Kawana

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Kawana's population is estimated at around 4702 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 268 people (6.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4434 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4607 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 642 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Kawana's 6.0% growth since census positions it within 1.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.0%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

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, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national regional areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to grow by 1754 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 35.3% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Kawana 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, Kawana has recorded around 5 residential properties granted approval each year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 26 homes. So far in FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.2 new residents per year have been associated with every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly outpacing supply.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $567,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Rest of Qld, Kawana has significantly less development activity, 70.0% below regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This is also below national average, suggesting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction has been standalone homes, preserving Kawana's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 649 people. Future projections show Kawana adding 1,659 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects potentially impacting the area. Key projects are Former Bunnings Site Redevelopment, Large Format Retail Development Moores Creek Road, Mildura Rise Estate, and Rockhampton Large Format Retail Centre (Anaconda anchor). The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Kawana faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Kawana has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. According to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data, Kawana's unemployment rate is 5.6%.

As of December 2025, 2,253 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.6% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Kawana is lower at 62.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses indicate that only 2.9% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 0.3% of Kawana's workforce compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.9%, and employment decreased by 2.6%, resulting in a fall of 2.2 percentage points in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment grew by 0.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kawana's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Kawana's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Kawana is $47,921, and the average income stands at $56,874. This compares to figures for Regional Qld of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,365 (median) and $63,335 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Kawana, between the 22nd and 32nd percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 31.1% of residents (1,462 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, mirroring regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains, ranking at the 23rd percentile nationally.

Kawana is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The latest Census evaluation showed that Kawana's dwelling structures comprised 85.9% houses and 14.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kawana was at 27.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (33.6%) or rented (38.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kawana was $1,300, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Kawana was recorded at $255, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Kawana's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kawana has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 67.0% of all households, including 24.8% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 17.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 29.5% and group households making up 3.7%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Regional Queensland average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with a rate of 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.3%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 39.7% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (32.2%). Educational participation is high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education at 10.9%, secondary education at 9.9%, and tertiary education at 4.8%.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Kawana is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Kawana faces significant health challenges as assessed by AreaSearch, with high mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% (~2,338 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, impacting 10.6% and 9.6% of residents respectively, while 59.6% claim to be completely clear of ailments compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%.

Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 20.9% of residents aged 65 and over (982 people), with senior health outcomes broadly in line with national rankings.

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

Kawana's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.1% of its population being citizens, 87.8% born in Australia, and 92.0% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Kawana is Christianity, accounting for 54.0% of people, compared to the regional average of 52.2%. In terms of ancestry, Australians make up 31.6%, English 28.0%, and Scottish 7.1% of Kawana's population.

Notably, Australian Aboriginals are overrepresented in Kawana at 6.9% (compared to the regional average of 3.9%), Germans at 4.6% (vs 4.7%), and Filipinos at 2.0% (vs 0.9%).

Kawana's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Kawana is 38 years, which is slightly below Regional Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 35-44 years has a strong representation at 14.5% compared to Regional Queensland, while the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 10.3%. According to data from the post-2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 13.2% to 14.5%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has grown from 9.7% to 11.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 13.5% to 11.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Kawana. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 51%, adding 314 people and reaching a total of 935 from the initial 620. In contrast, the 15 to 24 age group shows minimal growth of just 10% with an increase of 60 people.