Unanderra - Mount Kembla
Statistical Area - sa2

Unanderra - Mount Kembla has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

The current population of Unanderra - Mount Kembla is approximately 15,584 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase from the 2021 Census count of 15,280 people, marking a rise of 304 individuals (a 2.0% change). This growth can be attributed to an estimated resident population of 15,525 in June 2024 and an additional 125 validated new addresses since the Census date. The resulting population density is around 619 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this population increase during recent periods.

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 employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 using the 2021 Census as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, projections indicate a decline in overall population of 232 persons. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group which is projected to expand by 296 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Unanderra - Mount Kembla, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Unanderra - Mount Kembla has seen approximately 36 dwellings receive development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 183 homes have been approved, with a further 7 approved so far in FY26. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $353,000.

This year has also seen $46.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating significant commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Unanderra - Mount Kembla shows reduced construction levels, with 62.0% fewer approvals per person than the regional average. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. The proportion of new building activity is 48.0% detached dwellings and 52.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 89.0% houses. The estimated population per dwelling approval in the area is 726 people. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Unanderra - Mount Kembla may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Unanderra - Mount Kembla may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Unanderra - Mount Kembla has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 33 projects that could impact the region. Notable initiatives include Stockland Forest Reach - Huntley, Western Suburbs Preschool Kitchen Upgrade, Farmborough Road Large Lot Subdivision, and Waples Road Residential Subdivision. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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.

Employment drivers in Unanderra - Mount Kembla are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Unanderra-Mount Kembla has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 5.3% in June 2024.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 0.6%. As of June 2025, 7,560 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.3%, 1.6% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Education & training has a particularly high share at 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.2% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates ample employment opportunities. In the year to June 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, labour force grew by 0.7%, and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Unanderra-Mount Kembla's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

Unanderra - Mount Kembla's median income among taxpayers was $56,566 and average income stood at $71,170 in financial year 2022. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income would be approximately $63,699 and average income around $80,145, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 income data, household income ranks at the 61st percentile ($1,920 weekly) and personal income sits at the 41st percentile. The predominant income cohort in Unanderra - Mount Kembla spans 31.3% of locals (4,877 people), falling within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which aligns with the broader area where this cohort represents 29.9%. After housing expenses, 86.0% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Unanderra - Mount Kembla is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Unanderra-Mount Kembla's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 89.4% houses and 10.6% other dwellings, compared to Non-Metro NSW's 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Unanderra-Mount Kembla was 37.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.1% and rented ones at 24.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,080, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent was $355, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $365. Nationally, Unanderra-Mount Kembla's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,080 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $355 compared to the national figure of $375.

Unanderra - Mount Kembla features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.7% of all households, including 37.7% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.3%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

Unanderra - Mount Kembla performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's educational profile is notable within its region, with university qualification rates of 25.6% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 16.9%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.1% while certificates make up 26.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education. A total of 10 schools operate within Unanderra - Mount Kembla, educating approximately 2,528 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1026) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 6 primary, 1 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 16.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.9, indicating that the area serves as an educational hub for the broader region. Note: where school enrolments are marked 'n/a', please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis indicates 173 active transport stops operating within Unanderra - Mount Kembla. These include a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 55 individual routes, collectively providing 2,050 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 157 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 292 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Unanderra - Mount Kembla is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Unanderra-Mount Kembla faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~8,571 people), compared to 51.4% across Rest of NSW.

Mental health issues impact 8.8% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.7%. Approximately 65.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.9% across Rest of NSW. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,962 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Unanderra - Mount Kembla was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Unanderra-Mount Kembla had a cultural diversity above average, with 20.4% of its population born overseas and 15.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Unanderra-Mount Kembla, comprising 60.2% of people, compared to 58.1% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (26.3%), English (25.2%), and Other (7.3%).

Notably, Macedonian was overrepresented at 3.6%, Serbian at 1.1%, and Croatian at 1.4%.

Unanderra - Mount Kembla's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Unanderra - Mount Kembla is 40 years, which is slightly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The percentage of people aged 15-24 in Unanderra - Mount Kembla is notably higher than the Rest of NSW average (13.8% vs. 9.7%), while those aged 65-74 are under-represented compared to the rest of the state (10.3% vs. 13.2%). According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as of 28 June 2021, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 12.0% to 13.2%, and those aged 15 to 24 have increased from 12.7% to 13.8%. Conversely, the percentage of people aged 55 to 64 has decreased from 13.5% to 12.1%. Population projections for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Unanderra - Mount Kembla. The population aged 25 to 34 is expected to grow by 238 people (13%), from 1,778 to 2,017. Meanwhile, the populations aged 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 are projected to decrease.