Kiama

NSW 2533 • Rest of NSW

7,904
Population (2021)
$41,548
Median Income
9.79 km²
Area
$478/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetiree-HavenTourist HubHistoricVillage Feel

About Kiama

Kiama is a picturesque coastal town on the New South Wales Illawarra Coast, located approximately 120 kilometres south of Sydney within the Kiama local government area. With a population of 7,904 and a notably high median age of 52, Kiama is a well-loved destination for retirees and sea-changers who are drawn to its relaxed lifestyle and natural beauty. The town spreads across nearly 10 square kilometres of elevated hilly terrain at around 55 metres above sea level, offering sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean and surrounding farmland.

Kiama is famous for its iconic blowhole — one of the largest in the world — which draws visitors year-round and defines the town's identity as a coastal tourism destination. The compact town centre along Terralong Street offers a Woolworths supermarket, cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, while the historic harbour precinct with its lighthouse and rock pools is a beloved local icon. Excellent schools, a strong community spirit, and regular events including the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival make it a fulfilling place to live, and regular train services to Sydney and Wollongong keep the town well connected for those who need to travel.

Kiama falls under postcode 2533 and is governed by Kiama Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kiama electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2533
Urban Area
Kiama
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.67°, 150.85°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
9.79 km²
Elevation
55m

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Kiama View Shopping Centre, 143 Terralong Street Kiama 2533 NSW

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There are 10 heritage-listed places in or near Kiama, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Irvine Street, Kiama • SHR #01626
16-20 Manning Street Kiama • SHR #00143
46 Collins Street Kiama • SHR #00474
42-44 Collins Street Kiama • SHR #00473
Irvine Street, Kiama • SHR #01627
24 Terralong Street Kiama • SHR #01426
Shoalhaven Street, Kiama • SHR #00120
24-40 Collins Street Kiama • SHR #00472
Illawarra railway, Bombo • SHR #01092
Illawarra railway, Kiama • SHR #01176

🔍 Crime Statistics

NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Kiama by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Kiama Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Kiama" under Suburb

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$478
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,167
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
52 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.5%

30 state housing + 18 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
6,881
Census 2021
7,904
14.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$33,852
Income 2021
$41,548
22.7% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 6,163
Born Overseas 1,445

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 500
  • 2. New Zealand 114
  • 3. United States 68
  • 4. Scotland 62
  • 5. Germany 54
  • 6. China 51
  • 7. South Africa 50
  • 8. Netherlands 36
  • 9. Ireland 34
  • 10. Canada 30

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 3,501
Australian 2,900
Irish 1,230
Scottish 984
German 319
Italian 232
Australian Aboriginal 166
Dutch 124
Chinese 107
Welsh 96

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,671
Both parents born in Australia
1,754
Both parents born overseas
1,029
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
51.0%
No Religion
40.5%
Buddhism
0.8%
Hinduism
0.4%
Islam
0.3%
Judaism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
348 (4.4%)
5-14 years
797 (10.1%)
15-19 years
356 (4.5%)
20-24 years
297 (3.8%)
25-34 years
719 (9.1%)
35-44 years
792 (10.0%)
45-54 years
861 (10.9%)
55-64 years
1,178 (14.9%)
65-74 years
1,302 (16.5%)
75-84 years
868 (11.0%)
85+ years
385 (4.9%)

Nearby Suburbs