Kiama Downs - Minnamurra

An assessment of population growth drivers in Kiama Downs - Minnamurra reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kiama Downs - Minnamurra's population is around 5,964 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 99 people (1.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,063 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,959 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 821 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 52.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of regional areas across the nation is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 179 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 2.9% in total over the 17 years.

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 recorded around 16 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling 80 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. Given the population has fallen over the past period, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $506,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, Kiama Downs - Minnamurra records markedly lower building activity (70.0% below the regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 92.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated count of 462 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Kiama Downs - Minnamurra adding 174 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Kiama Downs - Minnamurra has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Bombo Precinct, Akuna Street Mixed-Use Development, Shoalhaven Street Precinct, and New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 analysis places Kiama Downs - Minnamurra well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Kiama Downs - Minnamurra features a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and 0.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,108 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (65.3% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 32.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.6% of Kiama Downs - Minnamurra's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8% and the labour force increased by 0.5%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Kiama Downs - Minnamurra. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Kiama Downs - Minnamurra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Kiama Downs - Minnamurra SA2 is well above average nationally, with the median assessed at $55,140 while the average income stands at $78,826. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,025 (median) and $85,810 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Kiama Downs - Minnamurra cluster around the 64th percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.6% of the community (1,884 individuals), mirroring the surrounding region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Kiama Downs - Minnamurra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Kiama Downs - Minnamurra, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.5% houses and 8.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Kiama Downs - Minnamurra was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 48.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (38.5%) or rented (13.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional NSW average at $2,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $490, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Kiama Downs - Minnamurra's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Kiama Downs - Minnamurra features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 81.7% of all households, comprising 37.5% couples with children, 34.9% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.3%, with lone person households at 17.1% and group households comprising 1.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 30.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 19.9% in the SA3 area and 21.3% in the Rest of NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (27.1%).

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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 92 active transport stops operating within Kiama Downs - Minnamurra, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 15 individual routes, collectively providing 1,785 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 102 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 32.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 255 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kiama Downs - Minnamurra's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Kiama Downs - Minnamurra, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~3,482 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.3% and 7.9% of residents, respectively, while 68.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 26.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,576 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.1% of its population born in Australia, 92.6% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Kiama Downs - Minnamurra is Christianity, which makes up 53.8% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Kiama Downs - Minnamurra are English, comprising 32.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 29.1% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 10.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Macedonian is represented at 0.4% of Kiama Downs - Minnamurra (vs 0.4% regionally), Irish at 9.8% (vs 8.8%) and Maltese at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

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 well above the 38-year national average. Relative to Regional NSW, Kiama Downs - Minnamurra has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (15.6%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (6.4%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 8.4% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.7% to 13.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.4% to 11.3% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 8.5% to 6.4%. By 2041, Kiama Downs - Minnamurra is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 25% (124 people), reaching 627 from 502. On the other hand, the 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.