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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Kingscliff's population is estimated at around 8,732 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 377 people (4.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,355 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,590 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 1,390 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kingscliff's 4.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.3%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the 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 also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,766 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers derived from statistical area data, Kingscliff has annually recorded around 52 residential properties granted approval. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 262 homes were approved, with an additional 25 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.7 new residents per year have arrived for each new home over these five financial years, indicating balanced supply and demand, stable market conditions, and a focus on premium properties with upmarket construction values averaging $1,037,000.

In the current financial year, commercial approvals totaled $659.2 million, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Kingscliff exhibits 104.0% higher development activity per person, offering buyers ample choice. New developments consist of 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% attached dwellings, providing an expanding range of medium-density options across various price brackets. With around 155 people per approval, Kingscliff reflects a low-density area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Kingscliff is projected to grow by 1,597 residents through to 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Kingscliff has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones 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 a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 1.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 3915 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 2.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation matches Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Kingscliff specializes in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.2% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population counts. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.8%, alongside a 4.4% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.1%, the labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall 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 and does not consider localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2022 shows median income in Kingscliff at $49,257 and average income at $74,478. For Rest of NSW, median income was $49,459 and average income was $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% from July 2022 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $55,468 (median) and $83,870 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks Kingscliff between the 39th and 44th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Distribution shows 28.2% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,462 residents), 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

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

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

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

Educational participation is high at 27.1%, including primary education (9.8%), secondary education (8.0%), and tertiary education (4.0%). Kingscliff's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,723 students, serving typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1039). The area has two primary schools and one secondary school, with capacity exceeding residential needs (19.7 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 14.2), indicating it serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis shows 41 active stops in Kingscliff serviced by buses. These stops are covered by 61 routes offering 772 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 181 meters.

Service frequency averages 110 daily trips, with approximately 18 weekly trips per 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% of the total population (~4921 people), compared to 49.3% across Rest of NSW.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis, impacting 9.8% of residents, and asthma, affecting 7.7%. A total of 66.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.2% across Rest of NSW. The area has 27.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2401 people), which is higher than the 26.1% in 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's population was found to have low cultural diversity, with 84.5% born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kingscliff, accounting for 54.2%, compared to 51.3% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (33.1%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (11.5%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry is slightly higher at 8.9% in Kingscliff versus 8.7% regionally, Samoan is at 0.2% compared to 0.1%, and French remains the same at 0.5%.

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 those aged 25-34 comprise only 7.0%, both figures being higher than the Rest of NSW averages and well above the national average for the 65-74 age group (9.4%). Between 2021 and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.2% to 10.8%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has risen from 14.0% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group has decreased from 11.8% to 10.5%, and the 55 to 64 group has fallen from 14.8% to 13.7%. By 2041, Kingscliff's population is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 102%, reaching 636 people from a starting point of 314. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who are expected to comprise 56% of the total population growth. In contrast, the 5 to 14 age group is projected to show minimal growth, with an increase of just 0 people.