Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
What it costs to rent in Kiama Downs - Minnamurra
Median weekly rents, year-on-year movement and bond-lodgement activity for Kiama Downs - Minnamurra (2533). Sourced from the NSW Rental Bond Board, DCJ Family & Community Services.
Median rent
$831
per week · Q4 2025
YoY change
▲+23.7%
vs same quarter last year
Active bonds
≈46
est. · currently held
New bonds
≈3
est. · this quarter
Latest Quarter Breakdown · Q4 2025
| Dwelling | Bedrooms | Median $/wk | Active bonds | New bonds (Qtr) | YoY | Quality |
|---|
SOURCE: NSW Rental Bond Board (DCJ Family & Community Services), processed by AreaSearch. Imputed values are flagged. Latest publication:
Population
An assessment of population growth drivers in Kiama Downs - Minnamurra reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends
Kiama Downs - Minnamurra's population was 6,063 as of the 2021 Census. By May 2026, it decreased to around 5,928, a reduction of 135 people (2.2%). This decrease is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 5,923 in June 2025 and the validation of seven new addresses since the Census date. The population density was approximately 816 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed about 63.2% of recent population gains.
For SA2 areas, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041, anticipating regional area growth of around 184 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 3.0% over 16 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Kiama Downs - Minnamurra, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally
Kiama Downs - Minnamurra has had around 16 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 80 homes. As of FY26, 11 approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline suggests that new supply is keeping up with demand, offering buyers good choice.
New properties are constructed at an average value of $506,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. Compared to Rest of NSW, Kiama Downs - Minnamurra has markedly lower building activity, 70.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply supports stronger demand and values for established properties, which is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix of 92.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated count of 462 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.
Future projections show Kiama Downs - Minnamurra adding 179 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Kiama Downs - Minnamurra
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Kiama Downs - Minnamurra has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally
Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified three major projects impacting the area. Key projects are Bombo Precinct, Akuna Street Mixed-Use Development, Shoalhaven Street Precinct, and New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services
A $782 million major health infrastructure project delivering a new seven-storey greenfield hospital at Dunmore. Key features include an expanded emergency department with a rooftop helipad, specialized elective surgery theatres, mental health inpatient units, and comprehensive outpatient services. The project also encompasses the new Warrawong Community Health Centre and upgrades to Wollongong and Bulli Hospitals to enhance the Illawarra Shoalhaven health network.
Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy
Comprehensive NSW state planning reforms designed to increase housing density in well-located areas. The policy mandates mid-rise apartment buildings (3-6 storeys) and low-rise multi-dwelling housing (terraces, townhouses, and dual occupancies) within 800m of 171 high-frequency transport hubs and town centres. As of May 2026, the policy is fully operational following the phased rollout of dual occupancy provisions in July 2024 and mid-rise apartment provisions in early 2025. Recent updates include refined floor space ratios (FSR) and non-refusal standards to streamline local council assessments.
Springside Hill
Springside Hill is a 114-hectare masterplanned community in West Kiama proposed by Traders In Purple. The project aims to deliver approximately 1200 dwellings with a diverse mix of housing types, including a 25% guarantee for social and affordable housing targeting essential workers and first home buyers. The proposal includes 9,700 square metres of commercial space for retail and medical services, a potential school site, and 40% open space. A distinctive feature is its self-sustained off-the-grid recycled water and wastewater facility. The project is currently under assessment by the NSW Department of Planning after being referred for a state-led planning review.
Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone
The Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone is a 1,022 square kilometre area of Commonwealth waters in the Pacific Ocean, located at least 20 km offshore between Wombarra and Kiama in New South Wales. It was officially declared by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy on 15 June 2024 as Australia's fourth offshore wind zone. The zone has a potential generation capacity of around 2.9 GW, theoretically enough to power approximately 1.8 million homes, and was projected to support an estimated 1,740 construction jobs and 870 ongoing jobs. Due to a sharp drop in water depths off the coast, only floating wind turbine technology is considered viable for the zone. Feasibility licence applications were open from 17 June to 15 August 2024. Initial proponents Oceanex Energy and Equinor opted not to apply, instead focusing on the Hunter Offshore Wind Zone where they were awarded a feasibility licence for the Novocastrian project. Spanish developer BlueFloat Energy became the sole feasibility licence applicant but formally withdrew its application in January 2026, citing global commercial pressures and the wind-down of its Australian operations by parent Quantum Capital. On 23 January 2026, the Federal Government confirmed no feasibility licences would be granted in the Illawarra zone. The zone remains declared and could reopen for feasibility applications if competitive interest returns. In the meantime, the area is open for Research and Demonstration (R&D) licence applications to trial offshore renewable technologies including floating wind, wave and tidal current systems.
Mariyung Fleet (New Intercity Fleet)
The Mariyung Fleet is a 610-carriage double-deck electric train fleet (D sets) replacing the ageing V-set and Oscar fleets across the NSW intercity network. Delivered by the RailConnect NSW consortium (UGL, Hyundai Rotem, Mitsubishi Electric Australia), the trains feature wider 2x2 seating with arm rests, tray tables and cup holders, charging ports, dedicated luggage, pram and bicycle spaces, accessible toilets, dedicated wheelchair spaces, CCTV, digital information screens and Automatic Selective Door Operation. The fleet operates in 4, 6, 8 or 10-car formations. Passenger services commenced on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line on 3 December 2024, on the Blue Mountains Line on 13 October 2025, and on the South Coast Line on 14 April 2026. The South Coast Line rollout begins with seven 4 and 6-car sets, scaling to 16 trains by 2027 with 8-car sets later in 2026 and 10-car configurations in 2027. The project includes the Kangy Angy Maintenance Facility (operated by UGL on a 15-year contract) and extensive corridor upgrades including platform extensions, signalling modifications, balise installation and overhead wiring works.
Rail Service Improvement Program (Mortdale-Kiama)
The Rail Service Improvement Program (formerly More Trains, More Services) is a multi-billion-dollar NSW Government initiative to modernize the rail network for the Mariyung fleet. The Mortdale to Kiama package involves infrastructure upgrades including the Mortdale Maintenance Centre (active maintenance and shunting works in February 2026), platform extensions at Kiama (completed), and ongoing signaling, power supply, and station improvements at Thirroul and Shellharbour Junction to enable increased service frequency on the T4 Illawarra and South Coast lines.
Akuna Street Mixed-Use Development
A major mixed-use redevelopment in central Kiama featuring retention of a heritage building, demolition of existing structures, and construction of 82 shop-top housing units, 24 retail premises including 2 supermarkets, food and drink premises, and 344 basement car parking spaces. The approximately $66 million development by Level 33 Property Development is currently under assessment in the Land and Environment Court (proceedings scheduled for December 2025 after mediation collapse with Kiama Council). The project will revitalise the largest redevelopment site in Kiama's town centre.
Shellharbour Mobile Tiny Homes Pilot Program
State-first two-year pilot program allowing mobile tiny homes on existing residential properties without development applications. Council approved September 23, 2025. Planning Proposal to amend Shellharbour LEP 2013 requires NSW Government approval and 28-day public consultation (up to 6 months process). Program provides affordable rental housing through moveable dwellings on trailers registered under Road Transport Act 2013, subject to strict conditions including minimum setbacks, connection to essential services, and fire safety compliance. Addresses housing crisis where median house price is $1 million.
Employment
The labour market in Kiama Downs - Minnamurra shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions
Kiama Downs - Minnamurra has a well-educated workforce. Essential services sectors are well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 0.8%. As of December 2025, there are 3,108 residents in work. The unemployment rate is 1.7% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is 65.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%.
According to Census responses, 32.2% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area has a particular specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, at 0.6% compared to 5.3% regionally. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, while labour force increased by 0.5%. This resulted in a fall in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, with labour force falling by 0.8% and unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Kiama Downs - Minnamurra's employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch
AreaSearch aggregated postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. Kiama Downs - Minnamurra SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $55,140 and an average of $78,826. These figures exceed national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 for Regional NSW respectively. By March 2026, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32%, median income is estimated at approximately $60,830 and average at $86,961. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Kiama Downs - Minnamurra cluster around the 64th percentile nationally. In this area, 31.6% of residents (1,873 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the regional figure of 29.9%. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Kiama Downs - Minnamurra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
In Kiama Downs - Minnamurra, as assessed at the latest Census, 91.5% of dwellings were houses while 8.5% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kiama Downs - Minnamurra stood at 48.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (38.5%) or rented (13.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, exceeding Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was $490, higher than Regional NSW's figure of $330. Nationally, Kiama Downs - Minnamurra's median mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,300 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Kiama Downs - Minnamurra features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 81.7% of all households, including 37.5% couples with children, 34.9% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.3%, with lone person households at 17.1% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Kiama Downs - Minnamurra shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators
Educational attainment in Kiama Downs - Minnamurra is high, with 30.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 19.9% in the SA3 area and 21.3% in Rest of NSW. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (27.1%). Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.0% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.
Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Kiama Downs - Minnamurra has 92 active public transport stops, served by 15 routes offering 1,785 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop is 102 meters. Most residents commute outward daily, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 96%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 32.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 255 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per stop.
Service frequency averages 255 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Kiama Downs - Minnamurra's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups
Kiama Downs - Minnamurra shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.
Private health cover is high at approximately 58% of the total population, around 3,461 people, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.3 and 7.9% of residents respectively. About 68.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. The area has 26.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,586 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Kiama Downs - Minnamurra is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Kiama Downs-Minnamurra had a cultural diversity score below average, with 87.1% of its population born in Australia, 92.6% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 53.8%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (29.1%), and Scottish (10.0%).
Notably, Macedonian, Irish, and Maltese ethnicities had higher representation in Kiama Downs-Minnamurra than regionally: Macedonian at 0.4% vs 0.4%, Irish at 9.8% vs 8.8%, and Maltese at 0.6% vs 0.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Kiama Downs - Minnamurra hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average
Kiama Downs - Minnamurra's median age of 44 years is similar to Regional NSW's 43 and above the national average of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Kiama Downs - Minnamurra has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (15.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.0%). The 65-74 concentration is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.7% to 13.7%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 5.7% to 8.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 14.4% to 11.7%, and the 25 to 34 group has dropped from 8.5% to 6.0%. By 2041, Kiama Downs - Minnamurra is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 25%, reaching 642 people from the current 514. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.