Urban Centre · Area profile
Kiama
13 km²
A coastal setting defines Kiama, where a high proportion of residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in large, mostly detached homes. It is an older community compared to the national average, with over a quarter of the population aged 65 or over. The area has become significantly wealthier and more educated since 2011, creating a profile of established residents and professional households. While the total population shrank by 22% over the last decade, the town remains a prominent regional hub.
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The typical resident is 48, which is far older than the national figure of 38. Seniors make up 27.7% of the population, a figure far above the 17.2% seen across Australia.
Overseas birth rates rose to 15.9% since 2011, though this is still far below the national average of 27.7%. English and Australian ancestries are the most common, making up 44.9% and 38.4% respectively.
English is the main language for 90.4% of residents. While the number of people using another language at home rose to 5.0% since 2011, this remains far below the national figure of 22.3%.
Religious views have shifted strongly, with those reporting no religion rising 27 points since 2011 to reach 41.5%. This is a little above the national average of 38.9%.
The community is highly qualified, with a bachelor degree or higher held by 29.5% of adults. This is well above the national figure of 26.3% and reflects a significant increase since 2011.
Incomes have climbed steeply since 2011, with the typical household now earning $1,752 a week. This is about the same as the national figure, though 23.8% of households earn $3,000 or more weekly, which is much higher than in most similar areas.
Long-term health conditions are reported by 31.8% of people, which is well above the national figure of 27.7%. Arthritis is the most common condition, affecting 11.8% of the population.
Volunteering is strong here, with 19.2% of people helping out, well above the national average of 14.1%. Unpaid childcare also rose to 26.9% since 2011.
Family homes are common, with 53.6% being couples with children. Only 10% of families are one-parent households, which is well below the national figure of 14.1%.
Housing is dominated by large homes, with 80.5% having three or more bedrooms. Home ownership is very high, as 46.4% of homes are owned outright, far above the national figure of 31%.
Working from home is very popular at 27.1%, which is well above the national average of 21%. Most people still rely on cars, and only 0.4% commute using public transport.
The area is relatively stable, with 35.9% of people moving in the last five years, which is well below the national figure of 40.7%. Recent overseas arrivals rose slightly to 6.2%.
The unemployment rate is a low 3.6%, which is a little below the national figure of 5.1%. Many residents work in health care, education, or construction.
Most homes are within a short walk of a park or public transport, but only about half are within 15 minutes of groceries or schools. The overall walkability score is 5.6, which is a little below the state average.