Kotara (NSW)

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Drawing from ABS population data updates for the wider region and new address entries validated by Districts since the Census, the resident population of Kotara is calculated to be approximately 4,154 in May 2026. This indicates a growth of 174 residents, or 4.4%, since the 2021 Census, which counted 3,980 individuals. The calculation relies on a resident base of 4,115 estimated by Districts using the ABS ERP release from June 2025, alongside an additional 41 validated new addresses registered after the Census date. This population count yields a density of 1,661 persons per square kilometer, a level exceeding the average of national localities evaluated by Districts. The post-census growth of 4.4% in the suburb of Kotara is within 0.5 percentage points of the Rest of NSW (4.9%), indicating strong demographic foundations. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth, accounting for approximately 54.0% of the total population increases in recent times.

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The local workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of just 3.2% according to Districts statistics. In March 2026, there were 2,321 employed residents, maintaining an unemployment rate 0.9% lower than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%. Furthermore, labor participation is exceptionally strong at 71.6% compared to the Regional NSW average of 60.6%. Census records indicate that 32.8% of the local workforce operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

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Taxpayer data from the ATO aggregated by Districts for the financial year 2023 shows that Kotara residents earn incomes above the national average. The median income for taxpayers is $58,021, and the average income is $73,239, compared to Regional NSW benchmarks of $52,390 and $65,215. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated figures for March 2026 would be around $64,009 for the median and $80,797 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Kotara were situated near the 70th percentile nationwide. The primary weekly income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, containing 31.9% of residents (1,325 people), which is similar to the Regional NSW average of . High-earning households receiving more than weekly make up of the total, helping to drive consumer spending. Housing costs consume of income, and strong household earnings place residents in the nd percentile for disposable income, with the SEIFA index ranking the area in the th decile.

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According to the last Census, residential properties in Kotara were made up of 88.5% houses and 11.5% alternative dwelling types like semi-detached homes and apartments, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership levels stood at 36.1%, which is slightly lower than the Regional NSW average, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (42.4%) or rented (21.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,167, which is higher than the Regional NSW median of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $460, compared to $330 in Regional NSW. These housing costs also exceed national figures, where the average mortgage repayment is $1,863 and the average rent is $375.

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Families make up 74.6% of local households, consisting of couples with children at 34.3%, couples without children at 27.0%, and single parents at 12.1%. Non-family households account for 25.4%, which includes single-person households at 21.4% and group shared households at 3.9%. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational qualifications in Kotara are significantly higher than regional averages, with 33.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 26.1% in the broader SA4 region. This qualification rate positions the local population well for employment in professional fields. Bachelor degrees are held by 22.7% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational training is also common, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding technical credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificate qualifications (23.0%).

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Public transit infrastructure includes 61 active stops in Kotara, consisting of train stations and bus stops. These transit points are serviced by 48 routes, providing 2,359 weekly passenger journeys. Transit access is high, with residents living an average of 126 meters from their nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, meaning most workers travel outside the suburb for employment, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode for 96% of commuters. Households own an average of 1.5 vehicles. A total of 32.8% of employed residents worked from home, according to 2021 Census data collected during pandemic conditions.

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Health indicators point to outcomes below the national average in Kotara, based on mortality data and chronic illness rates compiled by Districts, with various conditions present among both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 56% of the population (~2,320 people) holding coverage, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW.

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Kotara has a lower level of cultural diversity than the national average, with 87.4% of residents born in Australia, 92.7% holding citizenship, and 92.4% speaking only English at home. The most common religious affiliation is Christianity, chosen by 47.6% of residents, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of residents in Kotara is 39 years, which is lower than the Regional NSW average of 43 and close to the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Kotara has a larger share of people aged 35 - 44 (14.6%) and a smaller share aged 65 - 74 (6.7%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 increased from 12.5% to 13.4%, while the 55 to 64 group decreased from 10.5% to 9.8%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic forecasts indicate notable age shifts in the suburb of Kotara. The 25 to 34 age bracket is projected to increase by 20% ( people), growing from to whereas the to and to cohorts are expected to decrease in size.

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Kotara currently has an estimated 253 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 151 children aged 0-2 and 100 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 10% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 12% by 2041 (to approximately 284 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 422. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.