Kanahooka

An assessment of population growth drivers in Kanahooka reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Kanahooka's population is estimated at around 5,640 by AreaSearch, reflecting a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 5,698. This decrease was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 5,633 based on ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 1,536 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 40.0% to recent population gains. AreaSearch projects Kanahooka's population to expand by 781 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 17.7% over the 17 years.

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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 781 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 17.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Kanahooka averaged around 24 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 121 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 1.1 new residents arrive per new home annually between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting a balanced supply-demand market with stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average value of $350,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $14.0 million in commercial development approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Kanahooka has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 32nd percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. New development consists of 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living to suit downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 84.0% houses). With around 531 people per dwelling approval, Kanahooka exhibits a developed market. Population forecasts indicate Kanahooka will gain 997 residents by 2041, with construction maintaining a reasonable pace to meet projected growth, although buyers may face growing competition as population increases.

Population forecasts indicate Kanahooka will gain 997 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Four projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: M1 Princes Motorway South-Facing Ramps at Dapto, Cleveland Road Upgrade - West Dapto, West Dapto Urban Release Area, and Byamee Street, Dapto.

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Employment conditions in Kanahooka face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Kanahooka has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 7.2%.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relative. Compared to Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, Kanahooka's unemployment rate is 3.6% higher, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags significantly at 49.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Health care & social assistance shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.5% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 0.2%, labour force by 0.7%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kanahooka's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Kanahooka's median income among taxpayers was $49,846 with an average of $61,451. These figures were lower than national averages of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively across Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $56,132 (median) and $69,200 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Kanahooka fell between the 17th and 28th percentiles nationally. Distribution data showed 28.4% of residents earned within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to regional levels at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th percentile nationally. Kanahooka's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Kanahooka, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 84.1% houses and 15.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kanahooka was at 52.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.2% and rented ones at 12.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average, while the median weekly rent figure was $450, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $365. Nationally, Kanahooka's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 72.6% of all households, including 29.1% couples with children, 32.8% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.4%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.0%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 31.2%. A total of 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.0% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

The area has two schools serving 1,196 students - Hayes Park Public School and Kanahooka High School. The ICSEA score for the area is 945, indicating varied educational conditions. There are 21.2 school places per 100 residents, higher than the regional average of 12.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Kanahooka has 38 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 274 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's home to the nearest transport stop is 177 meters.

On average, there are 39 trips per day across all routes, resulting in about 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kanahooka is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Kanahooka faces substantial health challenges, as indicated by its health data.

Both younger and older age cohorts have notable prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is slightly lower than the average SA2 area, at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,891 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (8.0%). Conversely, 60.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.9% in Rest of NSW. Kanahooka has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 30.1% (1,697 people), compared to the 19.0% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Kanahooka ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kanahooka had a low cultural diversity, with 80.0% of its population born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 62.9%, compared to 58.1% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.5%), Australian (28.2%), and Irish (7.1%).

Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and Macedonian (1.3%) were overrepresented in Kanahooka compared to regional averages of 0.6% and 3.8%, respectively. Hungarian representation was also higher at 0.4%.

Kanahooka hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Kanahooka's median age of 48 years is significantly older than Rest of NSW's 43 and higher than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 make up 12.1% of the population, which is prominent compared to other regions. Meanwhile, the percentage of people aged 55-64 is smaller at 10.5%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the age group 25 to 34 has grown from 9.4% to 10.9%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 14.5% to 12.9%. Demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Kanahooka's age profile by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow steadily, increasing by 215 people (35%) from 614 to 830. Conversely, numbers in the 65 to 74 age range are expected to decrease.