Kiama (NSW)

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According to investigations of ABS demographic statistics for the wider region alongside newly verified addresses from Districts since the Census, the suburb of Kiama has an estimated residency of roughly 8,203 individuals as of May 2026. This indicates a growth of 299 individuals (3.8%) since the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 7,904 individuals. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 8,200, determined by Districts following analysis of the most recent ABS ERP statistics from June 2025 and a further 203 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level corresponds to a density of 837 persons per square kilometer, matching typical averages observed across areas analyzed by Districts. Throughout the past ten years, the suburb of Kiama has shown steady expansion with a 1.7% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the SA3 region. Population increases in this locality were chiefly supported by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 53.0% of the total population growth over recent intervals.

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The suburb of Kiama is characterized by a highly educated workforce, with significant representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of only 2.6%, and an estimated 2.6% expansion in employment over the past year, according to Districts collated statistical area information. As of March 2026, 3,873 local citizens are employed, with the unemployment rate sitting 1.5% below the 4.1% rate of Regional NSW, and workforce participation is slightly below average (56.1% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW). Based on Census records, a substantial 31.7% of citizens worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions should be taken into account.

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Based on Districts' compilation of the most recent postcode level ATO data published for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Kiama recorded a median income of $48,503 and an average income of $70,703. This exceeds national averages and compares to medians of $52,390 and averages of $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current projections indicate levels of approximately $53,509 (median) and $78,000 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes are all mid-range in the suburb of Kiama, falling between the 39th and 49th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket includes 29.6% of the population (2,428 individuals), matching wider trends in the region where fall into this category. Housing affordability pressures are high, with only of earnings remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile, while its SEIFA income ranking falls in the th decile.

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The composition of dwellings in the suburb of Kiama, recorded at the most recent Census, consisted of 55.5% separate houses and 44.4% other dwelling types (semi-detached, flats, and alternative housing), compared to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Furthermore, home ownership in the suburb of Kiama was much higher than in Regional NSW, standing at 48.6%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (27.3%) or rented (24.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Regional NSW average at $2,167, and the median weekly rent was recorded at $478, compared to Regional NSW's statistics of $1,733 and $330. Nationally, mortgage payments in the suburb of Kiama are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also significantly above the national benchmark of $375.

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Family households make up the majority at 69.3% of homes, consisting of 23.8% couples with offspring, 36.7% couples without offspring, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 30.7%, with single person homes at 28.5% and group share houses making up 2.1% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.3 people is slightly below the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational qualification levels in the suburb of Kiama are considerably higher than regional averages, with 34.0% of residents aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees, compared to 19.9% in the SA3 area and 21.3% in the Rest of NSW. This major educational lead prepares the area well for opportunities in knowledge industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational and technical training is also highly represented, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.8%) and certificates (23.8%).

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Public transport assessments show 64 active transit stops in the suburb of Kiama, consisting of both trains and buses. These stops are served by 27 separate routes, which combine to deliver 3,739 weekly passenger journeys. Transit access is classified as excellent, with residents living an average of 162 meters from the closest transport option. Being a mostly residential area, the majority of working residents travel outside the suburb, with private cars being the main transport mode at 89%, while 6% walk. Car ownership stands at an average of 1.3 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. A high proportion of 31.7% of residents worked from home (2021 Census; likely influenced by COVID-19 rules).

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Assessments of health statistics show strong indicators across the suburb of Kiama, according to Districts' analysis of mortality figures and the occurrence of chronic illnesses. The frequency of common health conditions is low among the general populace, though it rises above the national average in older, vulnerable brackets, and the proportion of people with private health insurance is quite high at roughly 55% of the total population (~4,501 people). This compares to 51.9% throughout Regional NSW.

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The suburb of Kiama exhibits lower cultural diversity than average, with 81.0% of its residents born in Australia, 90.6% holding citizenship, and 94.1% speaking only English at home. The predominant religious affiliation in the suburb of Kiama is Christianity, representing 54.9% of the population. The most distinct overrepresentation is observed in Judaism, which makes up 0.2% of the population compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 52 years in the suburb of Kiama is much higher than the Regional NSW median of 43 and similarly well above the national median of 38. Compared to the Regional NSW standard, the 75 - 84 age bracket is highly over-represented (12.7% locally), whereas the 15 - 24 age bracket is under-represented (8.8%). This concentration of residents aged 75 - 84 is far higher than the national figure of 6.1%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 11.0% to 12.7% of the population. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort has fallen from 14.9% to 12.8%. Demographic forecasts for point to major age shifts in the suburb of Kiama. The + cohort has the highest projected growth at , adding residents to reach a total of . Meanwhile, the to cohort increases by a small ( people).

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Kiama currently has an estimated 295 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 182 children aged 0-2 and 122 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 15% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 32% by 2041 (to approximately 389 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 689. Birth rates in the area have averaged 6.2 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally).