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

According to the analysis conducted by AreaSearch, the population of Kiama stands at approximately 9,042 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 256 individuals (2.9%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 8,786 people. This shift is determined using the ABS estimated resident population of 9,038 from June 2025 alongside 205 validated new addresses identified since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 652 persons per square kilometer, offering substantial space per inhabitant and potential capacity for future growth. Over the last ten years, Kiama has exhibited stable expansion with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, which is faster than the wider SA4 region. Population gains in the area were largely propelled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 67.9% of the total population growth in recent times.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the starting point. In instances where SA2 areas are not represented in this dataset, projections from the NSW State Government at the SA2 level are utilized, published in 2022 with a 2021 base year. Growth rates segmented by age group from these sources are also applied to all areas for the timeframe spanning 2032 to 2041. Based on these anticipated demographic trends, a major population rise within the highest national regional quartile is projected, with the area set to gain 2,026 persons by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing an overall increase of 22.4% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Kiama recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Kiama has seen approximately 64 residential properties receive building approval annually, with a total of 321 dwellings approved during the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 73 during FY-26 so far. With a ratio of 1.4 individuals moving to the locality for each constructed dwelling during the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), the market indicates a healthy equilibrium between supply and demand, fostering stable market conditions, with new properties being built at an average estimated value of $324,000. Furthermore, $3.3 million in commercial development approvals have been logged in the current financial year, highlighting the primarily residential nature of the locality.

In comparison to the Rest of NSW, Kiama exhibits 16.0% lower construction activity per capita, ranking in the 46th percentile of all analyzed locations across the country, which suggests somewhat restricted choices for buyers while bolstering demand for existing housing stock. Recent building activity is composed of 59.0% detached homes and 41.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating an increasing supply of medium-density choices that provide diverse options across different price points, ranging from conventional family properties to more economical compact dwellings. An estimated ratio of 371 residents in the locality for each approved dwelling highlights its quiet, low-scale development setting.

Future forecasts indicate that Kiama will add 2,022 inhabitants by 2041 (calculated from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch). Construction activity is keeping pace with these expansion forecasts, though purchasers could face increased competition as the population rises.

Kiama has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

An area's performance is heavily shaped by updates to regional infrastructure, major works, and local planning strategies. In total, 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a probable impact on the locality. Key initiatives include the Akuna Street Mixed-Use Development, the South Kiama Urban Release Area, the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan 2041, and the Shoalhaven Street Precinct, with the following list outlining those expected to be of greatest significance.

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AreaSearch analysis places Kiama well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Kiama possesses a highly educated workforce, with significant employment in essential services, an unemployment rate of only 2.5%, and an estimated growth in employment of 2.4% over the previous year. As of March 2026, there are 4,275 employed residents, and the unemployment rate is 1.6% lower than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is slightly below average (56.6% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW). Based on Census records, a substantial 31.9% of residents worked from their homes, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be taken into account.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The locality exhibits a particularly high concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is less represented at 1.0% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to provide few local job prospects, as shown by comparing the number of working residents to the local working population in the Census.

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, over the 12 months ending March 2026, employment grew by 2.4% while the labour force expanded by 2.6%, leading to a rise in the unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. This differs from Regional NSW, which experienced a 0.9% contraction in employment, a 0.4% decline in the labour force, and a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25 offer additional context on future demand in Kiama. These five and ten-year projections have been aligned with the local employment structure to project growth trends. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly across different industries. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the employment distribution of Kiama suggests local jobs will rise by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to the latest postcode level ATO statistics released by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the median income for taxpayers in the Kiama SA2 is $50,497, with an average of $72,189. This sits above the national average, and compares to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates indicate figures of roughly $55,708 (median) and $79,639 (average) as of March 2026. Census statistics show that household, family, and individual incomes are all moderately positioned in Kiama, falling between the 40th and 48th percentiles. The data indicates that the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket is the most common, containing 29.8% of residents (2,694 people), reflecting regional trends where 29.9% of the population are in this range. Affordability pressures regarding housing are high, with residents retaining only 84.2% of their income, placing the area in the 41st percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the area's income in the 7th decile.

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

The mix of housing types in Kiama, recorded during the most recent Census, consisted of 58.8% detached houses and 41.2% other types of housing (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to Regional NSW which had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Furthermore, home ownership in Kiama was considerably higher than the Regional NSW rate, standing at 49.0%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (28.0%) or occupied by tenants (23.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Regional NSW average at $2,167, and the median weekly rent was recorded at $480, compared to Regional NSW figures of $1,733 and $330. Nationally, mortgage payments in Kiama are much higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent prices are also well above the national median of $375.

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

Family households make up the majority of homes at 70.5%, consisting of 24.4% couples with children, 37.3% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.5%, with single-person homes making up 27.4% and group homes accounting for 1.9% of the total. The median size of a household is 2.3 people, which is slightly 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

The level of education in Kiama is considerably higher than regional averages, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 19.9% in the SA3 region and 21.3% in the Rest of NSW. This major educational lead prepares the area well for opportunities in knowledge-intensive sectors. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher qualification at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational and technical training is also common, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (13.9%) and certificates (23.9%).

Participation in education is high, with 25.6% of the population actively enrolled in study. This group is composed of 8.9% in primary school, 6.3% in secondary school, and 4.1% studying at the tertiary level.

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

An analysis of public transport reveals that there are 86 active transit stops operating in Kiama, providing a combination of train and bus services. These stops are serviced by 27 separate routes, which together provide 3,749 passenger journeys each week. Accessibility is classified as excellent, with residents living an average of 155 meters from their closest transport stop. Due to the area's residential character, most working residents commute to jobs elsewhere, with private cars remaining the primary transport mode at 90%, and 6% of commuters walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 cars per home. A high proportion of residents, 31.9%, work from home (recorded in the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions).

Service frequency averages 535 journeys per day across all active routes, which translates to roughly 43 weekly trips for each transport 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 exhibits strong health metrics based on AreaSearch's evaluation of death rates and the occurrence of chronic illness. The rate of common health problems is low among the general population and close to the national average within older, higher-risk groups, while private health insurance cover is high, held by approximately 55% of the population (~4,964 people). This is higher than the rate of 51.9% recorded across Regional NSW.

The most frequent medical diagnoses in the region were arthritis and asthma, affecting 11.1% and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 64.5% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Residents under the age of 65 experience better health metrics than average. The population has 32.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,977 people), which is higher than the Regional NSW figure of 23.4%. Health profiles among older residents are above average, although they rank lower nationally than the metrics of the local population as a whole.

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

Kiama exhibits lower cultural diversity compared to average figures, with 81.0% of the population born in Australia, 90.8% holding citizenship, and 93.9% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion in Kiama is Christianity, followed by 55.2% of the local population. This is similar to the 55.9% recorded across Regional NSW.

In terms of family heritage, the three most common ancestries in Kiama are English (32.0% of the population), Australian (26.3%), and Irish (11.2%). Furthermore, there are specific differences in the presence of other backgrounds: Welsh heritage is notably more common at 0.8% of the population (compared to 0.5% regionally), Scottish heritage is at 9.0% (compared to 8.0%), and Maltese heritage is at 0.9% (compared to 0.4%).

Kiama ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 51 years, Kiama's population is significantly older than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented locally at 16.7%, compared to the regional average, while the 15 - 24 age group is underrepresented at 8.9%. The concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is also well above the national figure of 9.4%. Data collected since the 2021 Census shows the 75 to 84 age group has expanded from 10.5% to 12.2% of the population, whereas the 55 to 64 bracket has decreased from 15.0% to 12.8%. By 2041, Kiama is projected to experience major shifts in its age profile. The 75 to 84 cohort will lead this change, growing by 28% (304 people) to reach 1,407 individuals, up from 1,102. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to expand by a modest 9% (73 people).