Kahibah

Population growth drivers in Kahibah are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Kahibah's population is estimated at around 2,693, reflecting an increase of 90 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.5% increase from the previous census figure of 2,603 residents. AreaSearch estimates the resident population to be 2,671, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 2,448 persons per square kilometer, placing Kahibah in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 3.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.9%, indicating that Kahibah is a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving population growth primarily.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a median increase just below non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Kahibah expected to increase by 316 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 11.7% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Kahibah had around 17 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 85 homes. In FY26 so far, two approvals have been recorded. This results in an estimated 1.2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, recent data shows this has intensified to 5.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $448,000.

There have also been $9.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Kahibah shows 56.0% higher new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice. Recent construction comprises 25.0% standalone homes and 75.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing (currently 74.0% houses). This location has approximately 595 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate Kahibah will gain 315 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to meet demand and create favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Population forecasts indicate Kahibah will gain 315 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Kahibah has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that could impact this area. Notable projects are Highpoint, Charlestown Swim Centre Expansion, Newcastle Inner City Bypass - Rankin Park to Jesmond, and Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion. The following list details those most relevant.

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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 2.7%, lower than the Rest of NSW's 3.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.2%. As of June 2025, 1,469 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below the regional average. Workforce participation in Kahibah is 66.0%, higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Health care & social assistance has a particularly strong presence at 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.2% compared to 5.3% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, labour force grew by 2.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.1% with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kahibah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Kahibah's median income among taxpayers was $59,435 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $79,690 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $66,930 (median) and $89,739 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 71st percentile with a weekly income of $932, while household income sits at the 53rd percentile. Income brackets indicate that 28.6% of Kahibah's community falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band (770 individuals). This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region where 29.9% fall into the same category. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income in Kahibah. Despite this, 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

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

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

Family households account for 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 comprise the remaining 32.1%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, 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 at 11.7% and certificates at 28.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.7% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education. Kahibah Public School serves the local community within Kahibah, with an enrollment of 306 students as of a recent report. The area exhibits above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1070. There is one school focusing exclusively on primary education, while secondary options are available in nearby areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 11.4, lower than the regional average of 14.6, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent regions.

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

Analysis of public transport in Kahibah shows 19 active transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 8 individual routes that collectively provide 167 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 153 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 23 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 match national benchmarks, with common health conditions seen across both young and elderly residents. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 58% (1,572 people), compared to 54.2% across Rest of NSW.

Mental health issues impact 9.3%, while asthma affects 8.2%. A total of 66.6% report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 62.6% in Rest of NSW. The area has 18.2% (490 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 21.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming general population 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. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.4%. Judaism was underrepresented compared to Rest of NSW, with 0.0% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.4%), Australian (30.7%), and Scottish (9.4%). Notable differences existed in Welsh (1.1% vs regional 0.8%), Hungarian (0.5% vs 0.2%), and Macedonian (0.7% vs 0.4%) representation.

Kahibah's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Kahibah has a median age of 38, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 but equivalent to the national norm of 38. The age group of 35-44 shows strong representation in Kahibah at 15.6%, compared to the Rest of NSW figure. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent in Kahibah at 9.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.5% to 10.5% of Kahibah's population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 9.9% to 9.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Kahibah's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041. Leading this demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 30%, reaching 507 people from the current 390. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for both the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts.