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 per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by them, the suburb of Port Kembla had an estimated population of around 5041 as of May 2026. This figure reflects a decrease of 47 people from the 2021 Census count of 5088. AreaSearch's estimate is based on the resident population of 5015, derived from their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density in Port Kembla was calculated as 364 persons per square kilometer at this time. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69% of overall population gains in recent periods for the suburb.

AreaSearch's projections for Port Kembla are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, with a base year of 2022 for covered SA2 areas. For non-covered areas, they utilise 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 the years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Port Kembla's population is expected to decline by 29 persons by 2041. However, growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, notably the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to increase by 86 people over this period.

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

Port Kembla has received approximately 13 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, this totals an estimated 65 homes. As of FY26, two approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline suggests that new supply is keeping pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings in Port Kembla is $425,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $4.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's primarily residential nature.

New building activity comprises 75% standalone homes and 25% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1007 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. With a stable or declining population expected, Port Kembla may see reduced housing pressure, potentially creating buying opportunities.

Port Kembla 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 identified 23 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives 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 expected 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.

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. Its unemployment rate was 18.6% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. By December 2025, 1,901 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 14.7%, significantly higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Port Kembla was somewhat below standard at 55.5% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, a moderate 24.3% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area notably has high employment levels in transport, postal & warehousing, 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 0.5%, but employment declined by 2.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.8 percentage points. 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 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these 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 this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Port Kembla suburb has a median taxpayer income of $56,981 and an average income of $70,212 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2023. These figures are higher than national averages. Regional NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32%, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $62,861 (median) and $77,458 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Port Kembla's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 19th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 27.9% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, consistent with regional trends at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Port Kembla, 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

In Port Kembla, as per the latest Census evaluation, 77.0% of dwellings were houses while 23.0% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Kembla stood at 39.1%, similar to Regional NSW, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (26.5%) or rented (34.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Port Kembla was $1,950, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Port Kembla was $340 compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Port Kembla's mortgage repayments were higher than 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 2.9%. 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 the NSW 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%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (27.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.3% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing 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, served by 34 routes offering 2,146 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop is 139 meters. Car remains the dominant commuting mode at 93%, with an average of 1.2 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 24.3% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 306 trips per day, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per stop.

Service frequency averages 306 trips per day across all routes, 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 indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 55% (~2,754 people) have private health cover, compared to Regional NSW's 51.9%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.8 and 9.5% of residents respectively. Around 64.5% claim to be completely clear of 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 20.3% (1,023 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 25.0% of its population born overseas and 25.0% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Port Kembla, accounting for 61.7%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW as of 2016. The top three ancestry groups were English (22.3%), Australian (21.9%), and Macedonian (11.9%).

These figures differed significantly from regional averages: English was lower at 30.5%, Australian was also lower at 30.0%, but Macedonian was substantially higher at 0.4%. Notable disparities existed in the representation of Hungarian (0.7% vs regional 0.2%), Spanish (0.9% vs regional 0.3%), and Serbian (0.8% vs regional 0.2%) groups.

Port Kembla's median age exceeds the national pattern

Port Kembla has a median age of 42 years, similar to Regional NSW's average of 43 but older than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 25-34 are prominent at 14.2%, while those aged 65-74 comprise only 10.4% of the population, which is smaller compared to Regional NSW. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of residents aged 0-4 has increased from 5.8% to 7.1%, while the 25-34 cohort has risen from 13.0% to 14.2%. Conversely, the percentage of individuals aged 5-14 has decreased from 11.3% to 10.3%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic changes in Port Kembla. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 19%, adding 65 residents and reaching a total of 408. Conversely, populations aged 85+ and 5-14 are forecasted to decline.