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

The suburb of Kingscliff had an estimated population of 9,058 as of Feb 2026, reflecting a growth of 703 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents an 8.4% rise from the previous figure of 8,355 residents. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 8,755 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of additional 225 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,442 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kingscliff's population growth of 8.4% since the 2021 Census exceeded that of its SA4 region (4.1%) and SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this population increase 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. Based on projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected for locations outside of capital cities, with Kingscliff projected to grow by 1,744 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Kingscliff among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Kingscliff has averaged approximately 66 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 333 homes were approved, with an additional 44 approved in FY-26 so far. This translates to about 1.3 new residents arriving annually for each new home over the past five financial years.

The average construction value of these new properties is approximately $1,037,000, indicating a focus on premium segment development. In FY-26 alone, there have been around $511.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Kingscliff shows 158.0% higher development activity per person. New developments consist of approximately 54.0% standalone homes and 46.0% attached dwellings, offering a mix of medium-density options across various price brackets.

Currently, Kingscliff reflects around 126 people per approval, indicating a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Kingscliff is expected to grow by approximately 1,441 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely to affect 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.

The labour market strength in Kingscliff positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Kingscliff has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.6%. Employment stability over the past year has been relatively stable.

As of December 2025, 4068 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, lower than Regional NSW's 3.9%. Workforce participation in Kingscliff is 56.0%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 23.6% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Kingscliff has a high specialization in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.2% compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Kingscliff's labour force decreased by 0.3%, with a 0.2% decline in employment, leaving unemployment broadly unchanged. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2%, the 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. Applying these projections to Kingscliff's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Kingscliff suburb is $49,257 and average income is $74,478. This compares to Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.86% from July 2023 to June 2025, estimated current incomes are approximately $53,621 (median) and $81,077 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Kingscliff rank between the 39th and 44th percentiles. Income distribution shows 28.2% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, similar to metropolitan regions at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 82.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 38th percentile. Kingscliff's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Kingscliff displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Kingscliff's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 61.8% houses and 38.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kingscliff stood at 43.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.7% and rented ones at 29.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Kingscliff was recorded at $490, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Kingscliff's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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 Regional 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 average of 21.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificates at 23.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.8% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 4.0% in 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 bus services. These are covered by 61 routes offering 785 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent accessibility, with an average distance of 180 meters to the nearest stop. As a residential area, most commute outward using cars (91%), followed by walking (5%). Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below regional norms. In 2021 Census data, possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions, 23.6% of residents worked from home.

Service frequency averaged 112 trips daily across all routes, about 15 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Kingscliff is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Kingscliff exhibits superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notably low across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 56% (~5,105 people) have private health cover, higher than Regional NSW's 51.9%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.8%) and asthma (7.7%). About 66.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Under-65 residents show better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 28.3% (2,563 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Kingscliff was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 84.5% of its population born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Kingscliff is Christianity, comprising 54.2% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (33.1%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (11.5%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented in Kingscliff at 8.9%, compared to 8.0% regionally, while Samoan ancestry is also higher at 0.2% versus 0.1%. French ancestry stands at 0.5%, slightly above the regional average of 0.4%.

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

Kingscliff's median age at 47 years is significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 and substantially exceeds the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 15.4% of the population, which is well above the national average of 9.5%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group comprises only 7.3%, smaller than in Regional NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.2% to 10.9%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 14.0% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 12.9% to 11.7% and the 55 to 64 age group dropped from 14.8% to 13.6%. By 2041, Kingscliff's population is expected to show notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age group will grow by 94%, reaching 649 people from 335. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 56% of the demographic growth. In contrast, the 15 to 24 age cohort is expected to show minimal growth of just 0%.