Kiama Downs

Kiama Downs is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Kiama Downs statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 4,999, a decrease of 88 people from the 2021 Census figure of 5,087. This decline is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 4,995 residents based on latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and validation of four new addresses since the Census date. The population density stands at 1,315 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 53% to overall population gains in recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data.

Future population trends suggest lower quartile growth, with Kiama Downs (SA2) expected to increase by 145 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 2.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Kiama Downs, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Kiama Downs has seen around 16 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years ending FY26, totalling approximately 80 homes. As of now in FY26, there have been 5 approvals. The area's population decline has been accompanied by adequate development activity relative to its size, which may benefit buyers as new dwellings are developed at an average cost of $647,000, indicating a focus on premium properties.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Kiama Downs has significantly less development activity, with 65.0% fewer approvals per person. This limited new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Additionally, Kiama Downs' development level is lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments consist of 72.0% standalone homes and 28.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suitable for buyers seeking space. This represents a shift from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses at 93.0%. The population density per approval in Kiama Downs is around 355 people, indicating a mature market.

Future projections estimate Kiama Downs to add 124 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a single project likely to impact the area: Bombo Precinct, Springside Hill, Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan 2041, New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services are key projects. The following 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.

The labour market in Kiama Downs shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Kiama Downs has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025, 2643 residents are employed, with a 1.6% lower unemployment rate compared to Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation is 60.2%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, education & training has a share of employment 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 0.6% of Kiama Downs's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, labour force by 0.3%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5% and labour force decline by 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts indicate employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Kiama Downs's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Kiama Downs' income level is above average nationally according to AreaSearch data based on ATO figures for financial year 2023. Kiama Downs' median income among taxpayers was $52,934 and the average income stood at $77,163 compared to Rest of NSW's $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. With an 8.86% increase since financial year 2023 due to Wage Price Index growth, current estimates are approximately $57,624 (median) and $84,000 (average) as of September 2025. Kiama Downs' incomes cluster around the 67th percentile nationally according to Census 2021 data. The distribution shows 32.4% of individuals earning between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly and 30.7% above $3,000/week. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. Kiama Downs' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Kiama Downs is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Kiama Downs' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.8% houses and 7.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 79.0% houses and 21.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kiama Downs stood at 47.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.5% and rented ones at 13.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, surpassing Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Kiama Downs was $490, higher than Non-Metro NSW's $430. Nationally, Kiama Downs' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,200 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 83.0% of all households, including 38.3% couples with children, 34.4% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 17.0%, with lone person households at 16.0% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

Kiama Downs demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Kiama Downs, residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion of university qualifications compared to broader areas: 30.1% versus 19.9% in the SA3 area and 21.3% in the Rest of NSW. The most common university qualification is bachelor degrees at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.2% and graduate diplomas at 3.9%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 40.9% of residents holding such qualifications: advanced diplomas at 13.5% and certificates at 27.4%. Educational participation is high in Kiama Downs, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.1%), secondary education (8.6%), and tertiary education (3.7%).

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

The analysis shows that Kiama Downs has 68 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 13 different routes, offering a total of 219 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 105 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 31 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Kiama Downs are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Kiama Downs shows lower-than-average health outcomes, with common conditions more prevalent than average across all age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 57%, compared to 53.8% in Rest of NSW (2021 data).

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis and mental health problems, affecting 9.0% and 8.1% respectively. 67.8% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the 65.2% average across NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65+, at 25.2% (1,259 people), compared to 20.9% in Rest of NSW (2020 census). Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and better than the general population.

Kiama Downs is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Kiama Downs, as per a study conducted in 2016, showed lower cultural diversity with 86.8% of its population born in Australia, 92.9% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kiama Downs, accounting for 53.5%, compared to 57.3% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.0%), Australian (29.0%), and Scottish (9.9%).

Notably, Macedonian, Irish, and Maltese populations were higher than regional averages: Macedonian at 0.5% vs 1.9%, Irish at 9.8% vs 7.6%, and Maltese at 0.6% vs 1.3%.

Kiama Downs hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Kiama Downs has a median age of 43, matching Rest of NSW's figure and exceeding Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 65-74 are notably prevalent (15.3%), while those aged 25-34 are comparatively less common (6.7%) than in the Rest of NSW. This concentration of individuals aged 65-74 is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 10.6% to 13.2%, while those aged 75 to 84 have increased from 5.3% to 7.5%. Conversely, the age group of 55 to 64 has decreased from 14.5% to 11.6%, and those aged 25 to 34 have dropped from 8.9% to 6.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kiama Downs's age structure. Notably, the population aged 75 to 84 is expected to grow by 31%, reaching 493 individuals from its current figure of 374. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 15 to 24 and 55 to 64.