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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, Kiama's estimated population is around 8,821 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a growth of 917 people since the 2021 Census, which reported 7,904 residents. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 8,107 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. Kiama's population density is approximately 901 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kiama's growth rate of 11.6% since 2021 exceeds the non-metro area's 5.7%. Overseas migration contributed about 53.0% of recent population gains in Kiama (SA2).

For future projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered areas and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for uncovered areas. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Kiama statistical area (Lv2) is forecasted to grow by 1,987 persons, reflecting a total increase of 14.5% over the 17-year period.

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

Kiama saw approximately 61 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between financial years FY21 to FY25, around 306 homes were approved, with an additional 28 approved in FY26 so far. This results in an average of about 1.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $606,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This year, $3.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character.

Comparatively, Kiama records 11.0% less building activity per person relative to the Rest of NSW and places among the 46th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This suggests somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. Recent construction comprises 61.0% standalone homes and 39.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix providing options across different price points. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Kiama is 358 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 1,282 residents through to 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Kiama 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 has 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.

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 performance in Kiama has been broadly consistent with national averages

Kiama has an educated workforce with strong representation in essential services. Its unemployment rate is 2.6% and it saw a 0.6% employment growth in the year ending September 2025, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of that month, 3759 residents are employed while Kiama's unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation in Kiama lags at 49.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area has a particularly strong specialization in education & training with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census data comparison between working population and resident population. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.6% while labour force increased by 0.3%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points in Kiama. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.5%, labour force contracted by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2260 jobs), with state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Kiama's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Kiama's employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for Kiama for financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers was $48,503, with an average of $70,703. This is higher than the national average and compares to Rest of NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kiama would be approximately $52,800 (median) and $76,967 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Kiama rank modestly between the 39th and 49th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 29.6% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,611 residents), similar to surrounding regions at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kiama, with only 84.0% of income remaining, 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 structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 55.5% houses and 44.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro NSW had 79.0% houses and 21.0% other dwellings. Kiama's home ownership level was 48.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.3% and rented ones at 24.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kiama was $2,167, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent figure was $478, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $430. Nationally, Kiama's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 than the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Kiama were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 30.7%, comprising 28.5% lone person households and 2.1% group households. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

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

Kiama's residents aged 15+ have higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks: 34.0%, compared to SA3 area's 19.9% and Rest of NSW's 21.3%. University qualifications are prevalent with bachelor degrees at 21.9%, postgraduate qualifications at 7.8%, and graduate diplomas at 4.3%. Vocational credentials are also common, with 37.6% holding such qualifications: advanced diplomas at 13.8% and certificates at 23.8%. Educational participation is high, with 25.5% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (9.0%), secondary education (6.1%), and tertiary education (4.1%).

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

Kiama has 66 active public transport stops, consisting of both train and bus services. These stops are served by 27 different routes that together facilitate 3,739 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 162 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 534 daily trips across all routes, which translates to about 56 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kiama is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Kiama faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 55% (~4,840 people) have private health cover, a rate higher than that of the total population. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and asthma (6.7%). Notably, 64.4% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW figure at 65.2%. Kiama has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, with 32.4% (2,858 people), compared to the Rest of NSW's 20.9%.

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

Kiama's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 81.0% born in Australia, 90.6% being citizens, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 54.9%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% in Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.0%), Australian (26.5%), and Irish (11.2%). Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and Scottish (9.0%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.7% and 7.2%, respectively. Maltese, however, was underrepresented at 0.9% compared to the region's 1.3%.

Kiama ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Kiama is 52 years, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW's average of 43 and well above the national norm of 38. The 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented in Kiama at 12.0%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while those aged 15-24 are under-represented at 8.8%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national figure of 6.0%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of Kiama's population in the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 11.0% to 12.0%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.9% to 12.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Kiama, with the strongest projected growth in the 25 to 34 age group at 29%, adding 252 residents to reach a total of 1,126. Conversely, numbers in the 65 to 74 age range are expected to fall by 3%.