Kiama
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Kiama's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, stands at 9,357 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents an increase of 571 people from the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,786. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,015 in June 2024 and an additional 165 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 675 persons per square kilometer. Kiama's growth rate of 6.5% since the 2021 census surpassed the non-metro area's 4.8%, making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.2% to recent population gains in the area.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are utilized, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Kiama is forecasted to see significant population growth, increasing by 2,180 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 19.6% over the 17-year period.

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

Kiama averaged approximately 64 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. A total of 321 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 20 approved in FY26 as of now. On average, 1.9 people moved to Kiama for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand dynamic that maintains stable market conditions.

The average construction cost value of new properties was $606,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In the current financial year, Kiama has recorded $3.3 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting its residential character. Comparatively, Kiama exhibits 16.0% lower construction activity per person when measured against the Rest of NSW.

Nationally, it ranks at the 48th percentile among assessed areas, implying somewhat limited buyer options while reinforcing demand for established dwellings. Recent construction in Kiama comprises 59.0% detached houses and 41.0% townhouses or apartments, demonstrating an expanding range of medium-density housing options that cater to varying price brackets. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Kiama is 369 people, reflecting its quiet and low-activity development environment. Future projections anticipate Kiama adding approximately 1,837 residents by the year 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand trends, fostering steady market conditions without exerting excessive price pressure.

Kiama has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified nine projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Akuna Street Mixed-Use Development, Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan 2041, South Kiama Urban Release Area, and Shoalhaven Street Precinct. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Kiama ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Kiama has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.2% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the past year.

In Kiama, 4,131 residents were employed by June 2025, with an unemployment rate of 1.4%, below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was at 50.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among Kiama residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, education & training had employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.0% versus the regional average of 5.3%.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, and labour force grew by 0.8%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.1%, labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Kiama. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, indicate that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Kiama's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7%% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Kiama's median income among taxpayers is $48,200, with an average of $70,261. This is higher than the national average and compares to Rest of NSW's median of $49,459 and average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest approximately $54,278 (median) and $79,121 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Kiama rank modestly between the 41st and 48th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 29.8% of residents (2,788 people), reflecting regional patterns where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kiama, with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 42nd percentile. 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

Kiama's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 58.8% houses and 41.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro NSW had 79.0% houses and 21.0% other dwellings. Kiama's home ownership rate was 49.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.0% and rented ones at 23.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kiama was $2,167, matching Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent figure was $480, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $430. Nationally, Kiama's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Kiama's rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 70.5% of all households, including 24.4% couples with children, 37.3% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for 29.5%, consisting of 27.4% lone person households and 1.9% group households. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

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

Kiama's educational attainment is notably high, with 34.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 19.9% in the broader SA3 area and 21.3% in the Rest of NSW. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.8% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.9%) and certificates (23.9%). Educational participation is high, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.9% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 4.1% in tertiary education.

Kiama's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,496 students, serving distinct age groups with three primary and one secondary school. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1065.

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

Kiama has 78 active public transport stops offering train and bus services. These are covered by 27 routes, serving 3592 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 155 meters to the nearest stop.

Daily service frequency averages 513 trips across all routes, amounting to roughly 46 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kiama is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Kiima faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 54% (~5,090 people). The most common conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and asthma (6.9%). 64.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 65.2% in Rest of NSW. Kiima has a higher senior population at 31.8% (2,979 people), versus 20.9% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes for seniors are above average, outperforming general population metrics.

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

Kiama's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 81.0% born in Australia, 90.8% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 55.2%, compared to 57.3% in the rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.0%), Australian (26.3%), and Irish (11.2%).

Notably, Welsh (0.8%) and Scottish (9.0%) populations were higher than regional averages of 0.7% and 7.2%, respectively, while Maltese (0.9%) was lower than the regional average of 1.3%.

Kiama ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kiama's median age is 50, surpassing Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 16.2%, higher than Rest of NSW, while the 15-24 cohort stands at 8.9%. Nationally, this 65-74 concentration is above the 9.4% figure. Post-2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 10.5% to 11.6%, while the 55 to 64 cohort decreased from 15.0% to 13.0%. By 2041, Kiama's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 327 people (36%), reaching 1,245 from the current 917. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is set to increase by a modest 5%, adding 44 people.