Kingscliff

Kingscliff 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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025 the Kingscliff statistical area's population is estimated at around 9,002 people. This reflects an increase of 647 people (7.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,355 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 8,755 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,433 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kingscliff's 7.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.9%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

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 project an above median growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with the Kingscliff (SA2) expected to grow by 1,769 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 14.8% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Kingscliff when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Kingscliff recorded approximately 61 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 306 homes were approved, with an additional 41 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 1.4 new residents arrived per year for each new home over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new properties was approximately $1,037,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY26, there have been $511.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Kingscliff shows 138.0% higher development activity per person. This should provide buyers with ample choice.

New developments consist of approximately 56.0% standalone homes and 44.0% attached dwellings, offering an expanding range of medium-density options across various price brackets. With around 156 people per approval, Kingscliff reflects a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Kingscliff is expected to grow by approximately 1,330 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Uniting Kingscliff Redevelopment, Marine & Pearl, Bells Boulevard Kingscliff - Stage 3, and Kai Kingscliff. 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Kingscliff significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Kingscliff has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.6% as of AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

By September 2025, 4,013 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Kingscliff matched Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries included health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area had a notable specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 1.2% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Kingscliff's labour force decreased by 2.3%, with employment declining by 2.0%, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, the labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Statewide, NSW's employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kingscliff's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, assuming constant population levels for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Kingscliff suburb has high national incomes. The median income is $49,257 and the average income stands at $74,478. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures: a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,621 (median) and $81,077 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Kingscliff rank modestly, between the 39th and 44th percentiles. Distribution data indicates that the largest segment comprises 28.2% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,538 residents), similar to the metropolitan region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kingscliff, with only 82.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 38th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Kingscliff displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Kingscliff's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 61.8% houses and 38.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 66.3% houses and 33.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kingscliff stood at 43.1%, with mortgaged properties at 27.7% and rented ones at 29.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,872. The median weekly rent in Kingscliff was $490, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Kingscliff's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,200 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Kingscliff has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 69.3% of all households, including 26.9% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Rest of NSW average.

The educational profile of Kingscliff exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 28.8%, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA3 area rate of 21.5%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.7% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificates at 23.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Kingscliff has 52 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 61 different routes that together offer 785 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 180 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 112 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kingscliff is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Kingscliff faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 56%, covering about 5,073 people, compared to 50.2% across the Rest of NSW.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.8 and 7.7% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point six percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.2% across the Rest of NSW. The area has 27.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,466 people), higher than the 26.1% in the Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Kingscliff, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census conducted on 29 August 2016, exhibits lower than average cultural diversity. The majority of its population, 84.5%, was born in Australia, with 90.5% being citizens and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kingscliff, comprising 54.2% of the population, slightly higher than the 51.3% recorded across the Rest of NSW region.

The top three ancestry groups based on country of birth of parents are English (33.1%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (11.5%). Notable differences in ethnic group representation include Scottish, which is relatively overrepresented at 8.9% compared to the regional average of 8.7%, Samoan at 0.2% versus 0.1%, and French at 0.5% matching the regional average.

Kingscliff hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Kingscliff's median age at 47 years is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and exceeds the national average of 38 by a substantial margin. The age profile indicates that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 15.1% of the population, while the 25-34 age group is comparatively smaller at 7.0%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.2% to 10.8%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has increased from 14.0% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group has declined from 11.8% to 10.5%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 14.8% to 13.7%. By 2041, Kingscliff is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 96%, reaching 635 people from the current 324. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who are projected to comprise 60% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age cohorts.