Kiama

Kiama lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Kiama's estimated population is 8,203 as of May 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 299 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,904. The current population density is 837 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Kiama's compound annual growth rate was 1.7%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains recently. 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 are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Kiama is forecasted to increase by 1,860 persons, reflecting a total increase of 22.6%.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Kiama when compared nationally

Kiama's building approvals data shows around 61 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 306 homes. By FY26, 35 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 accommodates about 1.8 new residents per year. The average construction value of new dwellings is $606,000, indicating a focus on premium properties.

This financial year has seen $3.1 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development activity compared to residential. Kiama's construction activity per person is 11.0% lower than the Rest of NSW average, and it ranks at the 48th percentile nationally, which may limit buyer choices and boost interest in existing dwellings. Recent construction comprises 61.0% standalone homes and 39.0% medium to high-density housing, offering varied price options.

The area has an estimated 350 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts suggest Kiama will gain approximately 1,857 residents by 2041, with development pace keeping up with projected growth but potentially increasing competition among buyers as the population expands.

Kiama has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Akuna Street Mixed-Use Development, South Kiama Urban Release Area, Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan 2041, and Shoalhaven Street Precinct. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch assessment positions Kiama ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Kiama has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.7% as of December 2025, with estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 3,822 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 1.2% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was at 55.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 31.7% of Kiama's residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

The area shows strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.0% of Kiama's workforce compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. From December 2024 to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8%, and labour force increased by 0.7%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Kiama. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Kiama's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Kiama had a median income among taxpayers of $48,503 with an average income of $70,703. These figures are higher than national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from financial year ending June 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income is approximately $53,509 and average income is around $78,000. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, Kiama's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly between the 39th and 49th percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 29.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, which is consistent with regional trends at 29.9%. Kiama faces severe housing affordability pressures, with only 84.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 40th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Kiama displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Kiama's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 55.5% houses and 44.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Kiama's home ownership level was 48.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.3%) or rented (24.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kiama was $2,167, compared to Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for Kiama was recorded at $478, while Regional NSW's average was $330. Nationally, Kiama's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Kiama has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.3% of all households, including 23.8% couples with children, 36.7% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 28.5% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Kiama shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Kiama's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 34.0% of Kiama residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 19.9% in the SA3 area and 21.3% in the Rest of NSW. This high level of educational attainment positions Kiama favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 13.8% while certificates make up 23.8%. Educational participation is notably high in Kiama, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest data. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 6.1% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Kiama has 64 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 27 distinct routes, facilitating 3,739 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 162 meters to the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, Kiama sees most residents commuting outwards. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 89%, while walking accounts for 6%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.3, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 31.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 534 trips per day, translating to approximately 58 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kiama's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Kiama. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch, revealing a low prevalence of common health conditions among the general population.

However, this was higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is fairly high in Kiama, with approximately 55% of the total population (~4,501 people) having it, compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 11.2 and 6.7% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 64.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes for the under-65 population are better than average. Kiama has 33.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,764 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW but ranks lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Kiama has a cultural diversity below average, with 81.0% of its population born in Australia, 90.6% being citizens, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Kiama, making up 54.9% of people there. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (32.0%), Australian (26.5%), and Irish (11.2%). Some ethnic groups have notable divergences: Welsh at 0.9% in Kiama versus 0.5% regionally, Scottish at 9.0% versus 8.0%, and Maltese at 0.9% versus 0.4%.

Kiama ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Kiama is 52 years, significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 and well above the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group is notably over-represented in Kiama at 12.7%, compared to Regional NSW's average, while those aged 15-24 are under-represented at 8.8%. This concentration of the 75-84 cohort is well above the national figure of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 11.0% to 12.7% of Kiama's population, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 14.9% to 12.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Kiama. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 81%, adding 299 residents to reach 669, while the 15-24 cohort grows by a modest 10% (71 people).