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

The population of Kiama is estimated at around 8,866 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 962 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,904 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 8,107 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 905 persons per square kilometer. Kiama's growth rate of 12.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW's 5.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for Kiama, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For future trends, the suburb is forecast to experience significant population increase by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, with an expected growth of 1,984 persons reflecting a total increase of 13.9% over the 17 years.

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

Kiama has seen approximately 61 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 306 homes were approved, with an additional 28 approved in FY-26. This results in an average of 1.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The market shows a 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. In FY-26, $3.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting Kiama's residential character.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Kiama records 11.0% less building activity per person, while it places among the 46th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This indicates somewhat limited buyer options but strengthens demand for established dwellings. Recent construction comprises 61.0% standalone homes and 39.0% townhouses or apartments, providing options across different price points from family homes to more affordable compact living. The estimated count of 358 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects Kiama's quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Kiama will gain 1,231 residents by 2041. 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 10% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A total of eight projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include 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 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 Kiama has been broadly consistent with national averages

Kiama has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.6% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.6%.

Kiama's unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, but workforce participation lags at 55.5%. A high proportion, 31.7%, of residents work from home as per Census responses, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Kiama has a strong specialization in education & training with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.0% of local workers compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparisons. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Kiama's employment increased by 0.6%, labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment decreased by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw a decrease in employment (-0.5%), a contraction in labour force (-0.1%), and an increase in unemployment (0.4 percentage points). National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kiama's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Kiama's median income among taxpayers is $48,503. The average income in Kiama during this period was $70,703. This is higher than the national average. Comparing to Rest of NSW, Kiama had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $52,800 (median) and $76,967 (average). The 2021 Census shows Kiama's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 39th and 49th percentiles. Most residents in Kiama earn within the range of $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, comprising 29.6% (2,624 residents), similar to surrounding regions where 29.9% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kiama, with only 84.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 40th percentile. Kiama'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

In Kiama, as per the latest Census evaluation, 55.5% of dwellings were houses while 44.4% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's dwelling structure of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Kiama had a higher home ownership rate at 48.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.3% and rented ones at 24.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kiama was $2,167, surpassing Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure stood at $478 compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Kiama's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 high, with 34.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 19.9% in the broader SA3 area and 21.3% in the rest of New South Wales. This indicates a significant educational advantage for Kiama residents, positioning them well 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% and certificates for 23.8%.

Educational participation is notably high in Kiama, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. 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 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 27 routes, serving 3,739 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 162 meters to the nearest stop. Kiama is predominantly residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 89%, while walking accounts for 6%. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.3 per dwelling, 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, equating to approximately 58 weekly trips per 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.

Prevalence of common health conditions was low among the general population, but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover was found to be fairly high, with approximately 55% of the total population (~4,865 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW. The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 11.2 and 6.7% of residents respectively. 64.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 32.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,872 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Rest of 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's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 81.0% born in Australia and 90.6% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 94.1%. Christianity was the dominant religion at 54.9%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (32.0%), Australian (26.5%), and Irish (11.2%). Notable divergences included Welsh (0.9% vs regional 0.5%) and Scottish (9.0% vs 8.0%) being overrepresented, while Maltese was at 0.9% compared to the region's 0.4%.

Kiama ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Kiama is 52 years, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and well above the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Kiama has a notably higher percentage of the 75-84 cohort (12.2% locally vs. average) while the 15-24 year-olds are under-represented (8.7%). The concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population in the 75-84 age group has grown from 11.0% to 12.2%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 14.9% to 12.7%. Population forecasts for Kiama indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 69%, adding 258 residents to reach 631. Conversely, numbers in the 65-74 age range are expected to fall by 10%.