Kogarah

Kogarah 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, Kogarah's population is estimated at around 18,701 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,285 people (13.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,416 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 18,518 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 530 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 7,192 persons per square kilometer, placing Kogarah in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 13.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (7.5%) and the state level, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for Kogarah statistical area (Lv2), expected to expand by 7,284 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 37.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Kogarah among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Kogarah recorded around 162 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years ending FY-25, totalling an estimated 810 homes. So far in FY-26, 64 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling accommodated approximately 2.7 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating solid demand supporting property values. The average construction cost value of new homes was $504,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $33.3 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kogarah shows 73.0% higher new home approvals per person. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. New development consists predominantly of townhouses or apartments (93.0%), with a smaller proportion of detached houses (7.0%). This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

Kogarah reflects a transitioning market, with around 247 people per approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Kogarah to grow by approximately 7,095 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 31 potential impact projects in total. Key initiatives include Kogarah North Urban Design Strategy Implementation, Sydney Metro West, Ganellen Kogarah Town Centre Redevelopment, and The Rise. Relevant projects are listed below for further detail.

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.

Employment performance in Kogarah ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Kogarah has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.4% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.3%. As of September 2025, 12,642 residents were in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was 62.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. However, education & training is under-represented, with only 5.5% of Kogarah's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.9%. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates a high level of local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.3%, while labour force increased by 4.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data from NSW to 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kogarah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Kogarah's median income among taxpayers was $53,182 and the average was $67,524. These figures align with national averages and compare to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kogarah would be approximately $57,894 (median) and $73,507 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Kogarah cluster around the 60th percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 37.5% of the community (7,012 individuals), similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 19.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 55th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Kogarah features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Kogarah's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 20.9% houses and 79.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 39.8% houses and 60.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kogarah stood at 22.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.8% and rented ones at 50.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, below Sydney metro's average of $2,383. Median weekly rent in Kogarah was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $480. Nationally, Kogarah's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Kogarah features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.3% of all households, including 30.5% couples with children, 25.4% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.7%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 6.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.6.

Kogarah shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Kogarah significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 46.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees lead at 29.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 25.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (12.2%). Educational participation is notably high, with 32.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.7% in tertiary education, 7.8% in primary education, and 5.4% pursuing secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in tertiary education, 7.8% in primary education, and 5.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

Kogarah has 71 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 24 different routes, together facilitating 4850 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically residing 131 meters from the nearest stop.

Services run at an average frequency of 692 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 68 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kogarah's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Kogarah's health outcomes show excellent results, notably for younger age groups with a low prevalence of common conditions.

The area has private health cover at approximately 54%, exceeding the average SA2 area's rate (~10,029 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (4.8%) and asthma (4.4%). A total of 80.8% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 77.5%. Kogarah has 12.5% of its population aged 65 and over (2,337 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 16.4%. Despite this, health outcomes for seniors require more attention due to being above average compared to the broader population.

Kogarah is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kogarah has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 67.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 61.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 42.9%. Hinduism is notably higher than the Greater Sydney average, comprising 18.3% compared to 6.6%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is most represented at 29.4%, followed by Chinese at 14.8% and English at 9.5%. Spanish (1.1%), Greek (6.0%) and Filipino (4.4%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.9%, 8.8% and 2.5% respectively.

Kogarah's population is younger than the national pattern

Kogarah's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 23.2% of Kogarah's population, compared to Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort comprises 8.6%, which is less prevalent than in Greater Sydney. This concentration of people aged 25-34 is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.3% to 13.0% of Kogarah's population. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has decreased from 3.0% to 2.2%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate substantial changes in Kogarah's population. The 45-54 age group is projected to rise significantly, with an increase of 1,181 people (58%), from 2,038 to 3,220.