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

Kiama's population is approximately 9,394 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 608 people, a 6.9% rise from the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 8,786. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,017 in June 2024 and an additional 180 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 677 persons per square kilometer. Kiama's growth rate exceeded that of the non-metro area (5.1%) and its SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Kiama is expected to experience significant population growth, increasing by 2,180 persons to reach a total of approximately 11,574 by the year 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 19.2% 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 FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 321 homes approved during this period and an additional 27 approved in FY-26. On average, 1.9 people moved to Kiama for each dwelling built per year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand, stable market conditions, and new properties constructed at an average value of $324,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $3.3 million, suggesting limited focus on commercial development.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Kiama exhibited 16.0% lower construction activity per person while ranking in the 47th percentile nationally, offering somewhat limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established dwellings. Recent construction comprised 59.0% detached houses and 41.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density housing options across various price brackets. The estimated population density of 369 people per dwelling approval reflects Kiama's quiet development environment.

Future projections estimate an increase of 1,800 residents by 2041 (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Nine projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. These include Akuna Street Mixed-Use Development, South Kiama Urban Release Area, Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan 2041, and Shoalhaven Street Precinct.

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

Kiama has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.5% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year.

As of this date, 4,195 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.4% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 50.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, the concentration in education & training was 1.4 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.0% versus the regional average of 5.3%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.7% while labour force increased by 0.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Kiama. These projections estimated national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant variation between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Kiama's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 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 shows Kiama SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $48,200 and an average of $70,261. These figures are above the national averages. Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Kiama SA2 as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,278 (median) and $79,121 (average). Census data reveals household, family, and personal incomes in Kiama rank modestly, between the 40th and 48th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 29.8% of residents, reflecting regional patterns. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. Kiama SA2'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, consisted of 58.8% houses and 41.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 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, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent figure in Kiama 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, and 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 account for 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 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 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 higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 34.4% have university qualifications, compared to 19.9% in the SA3 area and 21.3% in the Rest of NSW. This includes 22.2% with bachelor degrees, 7.9% with postgraduate qualifications, and 4.3% with graduate diplomas. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 13.9% and certificates at 23.9%.

Educational participation is high in Kiama, 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

Kiama has 78 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 27 different routes operating in total.

Each week, these routes provide a combined 3,592 passenger trips. Residents have excellent access to transport, with an average distance of 155 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 513 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to about 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

Kiama faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 54% (~5,110 people) have private health cover, a rate higher than the state average. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (11.1%) and asthma (6.9%). Around 64.5% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW figure at 65.2%. Kiama has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 31.8% (~2,991 people), compared to the state's average of 20.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Kiama 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 81.0% of its population born in Australia, 90.8% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Kiama, comprising 55.2% of people, compared to 57.3% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.0%), Australian (26.3%), and Irish (11.2%).

Notably, Welsh (0.8%) was overrepresented in Kiama compared to the regional average of 0.7%, Scottish (9.0%) was also higher than the regional average of 7.2%, and Maltese (0.9%) had a lower representation than regionally (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, the 65-74 age group is 9.4%. Post-2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group rose from 10.5% to 11.6%, but the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 15.0% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Kiama's age profile. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 323 people (35%), from 921 to 1,245. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort grows modestly by 5% (40 people).