Kembla Grange

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 February 2026, the estimated population of Kembla Grange is around 3,542 people. This represents a significant increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,452 people, marking a growth of 2,090 individuals (143.9%). The latest resident population estimate of 3,536 by AreaSearch, based on the June 2024 ABS ERP data release and additional validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates this substantial growth. This results in a density ratio of 244 persons per square kilometer, suggesting ample space for further development. The suburb's population growth rate surpassed that of both Rest of NSW (5.9%) and its SA3 area, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 77.0% to overall population gains in recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for Kembla Grange are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year for areas not covered by the former. Exceptional growth is predicted for Kembla Grange over the period to 2041, placing it in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally. The area is expected to expand by 3,226 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 90.9% in total population over the 17 years.

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 from statistical area data, Kembla Grange saw around 131 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 657 homes. So far in FY-26, recorded approvals stand at 79. Over these five years, on average, 0.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

The average construction value of new dwellings was $430,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals reached $4.1 million. Compared to Rest of NSW, Kembla Grange shows a 1471.0% higher development activity per person. Recent construction comprises 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% medium and high-density housing. This marks a shift from the current pattern of 80.0% houses. There are approximately 16 people per dwelling approval in the location, indicating an expanding market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kembla Grange is expected to grow by 3,220 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Twelve projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. Key projects include Brooks Reach Central Precinct, Fair Views Estate, Sydney Water - West Dapto Package 3 (Cleveland), and West Dapto Road Upgrade. 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 performance in Kembla Grange has been broadly consistent with national averages

Kembla Grange's workforce is skilled with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.4% as of December 2025. This rate was 0.4% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation lagged at 38.9%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 27.0% of residents worked from home. Employment concentrations were in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Notably, finance & insurance employment was 2.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 0.5%. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 0.3% while labour force rose by 0.7%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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 this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on 30 June 2023, Kembla Grange had a median taxpayer income of $66,457 and an average income of $82,070. These figures are among the highest in Australia, with Regional NSW having median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes are approximately $72,345 (median) and $89,341 (average). The 2021 Census places Kembla Grange's household, family, and personal incomes between the 85th and 92nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 47.3% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, mirroring the regional figure of 29.9%. The suburb exhibits affluence with 33.1% earning over $3,000 per week. Housing costs consume 18.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 89th percentile. Kembla Grange's SEIFA income ranking is in the 8th decile.

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, with the remaining 19.8% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is similar to Regional NSW's dwelling structure, which was 82.6% houses and 17.4% 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 in the area was $2,338, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Kembla Grange was $570, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Kembla Grange's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,338 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Kembla Grange features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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%, surpassing the SA3 average of 16.9%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.4% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificates at 29.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.2% currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.2% in primary, 5.7% in secondary, and 4.5% in tertiary education.

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

Kembla Grange has 24 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 27 individual routes, facilitating 1,131 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents typically located 182 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 97%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 27.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 161 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 47 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Kembla Grange is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Kembla Grange shows superior health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (2,101 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.2 and 7.8% of residents respectively, while 76.0% report being completely free of medical ailments, higher than the 63.3% in Regional NSW. Under-65 population health outcomes are better than average. The area has 7.2% of residents aged 65 and over (255 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings higher than those for the general population.

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 a cultural diversity index below the average, with 85.0% of its population born in Australia, 92.6% being citizens, and 86.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kembla Grange, comprising 57.5% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (28.2%), English (24.8%), and Other (7.4%).

Notably, Spanish (1.5%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.3%, as were Macedonian (2.7% vs 0.4%) and Serbian (0.8% vs 0.2%) groups.

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 younger than Regional NSW's median age of 43 and the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 22.2% of Kembla Grange's population, higher than Regional NSW but lower than the national average of 14.4%. The 55-64 age group comprises 4.3%, less prevalent compared to Regional NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 17.0% to 18.9%, while the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 6.6% to 4.3%. Population forecasts for Kembla Grange in 2041 suggest significant demographic changes, with the 25-34 age group projected to rise by 736 people (94%), from 786 to 1,523.