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 around 6,063 as of Feb 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 365 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,698. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 5,806 in Jun 2024 and 69 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,652 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kanahooka's growth rate of 6.4% since the 2021 census exceeded Rest of NSW's 5.9%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 40.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

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, 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 above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Kanahooka expected to expand by 795 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 8.9% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Kanahooka averaged around 24 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 121 homes. Six approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. Over these five years, supply has met or surpassed demand at an average of one new resident per new home. New properties are constructed at an average value of $350,000.

In FY-26, there have been $5.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Kanahooka has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 35th percentile nationally when measured against other areas assessed. This means more limited choices for buyers, supporting demand for existing dwellings. Recent construction comprises 35.0% detached houses and 65.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a trend toward denser development to provide accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. Kanahooka shows a developed market with around 467 people per dwelling approval.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Kanahooka is expected to grow by 538 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. Three projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to influence the region: M1 Princes Motorway South-Facing Ramps at Dapto, Cleveland Road Upgrade - West Dapto, West Dapto Urban Release Area, and Byamee Street, Dapto. The following details those likely to be most relevant.

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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 balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation from essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in December 2025 was 8.2%. Over the past year, employment remained relatively stable.

As of that date, 2,450 residents were employed, but the unemployment rate was higher than Regional NSW's by 4.3%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation was lower at 54.4% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census data, 22.8% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The primary industries of employment were health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Notably, health care & social assistance had a higher share of employment at 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with only 0.5% employment compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the difference between Census working population and resident population numbers. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 0.5%, while labour force grew by 0.7%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment decrease by 1.2% and labour force contract by 0.8%, with a corresponding increase in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. 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 specific employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.6% in five years and 13.9% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider local population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Kanahooka's median income is $49,846 and average income is $61,451. This is lower than Regional 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, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $54,262 (median) and $66,896 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Kanahooka's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 17th and 28th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 28.4% of locals (1,721 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the regional trend of 29.9%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th percentile. Kanahooka'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

Dwelling structure in Kanahooka, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 84.1% houses and 15.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kanahooka was 52.3%, with the rest either mortgaged (35.2%) or rented (12.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent was $450, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Kanahooka's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above 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 the most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (31.2%).

A substantial 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.0% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, 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

Transport analysis indicates 39 operational public transport stops in Kanahooka, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 distinct routes, offering a total of 287 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated highly, with residents typically situated 177 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most residents commute outward, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 94%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 22.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 41 trips per day, resulting in 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, which is around 3,107 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.6 and 8.0% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 60.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 30.5% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 1,849 people, which is 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. The dominant religion in Kanahooka is Christianity, comprising 62.9% of the 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%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Kanahooka compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively. Hungarian ethnicity is also slightly higher at 0.4%.

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

Kanahooka's median age is 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 make up a particularly prominent group at 12.2%, while the 55-64 age group is comparatively smaller at 10.4% than in Regional NSW. This concentration of those aged 75-84 is well above the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 9.4% to 11.2%, while the 35 to 44 age group increased from 10.7% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group declined from 14.5% to 12.9%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 11.9% to 10.8%. By 2041, Kanahooka's population is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 23%, adding 152 people and reaching a total of 832 from the current 679. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to experience population declines.