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2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Kembla Grange lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends
As of Nov 2025, Kembla Grange's population is estimated at around 3,616, reflecting a significant increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,452 people. This growth of 2,164 people (149.0%) was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,426 residents based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 720 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 249 persons per square kilometer. Kembla Grange's growth rate exceeded that of both the non-metro area (5.1%) and its SA3 region, making it a notable growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 77.0% 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, exceptional growth is predicted for Kembla Grange over this period, with an expected expansion of 1,355 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decrease of 16.5% in total over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Kembla Grange among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide
Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Kembla Grange has seen around 135 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 675 homes between FY-20 and FY-24. So far in FY-25, 53 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period.
New construction has matched or outpaced demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations. The average value of new dwellings developed is $430,000, consistent with regional patterns. This financial year has seen $28.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Kembla Grange shows 1415.0% higher development activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 61.0% standalone homes and 39.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 80.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.
The location has approximately 10 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Kembla Grange should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Kembla Grange has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are Brooks Reach Central Precinct, Fair Views Estate, Sydney Water - West Dapto Package 3 (Cleveland), and West Dapto Road Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
West Dapto Urban Release Area
The West Dapto Urban Release Area (WDURA) is the largest urban release area in NSW outside Sydney and Wollongong City Council's longest-running project. It plans for approximately 19,500 new dwellings to accommodate around 59,000 residents over 50+ years across ~3,000-4,500 hectares. The development includes eight centres (three town centres: Bong Bong, Darkes, Marshall Mount; five village centres: Wongawilli, Jersey Farm, Fowlers, Huntley, Avondale), new employment lands, schools, parks, sports facilities, community spaces, major road upgrades (West Dapto Road, Cleveland Road, Fowlers Road), sustainable stormwater management, and riparian corridor protection. As of 2025, road upgrades are underway or recently completed with NSW Government funding support, and the West Dapto Development Contributions Plan 2025 is in force to fund >$1.57 billion in infrastructure.
Stockland Forest Reach - Huntley
Master-planned community at foothills of Illawarra Escarpment featuring around 656 residential homes across 113 hectares, three distinct neighbourhoods, two proposed parks, and 4.7 hectare riparian open space with walking and cycle paths.
M1 Princes Motorway South-Facing Ramps at Dapto
Transport for NSW is planning new south-facing entry and exit ramps to better connect Dapto and nearby suburbs to the M1 Princes Motorway. Options under investigation include locations at Kanahooka Rd, Fowlers Rd or Emerson Rd. Community consultation in late 2023 to early 2024 showed strong support. Planning is ongoing with matched NSW and Australian Government funding for planning and further design.
Brooks Reach Central Precinct
Expansion of the Brooks Reach masterplanned residential community with development approval for a central precinct featuring approximately 170 new residential lots, building on the existing estate to provide family homes in a growing suburb near amenities and transport.
Fair Views Estate
A residential land estate offering spacious lots from 450m2 to 669m2 for family homes, featuring escarpment views, community amenities, and proximity to schools, transport, and natural attractions in the heart of Horsley.
Farmborough Road Large Lot Subdivision
A draft Planning Proposal was prepared for Lot 101 DP 825516 Farmborough Road, Farmborough Heights, to rezone 10.7 hectares of land from RU2 Rural Landscape to E4 Environmental Living to facilitate the subdivision into approximately 30 large residential lots. The proposal also includes the conservation of 7.8 hectares as public reserve. The lot sizes would be a mix of 2,000mý and 5,000mý.
Sanctuary Views Estate
A completed 203-lot master-planned residential subdivision with lots ranging from 306 to 600 square metres, featuring commanding views of Lake Illawarra, the coastline, and the Illawarra Escarpment. The estate includes a pocket park with hilltop views and is positioned opposite the developing Kembla Grange town centre featuring shops, schools, and sporting fields. Located just 15 minutes from Wollongong, the estate offers an escape from city living while maintaining close proximity to coastal attractions and urban amenities.
Waples Road Residential Subdivision
A planning proposal was submitted to Wollongong City Council to rezone land at 220 Waples Road to allow for low-density residential development under a community title scheme. The proposal includes rezoning the southern two-thirds of the site from E3 Environmental Management to E4 Environmental Living and the northern third to E2 Environmental Conservation. It aims to facilitate the development of new housing lots while conserving the riparian corridor through a Property Vegetation Plan.
Employment
Employment conditions in Kembla Grange remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis
Kembla Grange has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 4.1%.
Employment stability has been relatively consistent over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025935 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Kembla Grange is high at 76.9%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.
The area has a notable concentration in finance & insurance, with employment levels at 2.7 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.5% versus the regional average of 5.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, while labour force increased by 0.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kembla Grange's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Kembla Grange had a median income among taxpayers of $66,688 and an average level of $82,343. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to levels of $49,459 and $62,998 across Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $75,097 (median) and $92,726 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Kembla Grange, between the 85th and 92nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 47.3% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, mirroring the regional average of 29.9%. The district demonstrates affluence with 33.1% earning over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 18.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 89th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Kembla Grange is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region
In Kembla Grange, as per the latest Census, 80.2% of dwellings were houses while 19.8% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kembla Grange stood at 12.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 65.6% and rented ones at 21.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,338, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Kembla Grange was $570, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $365. Nationally, Kembla Grange's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,338 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Kembla Grange features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 86.0% of all households, including 49.1% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.0%, with lone person households at 12.4% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Kembla Grange demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics
The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 26.7% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 16.9%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificates at 29.5%.
Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.2% in primary, 5.7% in secondary, and 4.5% in tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Kembla Grange has 21 operational public transport stops offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 25 distinct routes that facilitate 1,085 weekly passenger trips in total. The accessibility of transport in the area is considered good, with residents on average being situated 207 meters away from the nearest stop.
On average, there are 155 daily trips across all routes, which equates to about 51 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Kembla Grange's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups
Kembla Grange has excellent health outcomes, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (2,148 people), compared to 51.4% in Rest of NSW.
The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.2 and 7.8% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 76.0%, report being completely free from medical ailments, higher than the 63.9% across Rest of NSW. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 7.2% (260 people), compared to 19.0% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with those of the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Kembla Grange ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Kembla Grange had low cultural diversity, with 85.0% born in Australia, 92.6% being citizens, and 86.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 57.5%, compared to 58.1% regionally. Top ancestry groups were Australian (28.2%), English (24.8%), and Other (7.4%).
Spanish (1.5%) and Macedonian (2.7%) groups were relatively more represented than regionally, while Serbian was similarly represented at 0.8%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Kembla Grange hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide
Kembla Grange's median age is 29 years, which is significantly younger than Rest of NSW's 43 years and considerably younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The proportion of people aged 25-34 in Kembla Grange stands at 24.0%, higher than Rest of NSW's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.5%. Meanwhile, the 55-64 age group makes up only 4.7% of Kembla Grange's population. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of people aged 25-34 has increased from 23.0% to 24.0%, while the 55-64 age group has decreased from 6.6% to 4.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, population forecasts suggest significant changes in Kembla Grange's demographics. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to increase by -1 person (-17%), decreasing from 10 to 9. Conversely, declines are forecast for both the 85+ and 75-84 age cohorts.