Kotara

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

As of Feb 2026, Kotara's population is estimated at around 4,260, reflecting an increase of 280 people since the 2021 Census. This growth rate of 7.0% exceeds that of Rest of NSW (5.9%) and the SA4 region, marking Kotara as a growth leader in the area. The population density is 1,704 persons per square kilometer, above national averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch projects Kotara's population to increase by 249 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 4.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, as 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 249 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 4.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Kotara according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Kotara recorded approximately 14 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 70 homes. In FY-26, so far, 34 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 2.4 people moved to Kotara per new home constructed annually.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $506,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year has seen $6.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Building activity shows 44.0% detached dwellings and 56.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 88.0% houses). Kotara has around 344 people per dwelling approval, indicating a developing market.

Future projections estimate Kotara's population to grow by approximately 175 residents through to 2041, based on current development patterns and demand conditions.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Westfield Kotara Mixed-Use Redevelopment, Kotara Transport Oriented Development Precinct, Uniting Charlestown, and Woolworths Broadmeadow - Stage 1 Demolition. The following list outlines those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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 employment environment in Kotara shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Kotara has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.9% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth of 0.7%. As of December 2025, there were 2,425 residents employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.0% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Kotara was higher at 73.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 32.8% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Kotara had a strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 0.1% compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%.

The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.9 as of the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 0.7%, and labour force grew by 1.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Kotara's employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Kotara's employment mix.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Kotara has a higher income level than the national average, according to AreaSearch data aggregated from the ATO for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Kotara is $58,021, with an average income of $73,239. These figures compare to Regional NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kotara would be approximately $63,162 (median) and $79,728 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Kotara cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 31.9% of residents (1,358 people), aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 29.9%. Economic strength is evident through 31.0% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 15.0% of income, while strong earnings rank residents within the 72nd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Kotara is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Kotara, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kotara was at 36.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (42.4%) or rented (21.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was $460, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Kotara's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Kotara were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Kotara features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.6% of all households, including 34.3% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Kotara aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Kotara is notably high. Among residents aged 15 and above, 33.0% have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 26.1% in the SA4 region. The most common university qualification is a bachelor degree, held by 22.7% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.4%, while certificates make up 23.0%. Educational participation is high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.7% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Kotara has 61 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 48 different routes, collectively facilitating 2,359 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 126 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward; cars remain dominant at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 32.8% work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 337 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 38 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Kotara are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Kotara's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population, around 2,380 people, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW. Mental health issues impact 9.2% of residents, while asthma affects 8.8%. About 67.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The under-65 population shows better than average health outcomes. Kotara has 15.7% of residents aged 65 and over, around 668 people, which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Kotara's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.4% of its population born in Australia, 92.7% being citizens, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Kotara, making up 47.6% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.5%), Australian (27.9%), and Scottish (9.2%).

Notable divergences included Welsh at 0.9% in Kotara vs 0.5% regionally, Macedonian at 1.1% vs 0.4%, and Hungarian at 0.3% vs 0.2%.

Kotara's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Kotara's median age is 38, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but equal to Australia's national norm of 38. The age group of 35-44 years old makes up 14.8% of Kotara's population, higher than Regional NSW's percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 age group constitutes only 6.7%. According to the 2021 Census, Kotara's 25 to 34 age group has increased from 12.5% to 14.0%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 10.5% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Kotara's age profile. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 20%, adding 120 people and reaching a total of 717. Meanwhile, population declines are anticipated for the 5-14 and 55-64 age groups.