Kogarah

Kogarah lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Kogarah's population was approximately 15,188 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 2,137 people from the 2021 Census count of 13,051. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,996 in June 2024 and the addition of 532 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6,841 persons per square kilometer, placing Kogarah in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth of 16.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (7.6%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.6% of overall population gains during recent periods in Kogarah.

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, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Kogarah is expected to experience exceptional growth, with an increase of 7,397 persons predicted by 2041. This reflects a total gain of 47.4% over the 17-year period, as per the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Kogarah among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Kogarah recorded approximately 157 residential properties granted approval annually. Between financial years FY21 and FY25789 homes were approved, with a further 61 approved in FY26 as of the current date. Over these five financial years, an average of 2.9 new residents per year was associated with each dwelling, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes during this period was $233,000, which is below regional norms and indicates more affordable housing options for purchasers. In the current financial year, there have been $33.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kogarah exhibits 114.0% higher development activity per person, offering ample choice for buyers despite a recent slowdown in building activity. This high level of development activity is well above the national average and reflects strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 6.0% detached houses and 94.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 23.0% houses). This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. The area has approximately 540 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established location.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Kogarah is projected to grow by 7,204 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects that could affect this area. Notable projects include Kogarah North Urban Design Strategy Implementation, Ganellen Kogarah Town Centre Redevelopment, The Rise, and Kogarah Public School Upgrade. The following list provides more details on these relevant projects.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Kogarah performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Kogarah has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.8% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.7%.

In September 2025, 10,317 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.4% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Kogarah was 82.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 38.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

Health care & social assistance employment levels are at 1.5 times the regional average, while education & training shows lower representation at 5.6% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.9, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.7%, labour force grew by 4.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In Greater Sydney, employment grew by 2.1%, labour force expanded by 2.4%, with an unemployment increase of 0.2 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kogarah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 15.0% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Kogarah SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $58,431 and an average income of $70,870. These figures are higher than the national averages of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively for Greater Sydney. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $63,608 and $77,149 respectively. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Kogarah cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 37.8% of the population (5,741 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the regional average of 30.9%. High housing costs consume 19.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Kogarah features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Kogarah, as per the latest Census, consisted of 22.7% houses and 77.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kogarah was at 22.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented ones at 47.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,251, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure was $464, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Kogarah's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,251 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Kogarah features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.4% of all households, including 31.1% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.6%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households comprising 5.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Educational attainment in Kogarah is notably high, with 46.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% statewide (NSW). Bachelor degrees are the most common at 30.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 14.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 12.4%. Educational participation is high, with 32.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.4% in primary education, 8.2% in tertiary education, and 5.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

Kogarah has 58 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 23 routes, collectively facilitating 4,845 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent with residents typically located 134 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode at 52%, followed by train at 27% and walking at 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.6 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 38.1% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 692 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 83 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kogarah's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows Kogarah residents have relatively positive health outcomes. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions indicates results largely in line with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level. Private health cover is high, with approximately 54% of the total population (~8,216 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 5.0 and 4.6% of residents respectively. 80.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Kogarah has 13.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,003 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Kogarah is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kogarah has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 65.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 59.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 46.4% of Kogarah's population. Hinduism is significantly overrepresented, comprising 16.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 5.2%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the largest group at 26.4%, higher than the regional average of 16.0%. Chinese ancestry follows at 14.4% (regional average: 8.4%), while English ancestry is notably lower at 9.7% (regional average: 19.0%). Other ethnic groups with notable representation include Greek at 7.0%, Spanish at 1.1%, and Filipino at 4.7%.

Kogarah's population is younger than the national pattern

Kogarah's median age is 35 years, slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 21.6%, higher than Greater Sydney but lower than the national 14.4%. The 5-14 cohort stands at 8.9%. From 2021 to present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.6% to 12.4%, while the 85+ group has decreased from 3.5% to 2.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant growth in the 45-54 age cohort, with an increase of 1,160 people (69%), from 1,676 to 2,837.