Kawungan

Population growth drivers in Kawungan are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Kawungan is around 6,011. This represents an increase of 551 people since the 2021 Census when the population was recorded as 5,460. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Kawungan by AreaSearch in June 2024 showed a resident population of 5,818. Since the Census date, an additional 313 validated new addresses have been identified. This results in a population density ratio of 1,062 persons per square kilometer, which is comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kawungan's growth rate of 10.1% since the 2021 Census exceeds both the non-metro area average of 8.8% and the national average, indicating it as a growth leader in the region.

Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a median increase just below Australia's non-metropolitan areas by 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, Kawungan is expected to expand by 555 persons over the next 17 years, reflecting an increase of approximately 3.7% in total population.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Kawungan among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Kawungan shows approximately 79 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 397 homes from FY-20 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 29 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built in Kawungan between FY-21 and FY-25 is 0.7 people per year.

New construction has matched or outpaced demand, offering more housing options and enabling population growth. The average value of new dwellings developed is $417,000, which is under regional levels, indicating accessible housing choices for buyers. In FY-26, there have been $11.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to the Rest of Qld. Kawungan shows comparable development activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area.

Recent construction comprises 85% standalone homes and 15% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 46 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Kawungan is expected to grow by 221 residents through to 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Kawungan has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Marina Square Development, HBC Build Australia Mixed-Use Development, Pinnacle Hervey Bay Estate, and Wondunna Mixed-Use Development (MCU22/0103). The following list details those 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 Kawungan remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Kawungan's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.9% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 6.5% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 2,410 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 1.0% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Kawungan was 45.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, with health care & social assistance particularly notable at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.0% versus the regional average of 4.5%.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 6.5%, while labour force increased by 7.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8%, labour force expand by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Kawungan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 30, 2022, Kawungan had a median income among taxpayers of $42,929 with the average level standing at $53,973. This is lower than national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 for Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year ended June 30, 2022, estimated median income would be approximately $48,935 and average income $61,524 as of September 2025. From the Census conducted on August 10, 2021, household incomes in Kawungan fall between the 6th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 30.1% of population falls within the $800 - $1,499 income range, contrasting with regional leading bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally.

Kawungan is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Kawungan, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 84.4% houses and 15.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kawungan was at 46.4%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (29.5%) or rented (24.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kawungan was $1,408, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Kawungan was recorded at $340, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $335. Nationally, Kawungan's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Kawungan has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.9% of all households, including 22.7% couples with children, 35.5% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Kawungan fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 13.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (30.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education. The area's educational provision includes Kawungan State School and Hervey Bay Special School, serving a total of 982 students. The schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 970) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix consists of 1 primary and 1 K-12 school.

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

The analysis of public transport in Kawungan indicates that there are five active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes. There is one individual route that collectively provides 30 weekly passenger trips across these stops.

The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as moderate, with residents typically located approximately 477 meters from the nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly six weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Kawungan faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 49%, covering around 2,920 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.1%) and mental health issues (9.0%). However, 55.7% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Qld's 56.7%. Kawungan has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.1% (1,929 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 31.0%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's health profile but present some challenges.

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

Kawungan's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 82.7% of its population born in Australia, 90.7% being citizens, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 53.1% of Kawungan's population. Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to the region's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.9%), Australian (27.7%), and Scottish (8.5%). Notably, German (5.4%) and Maori (0.6%) were also overrepresented in Kawungan compared to regional figures of 5.3% and 0.5%, respectively.

Kawungan ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kawungan's median age is 50 years, which is notably older than Rest of Qld's 41 and significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 11.3%, while the 25-34 group is relatively smaller at 9.1% compared to Rest of Qld. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the proportion of Kawungan's population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 9.4% to 10.4%, while the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 11.6% to 9.9%. The 65 to 74 age group has also decreased, from 15.9% to 14.8%. Demographic projections indicate that Kawungan's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to increase considerably, from 360 to 589, an expansion of 228 people (63%). Residents aged 65 and above will contribute to 61% of population growth, highlighting the trend towards demographic aging. Meanwhile, both the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to decrease in number.