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 was around 9,789 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 1,003 people (11.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,786 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,014 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 180 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 706 persons per square kilometer, which was relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kiama's growth of 11.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.7%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 53.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilised NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in Kiama was forecast, with an expected expansion of 2,180 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 14.3% in total over the 17 years.

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 29 approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.9 people moved to Kiama for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand ratio that maintains stable market conditions.

The average construction cost of new properties was $324,000. In FY26, commercial development approvals amounted to $3.3 million, suggesting limited focus on commercial development in Kiama compared to the rest of NSW, where it has 16.0% lower construction activity per person. Nationally, Kiama ranks at the 47th percentile for areas assessed, offering somewhat limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established dwellings.

Recent construction consists of 59.0% detached houses and 41.0% townhouses or apartments, providing a mix of medium-density housing options across different price brackets. The estimated population density is 369 people per dwelling approval, reflecting Kiama's quiet development environment. Future projections estimate an increase of 1,405 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favorable 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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Akuna Street Mixed-Use Development, South Kiama Urban Release Area, Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan 2041, 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.

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. The unemployment rate was 2.5% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.7%.

As of that date, 4,195 residents were in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.4%, below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was 55.8%, significantly lower than Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 31.9% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors were 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%. Local employment opportunities appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.7%, labour force increased by 0.4%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points in Kiama, contrasting with Rest of NSW where employment contracted, labour force fell, and unemployment rose. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kiama's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Per AreaSearch's latest data released for financial year 2023, Kiama SA2's median income among taxpayers is $50,497. The average income is $72,189, which is above the national average. Comparing with Rest of NSW, Kiama's median income is lower at $52,390 and average is higher at $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,971. The estimated average income for the same period is $78,585. Census data reveals Kiama's household, family and personal incomes rank modestly between the 40th and 48th percentiles. In Kiama, 29.8% of residents (2,917 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, reflecting regional patterns. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kiama, with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st 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

The dwelling structure in Kiama, as per the latest Census, consisted of 58.8% houses and 41.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Kiama had a home ownership level of 49.0%, with the rest being mortgaged at 28.0% or rented at 23.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kiama was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for Kiama was recorded at $480, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Kiama's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households making up 1.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

Kiama's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks: 34.4% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to 19.9% in the SA3 area and 21.3% in Rest of NSW. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent: 37.8% of residents aged 15+ hold these, including advanced diplomas (13.9%) and certificates (23.9%). Educational participation is high in Kiama, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary (8.9%), secondary (6.3%), and tertiary (4.1%) levels.

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

Kiama has 86 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 27 routes, collectively facilitating 3,749 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 155 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward; car remains dominant at 90%, with 6% walking. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.4. According to the 2021 Census, a high 31.9% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 535 trips daily 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 shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among Kiama's general population, closer to national averages for older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 55% (~5,374 people) have private health cover, higher than the Rest of NSW's 51.9%. Common medical conditions include arthritis (11.1%) and asthma (6.9%), with 64.5% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in the Rest of NSW. Health outcomes for those under 65 are better than average. Kiama has 31.8% (3,116 people) aged 65 and over, higher than the Rest of NSW's 23.0%. While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they rank lower nationally compared to 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 had a cultural diversity 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 predominant religion in Kiama, accounting for 55.2% of people, compared to 55.9% 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 0.5%, Scottish (9.0%) exceeded the regional figure of 8.0%, and Maltese (0.9%) was also higher than the region's 0.4%.

Kiama ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kiama's median age is 50, surpassing Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and exceeding the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 16.2% in Kiama, higher than Rest of NSW but lower than the national figure of 9.4%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort constitutes 8.9%, less prevalent compared to other regions. Post the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 10.5% to 11.6%, while the 55-64 cohort declined from 15.0% to 13.0%. By 2041, Kiama's demographic profile is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 284 people (30%), reaching 1,245 from the current 960. Conversely, numbers in the 65-74 age range are anticipated to decrease.