Kawana

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

As of Nov 2025, Kawana's population is estimated at around 4743 people. This reflects an increase of 309 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4434 people in the Kawana statistical area (SA2). The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4558 following examination of ABS data released Jun 2024, along with validation of five new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 648 persons per square kilometer. Kawana's growth rate of 7% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the SA4 region (6.7%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 66% of overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. 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, with proportional growth weightings applied where necessary. A significant population increase is forecast for Kawana, with an expected growth of 2018 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 42.9% 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 numbers in Kawana shows approximately 5 residential properties granted approval annually 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 per year are associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25.

This indicates significant demand outpacing supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction value of new dwellings is $567,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Kawana has significantly less development activity, with 72.0% below the regional per capita average. This constrained construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, although building activity has accelerated in recent years. Nationally, Kawana's development activity is also below average, suggesting possible planning constraints.

All new construction in Kawana consists of standalone homes, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. As of now, there are an estimated 724 people per dwelling approval in the area. Future projections estimate Kawana will add 2,035 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely to affect the area. Major projects include Rockhampton Large Format Retail Centre anchored by Anaconda, Former Bunnings Site Redevelopment, Large Format Retail Development Moores Creek Road, and Mildura Rise Estate. 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in Kawana as of September 2025 was 6.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.5% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

In September 2025, 2,432 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 2.6% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Kawana was 56.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, while agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 0.3% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.5%, and labour force increased by 1.4%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicated that national employment was projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates varied significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Kawana's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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, which compares to figures for Rest of Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,670 (median) and $62,510 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Kawana rank modestly, between the 22nd and 32nd percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 31.1% of residents (1,475 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

Dwelling structure in Kawana, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 9 August 2016, comprised 85.9% houses and 14.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kawana was at 27.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.6%) or rented (38.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kawana was $1,300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure for Kawana was recorded at $255, while Non-Metro Qld had a figure of $300 and the national average was $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 make up the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 29.5% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Qld.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 15.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (10.9%), secondary (9.9%), and tertiary (4.8%) levels.

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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 50% (~2,359 people) have private health cover, lower than Queensland's average of 53.7% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 10.6% of residents, while arthritis impacts 9.6%.

Conversely, 59.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in Queensland's rest. Kawana has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.1% (953 people), compared to 18.5% in the rest of Queensland. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile, presenting some challenges.

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 lower cultural diversity, with 87.1% citizens, 87.8% born in Australia, and 92.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 54.0%. This is slightly below Rest of Qld's 56.3%.

Top ancestries were Australian (31.6%), English (28.0%), and Scottish (7.1%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal (6.9%) and German (4.6%) groups were relatively higher than regional averages of 5.1% and 4.9%, respectively. Filipino representation was also higher at 2.0%.

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. The age group of 35-44 has a strong representation at 14.5% compared to Rest of Qld, while the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 10.5%. According to data from the post-2021 Census, 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 decreased from 13.5% to 10.9%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecasted for Kawana. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 61%, reaching a total of 1,030 people from its current figure of 640.