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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kogarah's population is around 15,188 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,137 people (16.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,051 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,996 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 532 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 6,841 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Kogarah's 16.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.6%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 91.6% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of Australian statistical areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to grow by 7,397 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 47.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Kogarah has recorded around 157 residential properties granted approval annually, with 789 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 61 so far in FY-26. At an average of 2.9 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $233,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. There have also been $33.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against Greater Sydney, Kogarah shows 114.0% higher development activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice, though building activity has slowed in recent years. This is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 6.0% detached houses and 94.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 23.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 540 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

Looking ahead, Kogarah is expected to grow by 7,204 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 30 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Kogarah North Urban Design Strategy Implementation, Ganellen Kogarah Town Centre Redevelopment, The Rise, and the Kogarah Public School Upgrade, 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 of employment trends sees Kogarah performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Kogarah possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 1.8%, and 5.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 10,392 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.4% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (82.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 38.1% 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, professional & technical, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, education & training shows lower representation at 5.6% versus the regional average of 8.9%. The ratio of 0.9 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates substantial local employment opportunities.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 5.5% alongside the labour force increasing by 5.5%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This compares to Greater Sydney, where employment grew by 2.2%, the labour force expanded by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Kogarah. 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 Kogarah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 15.0% 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Kogarah SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $58,431 with the average level standing at $70,870. This is above the national average and compares to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $63,608 (median) and $77,149 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Kogarah cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals 37.8% of the population (5,741 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 19.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 58th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Kogarah, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 22.7% houses and 77.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Kogarah was lagging that of Sydney metro, at 22.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.5%) or rented (47.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Sydney metro average at $2,251, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $464, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Kogarah's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 67.4% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people 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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 46.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 30.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 25.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (12.4%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 58 active transport stops operating within Kogarah, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 23 individual routes, collectively providing 4,845 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 134 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 52%, with 27% by train and 12% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.6 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 38.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect 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 indicates relatively positive outcomes for Kogarah residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~8,216 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 5.0% and 4.6% of residents, respectively, while 80.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area 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 is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 65.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 59.8% born overseas. The main religion in Kogarah is Christianity, which makes up 46.4% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 16.1% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Sydney average of 5.2%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Kogarah are Other, comprising 26.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 16.0%, Chinese, comprising 14.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 8.4%, and English, comprising 9.7% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 19.0%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Greek is notably overrepresented at 7.0% of Kogarah (vs 1.9% regionally), Spanish at 1.1% (vs 0.6%) and Filipino at 4.7% (vs 2.0%).

Kogarah's population is younger than the national pattern

Kogarah's median age of 35 years stands slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 as well as somewhat younger than the 38-year national average. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 21.6% compared to Greater Sydney, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 8.9%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.6% to 12.4% of the population. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has declined from 3.5% to 2.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Kogarah. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 1,160 people (69%) from 1,676 to 2,837.