Kiama Downs (NSW)

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Based on calculations of ABS demographics for the surrounding region, combined with fresh locations verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Kiama Downs has an estimated population of approximately 5,000 as of May 2026. This represents a decline of 87 individuals (1.7%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the recorded population stood at 5,087 people. This adjustment is derived from the localized residency figure of 4,998, calculated by Districts using the most recent ERP datasets from the ABS (June 2025) along with 5 newly verified addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 1,315 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical rate observed across national sites tracked by Districts. Expansion in the area was heavily reliant on natural increase, which accounted for roughly 53.0% of the overall population gains in recent times.

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Kiama Downs has a highly qualified labor force with strong representations in key service sectors, showing an unemployment rate of only 2.3% and a 2.6% rise in estimated jobs over the prior year, according to compiled local statistical data from Districts. As of March 2026, there are 2,698 working residents, with the unemployment rate tracking 1.8% below the 4.1% rate seen in Regional NSW, and workforce participation is exceptionally high at 67.2% compared to the Regional NSW average of 60.6%. Census records indicate that a high 32.1% of working residents performed their duties from home, though the influence of pandemic restrictions should be kept in mind.

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Taxpayer earnings in Kiama Downs are positioned well above the national median according to financial year 2023 ATO figures compiled by Districts. The median taxpayer income is $52,934 and the average earnings sit at $77,163, compared to Regional NSW benchmarks of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current projections estimate these figures at roughly $58,397 (median) and $85,126 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in the area reside near the 67th percentile nationally. Distribution metrics show that the weekly earnings bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 32.4% of the population (1,620 individuals), which matches regional trends showing in the same category. A substantial cohort of high-income earners ( exceeding /week) shows high financial capacity in the community. Residents retain of their income once housing costs are paid, indicating solid disposable income, and the location is placed in the th decile for the SEIFA income index.

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Residential configurations in Kiama Downs at the time of the latest Census consisted of 92.8% standalone houses and 7.2% alternative structures (including semi-detached properties, units, and other dwellings), which compares to 82.6% houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership levels in Kiama Downs were significantly higher than the regional average, standing at 47.0%, while the remaining occupied properties were either being purchased under a mortgage (39.5%) or occupied by tenants (13.4%). The median monthly home loan payment was $2,200, which is well above the Regional NSW median of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $490 compared to the Regional NSW average of $330. On a national scale, mortgage commitments in Kiama Downs are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and typical rents are well above the national median of $375.

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Families represent the vast majority of households at 83.0%, consisting of couples with children at 38.3%, couples without children at 34.4%, and single parent households at 9.4%. The remaining 17.0% are non-family households, with single-person households making up 16.0% and group housing accounting for 1.5%. The typical household size of 2.8 individuals is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Academic credentials in Kiama Downs are significantly higher than regional trends, with 30.1% of inhabitants aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 19.9% in the SA3 region and 21.3% in the Rest of NSW. This educational lead positions the community well for professional services and knowledge industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.0%, with postgraduate degrees at 6.2% and graduate diplomas at 3.9%. Practical and vocational skills are also common, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding technical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.5%) and certificates (27.4%).

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Public transit metrics show 68 transit stops operating within Kiama Downs, consisting of bus services. These locations are served by 13 distinct routes, which combine to offer 219 weekly services. Accessibility is rated as high, with residents living an average of 105 meters from their nearest transit stop. Because this is a residential suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 97%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.8 cars per home, which is above the regional average. A high proportion of residents, 32.1%, worked from home (2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions).

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Analysis of health data indicates positive wellness outcomes throughout Kiama Downs, based on Districts metrics covering mortality and chronic illnesses, which show low rates of medical conditions across all age brackets. Additionally, private health insurance uptake is exceptionally high, covering approximately 57% of the local population (~2,870 people), compared to 51.9% for Regional NSW.

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Kiama Downs exhibits lower levels of multicultural representation than typical benchmarks, with 86.8% of residents born in Australia, 92.9% holding citizenship, and 95.9% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, accounting for 53.5% of the local population, compared to 55.9% in Regional NSW.

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The median age in Kiama Downs is 43, matching the regional NSW median of 43 and tracking well above the national median of 38. The age distribution shows a high proportion of residents in the 65 - 74 age bracket (15.2%), while the 25 - 34 cohort is smaller (6.4%) than in Regional NSW. The concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is higher than the national rate of 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has risen from 10.6% to 13.9% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 5.3% to 8.3%. In contrast, the 55 to group has fallen from to , and the to cohort has decreased from to . Demographic projections to point to significant changes in the age profile, led by a increase in the to age group (representing people), which is expected to rise from to . Conversely, contractions are projected for the to and to cohorts.

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Kiama Downs currently has an estimated 265 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 153 children aged 0-2 and 102 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 7% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 8% by 2041 (to approximately 286 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 504. Birth rates in the area have averaged 7.5 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.