Kawungan

Population growth drivers in Kawungan are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the population of the Kawungan statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 6,008 people. This reflects an increase of 548 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,460 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 5,826 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 313 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,061 persons per square kilometer. Kawungan's growth of 10.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area average (8.8%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilized. Looking ahead, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the Kawungan (SA2) expected to expand by 557 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 3.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Kawungan had approximately 83 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 416 homes. As of FY26, 49 approvals have been recorded. On average, about 0.6 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options while supporting population growth.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $416,000. Additionally, $3.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Kawungan has slightly higher development levels, at 14.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

Nationally, Kawungan's level is well above average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists predominantly of standalone homes (85.0%) and attached dwellings (15.0%), preserving Kawungan's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 43 people per dwelling approval, Kawungan exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to gain approximately 226 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Twelve projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, with key ones including Marina Square Development, HBC Build Australia Mixed-Use Development, Wondunna Mixed-Use Development (MCU22/0103), and Pinnacle Hervey Bay Estate. The following list details those likely to be 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.

Employment conditions in Kawungan remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Kawungan has a balanced workforce with equal representation of white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented, unemployment stands at 4.1%, and employment growth over the past year is estimated at 10.0%.

As of September 2025, 2,464 residents are employed, matching Rest of Qld's 4.1% unemployment rate but with lower workforce participation (45.0% vs Rest of Qld's 59.1%). Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, with healthcare showing strong specialization at 1.5 times the regional level while agriculture, forestry & fishing is underrepresented at 1%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 10.0% and labour force grew by 10.1%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate.

In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising to 4.4%. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%, losing 1,210 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, varying significantly between sectors. 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.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 30, 2023 shows median income in Kawungan suburb is $42,929 and average income is $53,973. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ended June 30, 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $47,183 (median) and $59,322 (average) as of September 2025. Kawungan's household, family and personal incomes from the 2021 Census fall between the 6th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that majority of residents (30.1%, or 1,808 people) earn between $800 - 1,499 annually, differing from metropolitan region's dominant bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kawungan, with only 84.5% of income remaining post-housing expenses, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Kawungan, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.4% houses and 15.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kawungan was 46.4%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's figure. Mortgaged dwellings made up 29.5% and rented dwellings accounted for 24.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kawungan was $1,408, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Kawungan was $340, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $335. Nationally, Kawungan's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households making up 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 9.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas comprise 10.8% and certificates make up 30.6%.

Educational participation is high at 25.3%, including 9.4% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis shows five active public transport stops in Kawungan, operating a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by one route collectively offering 30 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 477 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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. Approximately 49% (~2,919 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.1%) and mental health issues (9.0%). Conversely, 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% (1,928 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 31.0%. Senior health outcomes mirror those of the general population.

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. The predominant religion in Kawungan is Christianity, comprising 53.1% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to the region's 0.1%.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (33.9%), Australian (27.7%), and Scottish (8.5%). Notably, German ethnicity is slightly overrepresented at 5.4%, Maori at 0.6%, and Australian Aboriginal at 3.1% compared to regional figures.

Kawungan ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kawungan's median age is 50 years, which is notably higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and significantly greater than the Australian median of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, comprising 11.3%, while the 25-34 group is relatively smaller at 9.1%. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.4% to 10.4%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 11.6% to 10.0%, and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 15.9% to 14.8%. Demographic modeling suggests that Kawungan's age profile will significantly change by 2041, with the 85+ age cohort projected to expand by 229 people (64%), from 360 to 590. Senior residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 61% of population growth, emphasizing demographic aging trends. Both the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.