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 population 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 is inferred from the resident population of 8,107 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 214 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 905 persons per square kilometer. Kiama's 12.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in Kiama's top quartile of regional areas nationally, with an expected increase of 1,983 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 13.8% over the 17 years.

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

Kiama averaged around 61 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 306 homes were approved, with another 27 in FY-26. On average, 1.8 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years.

The average construction value of new properties was $606,000, indicating a focus on premium market segments. This financial year saw $3.1 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Kiama's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Kiama had 11.0% less building activity per person and ranked at the 48th percentile nationally, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice favouring existing properties.

Recent construction comprised 61.0% standalone homes and 39.0% attached dwellings, offering options across various price points. The area had an estimated 351 people per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet development environment. Future projections estimate Kiama to add 1,224 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are Akuna Street Mixed-Use Development, South Kiama Urban Release Area, Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan 2041, and Shoalhaven Street Precinct. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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

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The employment environment in Kiama shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Kiama has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.7% as of an unspecified past year. Employment growth over that year was estimated at 0.6%.

As of December 2025, Kiama's unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, with workforce participation at 55.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 31.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Kiama shows strong specialization in education & training with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.0% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, labour force by 0.5%, reducing unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2%, labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across 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 extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Kiama suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $48,503 and an average of $70,703. Both figures exceed the national averages. In comparison, Regional NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes for Kiama would be approximately $52,800 (median) and $76,967 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Kiama ranked modestly, between the 39th and 49th percentiles. The majority of residents, 2,624 individuals or 29.6%, earned between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, a pattern also seen in surrounding regions where 29.9% fell within this income range. 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 structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 55.5% houses and 44.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Kiama's home ownership rate was 48.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.3% and rented dwellings at 24.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kiama was $2,167, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Kiama was $478, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Kiama's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus 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%. 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 exceeds broader standards: 34.0% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to 19.9% in the SA3 area and 21.3% in Rest of NSW. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent with 37.6% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.8%) and certificates (23.8%). Educational participation is high, with 25.5% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.0% in primary, 6.1% in secondary, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, 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 stops are served by 27 routes, collectively facilitating 3,739 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 162 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes are outward-bound due to Kiama's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode at 89%, while walking comprises 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 31.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 534 trips daily across all routes, equating 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.

Prevalence of common health conditions was low among the general population, but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 55% of the total population (~4,865 people) had private health cover, compared to 51.9% across Regional 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 Regional NSW. Under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. The area has 32.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,899 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's cultural diversity was found to be 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, comprising 54.9% of people there. However, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.2% of Kiama's population compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

The top three ancestry groups are English (32.0%), Australian (26.5%), and Irish (11.2%). Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and Scottish (9.0%) populations in Kiama are higher than the regional averages of 0.5% and 8.0%, respectively. Additionally, Maltese representation is notably higher at 0.9% compared to Regional NSW's average of 0.4%.

Kiama ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Kiama is 52 years, which is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 and also above the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Kiama at 12.3%, compared to Regional NSW's average and the national figure of 6.1%. Conversely, the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 8.7% locally. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 cohort has grown from 11.0% to 12.3%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 9.1% to 10.2%. During this period, the 55-64 age group declined from 14.9% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for Kiama in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 68%, adding 257 residents to reach a total of 639. Meanwhile, numbers in the 65-74 age range are expected to fall by 17%.