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, Kawana's population is estimated at around 4,690 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 256 people (5.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,434 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,543 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 640 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Kawana has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.4% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 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 Kawana expected to grow by 2,030 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 44.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Kawana recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Kawana has seen limited development activity with an average of 3 approvals per year over five years (19 approvals). This low level reflects the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by local housing needs rather than broader market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth and relativity statistics.

Kawana has substantially lower development levels compared to Rest of Qld and national averages. Recent building activity consists solely of detached dwellings, reflecting the area's rural character with larger properties being typical. There are an estimated 523 people per dwelling approval in Kawana, indicating its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts suggest Kawana will gain 2,100 residents by 2041 (AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Kawana has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones include Rockhampton's Large Format Retail Centre anchored by Anaconda, redevelopment of the former Bunnings site, a large format retail development on 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 has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented.

The unemployment rate in Kawana is 7.3%, compared to the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.7%. As of June 2025, 2442 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.3% above the Rest of Qld's rate.

Workforce participation is lower than average, at 56.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a lower representation in Kawana compared to the regional average. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.7% while labour force increased by 5.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 1.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 2.0%, and an unemployment increase of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Kawana's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against Kawana's employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Kawana is below the national average. The median income is $47,921 while the average income stands at $56,874. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures of a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $54,625 (median) and $64,831 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Kawana, between the 22nd and 32nd percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 31.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,458 residents), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains, ranking at only the 23rd percentile nationally.

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

Kawana's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.9% houses and 14.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kawana stood at 27.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.6% and rented ones at 38.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Kawana was $255, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300. Nationally, Kawana's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and 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% 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's university qualification rate is 15.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, 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%, comprising primary education (10.9%), secondary education (9.9%), and tertiary education (4.8%). Kawana's four schools have a combined enrollment of 2,065 students, with varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 924). The educational mix includes one primary school, one secondary school, and two K-12 schools. The area serves as an education hub with 44.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 17.6, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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% (~2,332 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of Qld's 53.2%, and below the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 10.6% and 9.6% respectively, while 59.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in Rest of Qld.

Kawana has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.1% (942 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 18.5%. Senior health outcomes present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's profile.

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 cultural diversity index below the average, with 87.1% citizens, 87.8% born in Australia, and 92.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 54.0% of Kawana's population compared to 56.3% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.6%), English (28.0%), and Scottish (7.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 6.9%, compared to the regional average of 5.1%. German representation was 4.6%, slightly lower than the regional 4.9%. Filipino representation was also higher at 2.0% compared to the region's 1.0%.

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 years. 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 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.2% to 14.5% of Kawana's population. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 13.5% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Kawana. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 63%, adding 399 people and reaching a total of 1,033 from its current figure of 633.