Kiama, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 27 individual routes, collectively providing 3,749 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 155 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A high 31.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 535 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 43 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Kiama is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Kiama demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population and closer to the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~5,408 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 11.1% and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 64.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 31.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,141 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Kiama ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kiama was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 81.0% of its population born in Australia, 90.8% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Kiama is Christianity, which makes up 55.2% of people in Kiama, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Kiama are English, comprising 32.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 26.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Kiama (vs 0.5% regionally), Scottish at 9.0% (vs 8.0%) and Maltese at 0.9% (vs 0.4%).

Kiama ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 50, Kiama notably exceeds the Regional NSW figure of 43 and is well above the 38-year national average. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 16.2% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 15 - 24 cohort is less prevalent at 8.8%. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.5% to 11.8% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.2% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.0% to 12.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Kiama's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, expanding by 260 people (69%) from 379 to 640. Conversely, numbers in the 65 to 74 age range are expected to fall by 16.