Kiama

The community is far older than the state and national averages, while the proportion of children under 15 is well below the national figure at 15.0%. Since 2011, the number of people aged 65 and over has risen by 6.8 points.

Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has a lower proportion of overseas-born people than most other areas. English, Australian, and Irish are the most common ancestries.

English is the primary language for 88.9% of the community. The proportion of people using another language at home is far below the national average, and very few people speak little or no English.

About 40.3% of residents have no religion, a figure that has risen by 20 points since 2011. This is well above the New South Wales average of 33.2%.

Kiama is a well-qualified area, with 30.5% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher, which is well above the national average. Year 12 completion has also risen by 12 points since 2011.

Typical family incomes are about the same as the national figure. However, the proportion of people earning $2,000 or more per week is higher than in most similar areas.

Long-term health conditions are much more common here than in most areas, affecting 33.0% of residents. This is consistent with the older age of the population, with arthritis being the most reported condition.

Volunteering is much more common here than elsewhere, with 19.4% of people volunteering. There is also a higher than average number of people providing unpaid care and former Defence Force members.

First Nations residents in Kiama have Year 12 completion rates far above the national average. Their household incomes are also well above the figures for New South Wales and Australia.

Homes tend to be smaller than average with 2.3 people per household. About 27.4% of people live alone, which is a little above the national figure.

Home ownership is very strong, with 46.1% of homes owned outright, far above the national average. Rents are well above the national figure, with a typical weekly rent of $480.

The area is heavily reliant on cars, with very few people using public transport to commute. However, working from home has become much more common, rising 21 points since 2011.

About 40.9% of residents have moved in the last five years. The proportion of recent arrivals from overseas is well below the national average.

Far fewer adults are working or looking for work compared to most areas, with only 50.0% doing so. This is likely linked to the high proportion of retirees.

Kiama is considered a highly advantaged area, ranking larger than 80% of similar areas for overall advantage and job skills.

The area receives very high rainfall, far above the New South Wales average, and experiences slightly cooler maximum temperatures.

The town is very walkable, with the vast majority of homes within a short walk of public transport, parks, and health services.