Koonawarra

An assessment of population growth drivers in Koonawarra reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Koonawarra's population is estimated at 3,912 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census when it was reported to be 3,732 people. The change, inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 3,808 residents in Jun 2024, shows a growth of 180 people (4.8%). This results in a population density ratio of 1,778 persons per square kilometer. Koonawarra's growth since the Census positions it close to the non-metro area's growth rate. Interstate migration primarily drove this growth, contributing approximately 40% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the Koonawarra (SA2) is expected to expand by 502 persons, reflecting a total gain of 10.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Koonawarra, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Koonawarra has averaged approximately 7 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 39 homes. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 1.4 new residents per year arrived per new home. However, recent figures show this ratio has accelerated to 5.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating increasing demand and tightening supply. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $350,000.

This financial year has seen $5.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential. When measured against the rest of NSW, Koonawarra has significantly less development activity, 67.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. New development consists of 30.0% detached houses and 70.0% attached dwellings, a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 94.0% houses. With around 846 people per dwelling approval, Koonawarra reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Koonawarra will gain 408 residents through to 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Population forecasts indicate Koonawarra will gain 408 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Four projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Cleveland Road Upgrade - West Dapto, M1 Princes Motorway South-Facing Ramps at Dapto, WestPoint Dapto, and West Dapto Urban Release Area.

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 Koonawarra face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Koonawarra's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 10.6% as of September 2025.

Over the past year, employment has been relatively stable. As of that date, 1,558 residents were employed, but this figure is 6.8% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Koonawarra lags behind at 50.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Health care & social assistance is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.2% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population figures. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, labour force decreased by 0.2%, and employment declined by 0.4%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 shows that NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3% during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Koonawarra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows Koonawarra had a median taxpayer income of $45,414 and an average income of $55,987. Both figures are lower than national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,438 (median) and $60,947 (average), based on an 8.86% increase since financial year ending June 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Koonawarra's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 10th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 31.8% of Koonawarra's population (1,244 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to regional levels at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Koonawarra, with only 78.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

Koonawarra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Koonawarra, as per the latest Census data, 93.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 6.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments and other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW where 85.5% of dwellings were houses. Home ownership in Koonawarra stood at 26.7%, with mortgaged properties at 31.0% and rented ones at 42.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Koonawarra was $350, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $365. Nationally, Koonawarra's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $350 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 74.6% of all households, including 26.8% couples with children, 22.9% couples without children, and 22.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the average for the Rest of NSW.

Koonawarra faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 9.1%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 6.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (34.1%). Educational participation is high, with 30.0% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.6% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Koonawarra shows that there are currently 36 active transport stops operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 14 individual routes providing service to the area. This results in 292 weekly passenger trips collectively across these routes.

The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 127 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 41 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Koonawarra is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Koonawarra faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 49% (~1,921 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of NSW's 52.0% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 11.3 and 10.5% respectively.

However, 59.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.9% in Rest of NSW. The area has 16.3% (637 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 19.0% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of the general population.

Koonawarra ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Koonawarra's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.5% of its population being Australian citizens and 83.6% born in Australia. English is spoken exclusively at home by 93.5% of the population. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion, comprising 47.9% of Koonawarra's population.

Notably, the 'Other' religious category had a higher representation in Koonawarra at 0.8%, compared to 0.4% across Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, English was the most represented group at 31.6%, significantly higher than the regional average of 26.1%. Australian and Scottish groups followed with 28.7% and 7.2% respectively. However, there were notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 7.1% compared to the regional average of 3.2%, Macedonian at 1.0% (vs 3.8%), and Spanish at 0.7% (vs 0.9%).

Koonawarra's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Koonawarra is 36 years, significantly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 years. This is also somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes a strong 15.2% of the population in Koonawarra compared to Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 8.7%. According to data from the post-2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has grown from 13.7% to 15.2%, and the 5-14 cohort has declined from 14.4% to 13.4%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Koonawarra. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 27%, reaching a population of 758 from its current total of 594. Conversely, the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.