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 November 2025, the estimated population of the Kanahooka statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,064. This figure reflects a growth of 366 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,698. AreaSearch's analysis, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses, suggests an estimated resident population of 5,806 as of that date. The population density is calculated at 1,652 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Since the 2021 Census, Kanahooka's growth rate of 6.4% surpassed the non-metro area's growth rate of 5.7%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 40.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group 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 the Kanahooka (SA2) expected to expand by 798 persons to reach a total of 6,862 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 9.7% over the 17-year period.

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 indicates Kanahooka averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 124 homes. As of FY-26, four approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year arriving per new home in Kanahooka between FY-21 and FY-25 was 1.1, suggesting a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $350,000.

In FY-26, there have been $5.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating 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 39th percentile nationally, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. Recent construction comprises 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift towards denser development to provide accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This trend differs from the area's current housing composition of 84.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 433 people per dwelling approval, Kanahooka shows a developed market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kanahooka is expected to grow by 590 residents through to 2041. Current construction levels 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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Three such projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area in question. Among these key projects are the M1 Princes Motorway South-Facing Ramps at Dapto, the 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 conditions in Kanahooka face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Kanahooka's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.1% as of September 2025, which is 4.3% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Kanahooka is lower 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 stands out with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.5% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population.

Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, labour force decreased by 0.0%, and employment decreased by 0.4%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate a projected expansion 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, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Kanahooka had a median taxpayer income of $49,846 and an average income of $61,451. Nationally, the averages were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, estimated median and average incomes in Kanahooka would be approximately $54,262 and $66,896. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Kanahooka fall between the 17th and 28th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 28.4% of residents (1,722 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to regional levels at 29.9%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

In Kanahooka, as per the latest Census data, 84.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.9% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is similar to Non-Metro NSW's breakdown of 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kanahooka stood at 52.3%, with mortgaged properties at 35.2% and rented ones at 12.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. However, the median weekly rent in Kanahooka was $450, higher than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $365. Nationally, Kanahooka's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $450 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 27.4%, comprising 25.8% lone person households and 1.5% group households. 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 has university qualification rates of 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 prevalent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (31.2%).

A total of 24.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 8.0% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 39 active transport stops in Kanahooka, served by buses. These stops are covered by 12 routes offering 287 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 177 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 41 trips daily across all routes, translating to 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 significant health challenges, as indicated by health data.

Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit high prevalence rates for common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low, with approximately 51% of Kanahooka's total population (~3,108 people) having it. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (8%). In contrast, 60.9% of residents claim to be free from any medical ailments, compared to 63.9% in the Rest of NSW. Kanahooka has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 30.1% (1,825 people), compared to the Rest of NSW's 19%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges largely consistent with those of 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 population was found to be relatively homogeneous culturally, with 80.0% born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kanahooka, comprising 62.9% of its population, compared to 58.1% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestral groups were English (32.5%), Australian (28.2%), and Irish (7.1%).

Notably, Welsh ancestry was higher at 0.9%, Macedonian lower at 1.3%, and Hungarian slightly higher at 0.4%.

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

Kanahooka's median age of 48 years is significantly higher than Rest of NSW's 43 and Australia's national median of 38. The age profile shows a prominent percentage (12.1%) of individuals aged 75-84, compared to the national average of 6%. Meanwhile, the 55-64 age group comprises 10.5%, which is smaller than in Rest of NSW. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 9.4% to 10.9% of Kanahooka's population, 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. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing from 309 to 485 people (an increase of 175 individuals or 57%). Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts.