Kurri Kurri

Kurri Kurri has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Kurri Kurri statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,817, reflecting a 10.4% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 6,174 people. This growth was inferred from an estimated resident population of 6,566 in June 2024 and 67 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 1,347 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Kurri Kurri's growth rate surpassed both the non-metro area (5.7%) and state levels, making it a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 68% of overall population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of locations outside capital cities, with Kurri Kurri (SA2) expected to grow by 38.4% to around 9,365 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Kurri Kurri averaged around 42 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 213 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. Assuming an average of 5 new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, demand significantly exceeds supply, potentially driving price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $351,000.

In FY-26, there have been $5.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to Rest of NSW, Kurri Kurri shows approximately 66% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 69th percentile nationally. New building activity comprises 79.0% detached dwellings and 21.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes.

With around 192 people per approval, Kurri Kurri reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kurri Kurri is expected to grow by 2,619 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting the region: Kurri Kurri Lateral Pipeline (KKLP) and Storage Project, Hunter Power Project (Kurri Kurri Power Station), Hunter Regional Plan 2041, Heddon Greta South Road and Drainage Improvements.

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Employment drivers in Kurri Kurri are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Kurri Kurri has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 6.1%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 2,951 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 2.2% above Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Kurri Kurri is somewhat below standard, at 53.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries employing residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing is particularly prominent, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.1% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Kurri Kurri's labour force decreased by 2.1%, with employment declining by 1.9%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kurri Kurri's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The suburb of Kurri Kurri had a median taxpayer income of $46,605 and an average of $54,635 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. By September 2025, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $50,734 and average income $59,476, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Kurri Kurri fall between the 16th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 31.5% (2,147 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to surrounding regions at 29.9%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 82.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 16th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Kurri Kurri, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.2% houses and 16.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 90.9% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kurri Kurri was at 30.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.9% and rented dwellings at 34.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,417, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Kurri Kurri was $320, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $340. Nationally, Kurri Kurri's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,417 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kurri Kurri features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.8% of all households, including 24.1% couples with children, 22.9% couples without children, and 17.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 8.7%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.1%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (34.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Kurri Kurri has 50 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 47 different routes that together facilitate 678 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 191 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 96 trips per day, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Kurri Kurri faces significant health challenges, affecting both younger and older age groups. As of approximately 2022, around 49% (~3,312 people) have private health cover, compared to 53.7% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues impact 12.7% of residents, while arthritis affects 10.7%.

Around 56.7% claim no medical ailments, compared to 62.6% in Rest of NSW. Approximately 17.6% (1,199 people) are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

The latest Census data sees Kurri Kurri placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kurri Kurri, as per the findings, has a lower than average cultural diversity. Its population is predominantly Australian citizens, with 92.1%. The majority were born in Australia, at 94.2%, and speak English only at home, at 97.9%.

Christianity is the primary religion, practiced by 51.8% of residents, compared to 55.7% across Rest of NSW. Regarding ancestry, Australians make up 34.0%, English 32.3%, and Australian Aboriginal 8.4% of Kurri Kurri's population. Notably, Scottish ancestry is relatively higher at 8.4%, compared to the regional average of 8.2%. Samoan ancestry is also slightly more prevalent at 0.2%, versus 0.1% regionally, and Macedonian ancestry is present at 0.1%, whereas it's not reported in the broader region.

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

The median age in Kurri Kurri is 37 years, which is lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 17.8%, while those aged 65-74 are smaller in number at 9.9% compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the median age has decreased by 1 year from 38 to 37 years, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 15.4% to 17.8%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 10.4% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.3% to 11.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Kurri Kurri, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 50%, reaching 1,821 people from 1,213.