Kurri Kurri - Abermain

Kurri Kurri - Abermain lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kurri Kurri - Abermain's population is around 23,568 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,937 people (14.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,631 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 22,814 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 717 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 260 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Kurri Kurri - Abermain's 14.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.9%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 68.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

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. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national regional areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 8,680 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 33.6% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Kurri Kurri - Abermain was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Kurri Kurri - Abermain has recorded around 212 residential properties granted approval per year, with 1,060 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 65 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $226,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $17.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Kurri Kurri - Abermain has similar development levels (per person), maintaining a market balance consistent with the broader area. New building activity consists of 78.0% detached houses and 22.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 162 people per dwelling approval, Kurri Kurri - Abermain shows characteristics of a growth area.

Looking ahead, Kurri Kurri - Abermain is expected to grow by 7,926 residents through to 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Kurri Kurri - Abermain 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, 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Weston Public Preschool, Hunter Power Project (Kurri Kurri Power Station), Kurri Kurri Lateral Pipeline (KKLP) and Storage Project, and Hunter Regional Plan 2041, 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.

Kurri Kurri - Abermain shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Kurri Kurri - Abermain has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 5.4%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 10,148 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Based on Census responses, a low 13.0% 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, retail trade, and construction. The area has particular employment specialization in mining, with an employment share of 2.8 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 1.2% employment compared to 5.3% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 0.6% while employment declined by 0.4%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, the labour force contracted 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 Kurri Kurri - Abermain. 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 Kurri Kurri - Abermain's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Kurri Kurri - Abermain SA2 is in line with national averages, with the median assessed at $55,375 while the average income stands at $67,069. 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 $60,281 (median) and $73,011 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Kurri Kurri - Abermain, between the 28th and 33rd percentiles. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.3% of the community (8,083 individuals), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 32nd percentile.

Kurri Kurri - Abermain is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Kurri Kurri - Abermain, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.1% houses and 9.0% 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 Kurri Kurri - Abermain lagged that of Regional NSW, at 30.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.1%) or rented (29.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional NSW average at $1,603, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $345, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Kurri Kurri - Abermain's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Kurri Kurri - Abermain has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 73.0% of all households, comprising 29.9% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 16.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Kurri Kurri - Abermain faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (9.0%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 6.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (36.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 193 active transport stops operating within Kurri Kurri - Abermain, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 49 individual routes, collectively providing 693 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 229 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 97%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 13.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Kurri Kurri - Abermain is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Kurri Kurri - Abermain, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~12,278 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 12.2% and 9.9% of residents, respectively, while 59.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 14.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,450 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The latest Census data sees Kurri Kurri - Abermain placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kurri Kurri - Abermain was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 93.4% of its population being citizens, 94.3% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Kurri Kurri - Abermain is Christianity, which makes up 51.2% 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 Kurri Kurri - Abermain are Australian, comprising 34.3% of the population, English, comprising 31.8% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 7.8% of Kurri Kurri - Abermain (vs 4.6% regionally), Welsh at 0.6% (vs 0.5%) and Macedonian at 0.1% (vs 0.4%).

Kurri Kurri - Abermain's population is younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 34, Kurri Kurri - Abermain is considerably lower than the Regional NSW figure of 43 and similarly significantly lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (18.1% locally), while 65 - 74 year-olds are under-represented (8.8%). In the period since 2021, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.0 years to 34. In particular, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 15.7% to 18.1% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.9% to 14.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.7% to 10.1% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 11.5% to 10.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Kurri Kurri - Abermain. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 42% (1,812 people), reaching 6,081 from 4,268.