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, the suburb of Kawana's population is estimated at around 4780 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 346 people (7.8%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4434 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4558 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional five validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 653 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Kawana's growth of 7.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (6.8%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data for each age cohort. 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 2025 persons to reach 6805 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 41.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval data shows Kawana granted around 5 residential property approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 25 homes. In FY-26 so far, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, 17.6 new residents were associated with every home built between FY-21 and FY-25.

The average construction value of new dwellings was $567,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Kawana has significantly less development activity, being 72.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained supply typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. Nationally, Kawana's development activity is also below average, suggesting 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 724 people. Future projections indicate Kawana adding 2,003 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Rockhampton's Large Format Retail Centre anchored by Anaconda, the redevelopment of the Former Bunnings Site, and the Large Format Retail Development on Moores Creek Road. Additionally, Mildura Rise Estate is noted. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Kawana has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, well-represented essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 6.7% as of September 2025, and stable employment conditions over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. The unemployment rate in Kawana is 2.7% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, with workforce participation at 68.8%, slightly above Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses show that only 2.9% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have affected this figure.

Dominant employment sectors in Kawana include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment in Kawana increased by 0.4% while labour force grew by 1.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points.

In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 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, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Kawana's income level is below the national average according to 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. In comparison, Rest of Qld's figures are $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $52,670 (median) and $62,510 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Kawana rank modestly, between the 22nd and 32nd percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 31.1% of residents (1,486 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, mirroring regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 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

Dwelling structure in Kawana, as evaluated in the latest Census, consisted of 85.9% houses and 14.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro 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 was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Kawana was $255, lower than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $345 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 29.5% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Queensland.

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 at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (32.2%). Educational participation is high at 30.5%, with 10.9% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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 indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low in Kawana, at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,377 people), compared to 52.5% across the rest of Queensland and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Kawana, impacting 10.6 and 9.6% of residents respectively. However, 59.6% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Kawana has 20.5% of residents aged 65 and over (979 people), with health outcomes among seniors presenting some challenges, generally in line with national rankings for the general population.

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

Kawana had a low cultural diversity, with 87.1% being citizens, 87.8% born in Australia, and 92.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 54.0%, slightly higher than the regional average of 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian at 31.6% (higher than the regional average of 26.5%), English at 28.0%, and Scottish at 7.1%.

Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 6.9% compared to the regional average of 3.9%, as were German at 4.6% vs 4.7%, and Filipino 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 Rest of Qld's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 35-44 years shows strong representation at 14.5% compared to Rest of Qld's figure, while the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 10.3%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 13.2% to 14.5% of Kawana's population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 13.5% to 10.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Kawana, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 55%, reaching 1,034 people from its current figure of 669.