Kanahooka

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

The population of Kanahooka is estimated at 5,778 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 5,698 people, indicating a rise of 80 individuals (1.4%). AreaSearch's analysis, based on latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2025 and validated new addresses since the Census date, suggests a resident population estimate of 5,748. This results in a density ratio of 1,574 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Interstate migration was the primary driver for this growth, contributing approximately 40% of overall population gains recently.

Other factors like overseas migration and natural growth also played positive roles. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Kanahooka expected to expand by 709 persons to reach a total of 6,487 by 2041. This reflects a gain of 11.8% in total over the 16-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Kanahooka averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 121 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.5 new residents per year arrived for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that supply has met or exceeded demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $350,000.

In FY-26, there have been $5.1 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Kanahooka has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 37th percentile nationally when measured against other assessed areas. This results in more limited choices for buyers, supporting demand for existing dwellings. Recent construction comprises 35% detached houses and 65% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's current housing composition of 84% houses. This trend reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles, indicating a need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

With approximately 464 people per dwelling approval, Kanahooka exhibits characteristics of a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 679 residents through to 2041. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, suggesting stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure projects and planning initiatives. Three such projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the specified area. Notable among these are the M1 Princes Motorway South-Facing Ramps at Dapto, Cleveland Road Upgrade - West Dapto, the West Dapto Urban Release Area, and Byamee Street, Dapto. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment drivers in Kanahooka are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Kanahooka has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. As of December 2025, 2,419 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Regional NSW's at 8.1% compared to 3.9%.

Workforce participation is lower too, at 54.3% versus 60.5%. Home-based work accounts for 22.8% of jobs. The area has a notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average, but agriculture, forestry & fishing is less represented at 0.5% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Over the year ending December 2025, Kanahooka's labour force increased by 0.3%, while employment remained stable.

However, unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points due to a slight decrease in employment and an increase in labour force participation. In contrast, Regional NSW saw a larger decline in employment of 1.2% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 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 simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Kanahooka had a median income among taxpayers of $49,846 and an average income of $61,451. Nationally, the median was $52,390 and the average was $65,215 for Regional NSW. By March 2026, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $54,990 (median) and $67,793 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Kanahooka fell between the 17th and 28th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows 28.4% of Kanahooka's population earned between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to Regional NSW where 29.9% fall within this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kanahooka, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Kanahooka, as per the latest Census, was 84.1% houses and 15.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Regional NSW's 84.1% houses and 15.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kanahooka stood at 52.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (35.2%) or rented (12.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was $450, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Kanahooka's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Kanahooka has a typical household mix, with a higher-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 make up 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, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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 the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (31.2%).

A substantial 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, which includes 8.0% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

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

Kanahooka has 39 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes, offering a total of 287 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 177 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 94%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 22.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 41 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per stop.

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

Kanahooka faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 51% (~2961 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is relatively low. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (8%). Sixty point nine percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Kanahooka has 30.8% of its residents aged 65 and over (1779 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Kanahooka's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 80.0% of its population born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kanahooka, making up 62.9% of its population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are 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 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively. Hungarian representation was also higher at 0.4% versus the regional average of 0.2%.

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

Kanahooka's median age in 2021 was 48 years, which is older than Regional NSW's median of 43 years and significantly higher than Australia's median of 38 years. The age profile showed that the 75-84 year-olds were particularly prominent at 12.5%, while the 15-24 group was smaller at 9.5% compared to Regional NSW. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds was well above the national average of 6.1%. Post-2021 Census data showed that the 25-34 age group had grown from 9.4% to 10.9%, while the 65-74 cohort had declined from 14.5% to 12.8% and the 45-54 group had dropped from 11.9% to 10.8%. Demographic modeling suggests that Kanahooka's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 35-44 age cohort projected to grow steadily from 676 to 851 people, an increase of 174 (26%). Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts.