Port Kembla

Port Kembla is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Port Kembla is around 5,035, reflecting a decrease of 53 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was reported as 5,088 people. This recent estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of ABS data released in June 2024, which indicated a resident population of 5,022. This results in a density ratio of 364 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections until 2041, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered areas and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for uncovered areas. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 14 persons by 2041, while specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 group are projected to increase by 111 people.

The level of residential development activity in Port Kembla is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Port Kembla indicates approximately 13 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 65 homes. As of FY26, two approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline suggests new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $425,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $4.6 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. New building activity shows 75% standalone homes and 25% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1019 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Port Kembla should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Port Kembla 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 has identified 23 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library, Port Kembla Energy Terminal, Warrawong Plaza Redevelopment, and Former Port Kembla Public School Site Residential Development. The following list details 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 Port Kembla face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Port Kembla has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 18.5% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of that date, 1,934 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 14.5% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Port Kembla was somewhat below standard at 56.9%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. A moderate 24.3% of residents worked from home, based on Census responses, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area has a particularly notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.3% versus the regional average of 5.3%. As of the Census, there were 0.8 workers for each resident, indicating a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.0%, while employment declined by 2.2%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 2.6 percentage points, according to AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Port Kembla. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Port Kembla's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though it should be noted this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Port Kembla's median taxpayer income is $56,981 and average is $70,212 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $62,030 (median) and $76,433 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Port Kembla fall between the 19th and 20th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 27.9% of residents (1,404 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, consistent with broader trends across regional levels where 29.9% fall in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 19th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Port Kembla, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.0% houses and 23.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Kembla was at 39.1%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (26.5%) or rented (34.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $340, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Port Kembla's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $340 compared to the national figure of $375.

Port Kembla features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 65.3% of all households, including 25.2% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 16.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the Regional NSW average.

Port Kembla shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 18.0%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (27.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.3% in primary, 6.4% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education.

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

Port Kembla has 57 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 34 different routes, providing a total of 2,146 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 139 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility. Most residents commute outward due to Port Kembla's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 24.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 306 trips per day, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Port Kembla is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Port Kembla faces significant health challenges, as per AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 55% (~2,751 people) have private health cover, compared to Regional NSW's 51.9%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 9.8 and 9.5% of residents respectively. About 64.5% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.9% (1,001 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Port Kembla was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Kembla, surveyed in June 2016, exhibited higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.0% of its population born overseas and 25.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Port Kembla as of 2016, comprising 61.7% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Port Kembla were English (22.3%), Australian (21.9%), and Macedonian (11.9%).

These figures notably differed from regional averages: English was lower at 30.5%, Australian was lower at 30.0%, and Macedonian was substantially higher at 0.4%. Other ethnic groups with notable differences included Hungarian (0.7% vs 0.2%), Spanish (0.9% vs 0.3%), and Serbian (0.8% vs 0.2%).

Port Kembla's median age exceeds the national pattern

Port Kembla's median age is 42 years, similar to Regional NSW's average of 43 but considerably older than Australia's average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent at 14.4%, while the 65-74 group is comparatively smaller at 10.4% compared to Regional NSW. Between 2021 and now, the population aged 0-4 has grown from 5.8% to 7.6%, while those aged 25-34 increased from 13.0% to 14.4%. Conversely, the population aged 5-14 has declined from 11.3% to 10.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Port Kembla. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 22%, adding 72 residents to reach 400. In contrast, population declines are projected for those aged 85 and above and the 5-14 age group.