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

As of Feb 2026, the population of Kogarah is estimated at around 18,731, reflecting an increase of 2,315 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 550 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 7,204 persons per square kilometer, placing Kogarah in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 14.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (7.6%) and the SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Kogarah. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Kogarah is forecasted to experience a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas. By 2041, the suburb's population is expected to expand by 7,301 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 37.8% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Kogarah recorded around 165 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 828 homes. As of FY-26, 65 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling accommodated 2.6 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting strong demand supporting property values. New homes were built at an average construction cost value of $504,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, $33.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kogarah shows 77.0% higher new home approvals per capita. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. New development consists of 9.0% detached houses and 91.0% townhouses or apartments, promoting higher-density living and creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 222 people per approval, Kogarah reflects a transitioning market.

By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Kogarah's population will grow by 7,088 residents. 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 31 projects likely impacting the region. Key projects are Kogarah North Urban Design Strategy Implementation, Sydney Metro West, Ganellen Kogarah Town Centre Redevelopment, and The Rise. Below is a list detailing 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.

Employment conditions in Kogarah demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Kogarah has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.3% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.3%.

As of this date, 12,746 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Kogarah was 82.0%, higher than Greater Sydney's 70.2%. A significant proportion, 35.4% of residents, worked from home according to Census responses. Employment 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 1.5 times the regional level. However, education & training is under-represented at 5.5% compared to Greater Sydney's 8.9%. The ratio of workers to residents was 0.8 at the Census, indicating a level of local employment opportunities above average. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 5.3% while labour force grew by 5.4%, keeping the unemployment rate stable. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.8% 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Kogarah suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $53,182 and an average of $67,524. These figures are in line with national averages. In comparison, Greater Sydney had a median income of $60,817 and an average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% 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 that incomes in Kogarah cluster around the 60th percentile nationally. The income distribution reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 37.5% of the community (7,024 individuals), aligning with 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 in its latest Census report showed 20.9% houses and 79.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasted with Sydney metro's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kogarah was at 22.2%, lower than Sydney metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (27.8%) or rented (50.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,200, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Kogarah was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Kogarah's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $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 2.7.

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

Educational attainment in Kogarah is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 46.0% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.9% and certificates for 12.2%.

Educational participation is high in the area, with 32.4% 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 serving a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are operated by 24 individual routes, collectively providing 4850 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 131 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode at 48%, followed by train at 31% and walking at 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.6 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 35.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 692 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 68 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kogarah's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows strong health metrics throughout Kogarah. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low, particularly among younger cohorts.

Private health cover was high at approximately 54%, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Common medical conditions included arthritis (4.8%) and asthma (4.4%). 80.8% of residents reported no medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. The area had 13.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,453 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors were above average but ranked lower nationally 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, making up 42.9% of Kogarah's population. Hinduism is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 18.3% versus an average of 5.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (29.4%), Chinese (14.8%), and English (9.5%). Notably, Spanish (1.1%), Greek (6.0%), and Filipino (4.4%) ethnicities are also overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Kogarah's population is younger than the national pattern

Kogarah's median age is 35 years, slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 and the national average of 38. The percentage of residents aged 25-34 is high at 22.4%, compared to Greater Sydney, but those aged 5-14 are less prevalent at 8.6%. This concentration in the 25-34 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 11.3% to 13.0%, while those aged 25-34 have decreased from 23.2% to 22.4%. By 2041, demographic forecasts suggest significant changes in Kogarah's population structure, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to rise substantially by 1,175 people (58%), from 2,041 to 3,217 residents.