Kahibah

Population growth drivers in Kahibah are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025 Kahibah's population is estimated at around 2,683. This reflects an increase of 80 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,603. The change is inferred from AreaSearch estimates based on latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,439 persons per square kilometer, placing Kahibah in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kahibah's growth rate of 3.1% since census positions it within 0.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.0%). Natural growth contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Population projections indicate a median increase for non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Kahibah expected to increase by 316 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 12.1%.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Kahibah according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Kahibah experienced around 15 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 76 homes. As of FY26, three approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 1.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $448,000, indicating a focus on premium segment development. Compared to Rest of NSW, Kahibah has moderately higher new home approvals, with 39.0% above the regional average per person over this period. This preserves buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. New development consists of 29.0% standalone homes and 71.0% attached dwellings, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This reflects a shift from the current housing mix of 74.0% houses due to reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands. Kahibah shows a developed market with around 446 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Kahibah adding 325 residents by 2041, suggesting new housing supply should readily meet demand based on current development patterns.

Kahibah has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

No factor influences a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major undertakings, and planning ventures. AreaSearch has pinpointed 0 projects that could significantly affect this area. Notable initiatives include Highpoint, Charlestown Swim Centre Expansion, Newcastle Inner City Bypass - Rankin Park to Jesmond, and Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion, with the following list highlighting those of greatest pertinence.

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 conditions in Kahibah demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Kahibah has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, lower than the Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 2.9%. As of September 2025, 1,466 residents are employed, with a workforce participation rate of 66.0%, higher than the Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Health care & social assistance is particularly specialized, employing 38.7% of local workers compared to 29.1% regionally.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.2%, below the Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.9% while labour force rose by 3.3%, leading to a unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, the Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5%. State-level data from November 25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts suggest employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kahibah's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years.

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 financial year 2023 shows that Kahibah suburb's median income is $59,435 and average income is $79,690. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kahibah would be approximately $64,701 (median) and $86,751 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates personal income ranks at the 71st percentile ($932 weekly), while household income sits at the 53rd percentile. Distribution data shows that 28.6% of Kahibah residents (767 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, aligning with surrounding regions where this cohort represents 29.9%. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 54th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Kahibah is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Kahibah's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.2% houses and 25.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.4% houses and 17.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kahibah was at 37.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.1% and rented ones at 22.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kahibah was $2,089, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Kahibah was $400, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $370. Nationally, Kahibah's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,089 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375 at $400.

Kahibah has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.9% of all households, including 30.9% couples with children, 24.1% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.1%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 29.7% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA3 area average of 23.5%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.7%, while certificates make up 28.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 19 active transport stops in Kahibah, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 8 distinct routes, facilitating 168 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically situated 153 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 24 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kahibah's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Kahibah's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level.

Approximately 58% (~1,566 people) of Kahibah's total population has private health cover, compared to 54.4% in the rest of NSW. Mental health issues and asthma were found to be the most common medical conditions, impacting 9.3% and 8.2% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point six percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.6% in the rest of NSW. Eighteen point two percent (488 people) of Kahibah's residents are aged 65 and over, lower than the 21.4% in the rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors in Kahibah are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Kahibah is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Kahibah's population showed low cultural diversity, with 90.6% born in Australia, 94.4% being citizens, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion was Christianity, comprising 45.4%. Judaism was not represented (0.0%) compared to the Rest of NSW's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (31.4%), Australian (30.7%), and Scottish (9.4%). Notable deviations included Welsh at 1.1% (vs regional 0.8%), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.2%), and Macedonian at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

Kahibah's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Kahibah has a median age of 38, which is lower than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The 35-44 age group comprises 15.6% of Kahibah's population, higher than Rest of NSW, while the 55-64 cohort makes up 9.0%, lower than Rest of NSW. Post the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.5% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 9.9% to 9.0%. Kahibah's age profile is projected to change significantly by 2041, with the 25 to 34 group expected to grow by 31%, adding 118 people to reach 508 from 389. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 age groups.