Kingscliff (NSW)

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According to evaluations of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Kingscliff has a population estimated at approximately 8,636 as of May 2026. This indicates a growth of 281 people (3.4%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,355 people. The variation is derived from the resident population of 8,597, calculated by Districts using the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) combined with an additional 266 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level represents a density ratio of 1,375 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average across national locations evaluated by Districts. Throughout the last ten years, the suburb of Kingscliff has shown steady growth trends with a 1.6% compound annual growth rate, faster than the SA3 area. Population expansion for the area was chiefly supported by overseas migration, which served as practically the sole source of population gains during recent times.

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Kingscliff features a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, and 3.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 4,080 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.3% below Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (57.4% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 23.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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Districts' latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of Kingscliff is very high nationally, with the median assessed at $49,257 while the average income stands at $74,478. This contrasts to Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,340 (median) and $82,164 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Kingscliff, between the 39th and 44th percentiles. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 28.2% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,435 residents), mirroring the metropolitan region where occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Kingscliff, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 61.8% houses and 38.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Kingscliff was beyond that of Regional NSW, at 43.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.7%) or rented (29.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional NSW average at $2,200, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $490, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Kingscliff's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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Family households make up the majority at 69.3% of the total, consisting of couples with children at 26.9%, couples without children at 32.0%, and single parent households at 9.8%. The remaining 30.7% consist of non-family households, with lone person households representing 27.0% and group households accounting for 3.7%. The median size of a household is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional NSW average.

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The educational profile of the area is distinct within the region, as university qualification rates (28.8% of residents aged 15+) exceed both the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA3 area average of 21.5%, indicating a strong emphasis on tertiary education within the community. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational and technical training are also highly represented, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (23.9%).

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Public transport analysis identifies 52 active transit stops in the suburb of Kingscliff, providing bus services. These stops support 61 different routes, offering a total of 785 weekly passenger trips. Transport convenience is high, with residents living an average of 180 meters from their nearest stop. As the area is mostly residential, many workers travel outside the suburb, with private cars being the primary mode of travel for 91% of commuters, while 5% walk. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.3 cars, which is below the regional average. A total of 23.6% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic regulations.

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Kingscliff displays favorable health profiles based on Districts' evaluation of mortality data and chronic illness rates, showing low rates of common medical issues across both young and old demographics. Private health insurance coverage is high, encompassing approximately 56% of the population (~4,867 people), compared to 51.9% throughout Regional NSW.

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Kingscliff exhibits relatively low levels of cultural diversity, with 84.5% of its inhabitants born in Australia, 90.5% holding citizenship, and 96.1% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, representing 54.2% of the local population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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With a median age of 47 years, Kingscliff is significantly older than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38 years. The demographic profile reveals a high concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 years (15.6%), whereas the 25 - 34 age group is relatively small (7.2%) compared to Regional NSW. The concentration of 65 - 74 year-olds is much higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has risen from 9.2% to 10.9% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 7.9% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 35 to age range fell from to , and the to group declined from to . By major demographic shifts are anticipated, with the group aged + expected to grow by ( people), rising from to . This aging trend is highlighted by the fact that individuals aged + will account for of the projected growth, whereas the to age group is projected to see minimal growth of only ( people).

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Kingscliff currently has an estimated 379 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 229 children aged 0-2 and 152 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 1% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 14% by 2041 (to approximately 431 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 855. Birth rates in the area have averaged 6.8 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.