Kahibah
A compact 1.1 sq km footprint holds 2,603 people at a density of 2,373.5 residents per sq km, giving Kahibah a more concentrated residential feel than nearby Charlestown. The suburb's median age is 39, one year below the national comparison, while household income sits at the 64.2 percentile. Housing is mainly detached, with 74.2% separate houses and 24.8% semi-detached dwellings. Kahibah also has a strong work-from-home base at 30.1%, alongside 64.9% car-driver commuting. Its university-qualified share is 35.7%, 5.6 percentage points above the national comparison, but only 9.4% of residents were born overseas, 12.2 points below the national comparison. The result is a compact, established profile with relatively high incomes and a clear Anglo-leaning demographic pattern.
Local council: Lake Macquarie
Population
2,603
Median Age
39.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$1,804/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
33
Buyers in Kahibah are mostly choosing conventional family housing rather than apartments. Separate houses account for 74.2% of dwellings, semi-detached homes 24.8%, and apartments just 1.1%; 3-bedroom homes make up 52.0%, with 4 or more bedrooms at 23.5%. The monthly mortgage figure is $2,089 and mortgage payments equal 26.7% of household income, compared with rent at $400 per week and rent-to-income of 22.2%. That spread means buyers should test repayments against rates, insurance and maintenance because detached stock carries more upkeep than compact units. With 36.2% owned outright and 40.1% mortgaged, competition is likely to centre on established homes, while the 23.5% larger-bedroom share gives families more choice than a small-unit market.
For Buyers
Buyers in Kahibah are mostly choosing conventional family housing rather than apartments. Separate houses account for 74.2% of dwellings, semi-detached homes 24.8%, and apartments just 1.1%; 3-bedroom homes make up 52.0%, with 4 or more bedrooms at 23.5%. The monthly mortgage figure is $2,089 and mortgage payments equal 26.7% of household income, compared with rent at $400 per week and rent-to-income of 22.2%. That spread means buyers should test repayments against rates, insurance and maintenance because detached stock carries more upkeep than compact units. With 36.2% owned outright and 40.1% mortgaged, competition is likely to centre on established homes, while the 23.5% larger-bedroom share gives families more choice than a small-unit market.
For Investors
Kahibah's rental case rests on a modest but identifiable tenant base and ongoing small-scale building activity. Renting accounts for 22.9% of occupied dwellings, while the weekly rent is $400 and vacancy is 5.8%. Compared with the 36.2% owned-outright and 40.1% mortgaged shares, the rental pool is smaller, so an investor should focus on property condition, tenant appeal and realistic leasing time rather than assume automatic demand. Thirty development applications were lodged across 12 months, including alterations, garage or carport work and a secondary dwelling, which may gradually add competition or improve existing stock. The 30.1% work-from-home rate supports demand for a usable second room, while the 52.0% three-bedroom share fits the suburb's family-oriented housing pattern.
Development Activity
Total DAs
183
Last 12 Months
33
YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements
+17.9%
Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year
N/A
Monthly DA Lodgements
DA Categories
Schools in Kahibah
Open-register school locations for education access. This is not a school-quality ranking.
Demographics
Kahibah has a median age of 39, one year below the national comparison, and an average household size of 2.4, 0.1 below the national comparison. The 35.7% university-educated share is 5.6 percentage points above the national comparison, helping explain the strong presence of professional and public-facing employment. Overseas-born residents account for 9.4%, 12.2 points below the national comparison, while English, Scottish and Irish ancestry counts are 1,172, 353 and 308. No religion is the largest reported affiliation at 1,307 people, followed by Christianity at 1,116. Compared with more migrant-heavy parts of the wider Newcastle region, Kahibah has a more Anglo-leaning profile, which can shape local networks, services and housing preferences. Couples with children represent 45.7% of families, while couples without children account for 36.5%, giving the suburb both family and downsizer demand.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
74.2%
Houses
24.8%
Townhouse
1.1%
Apartment
Tenure
Kahibah's housing stock is defined by established, moderate-density family dwellings rather than high-rise development. Separate houses represent 74.2% of homes, compared with 1.1% apartments and 24.8% semi-detached dwellings. The bedroom profile reinforces that pattern: 52.0% have 3 bedrooms and 23.5% have 4 or more, while only 3.4% have 0 or 1 bedroom. Tenure is split between 36.2% owned outright, 40.1% with a mortgage and 22.9% renting. The $400 weekly rent and $2,089 monthly mortgage figure should be read alongside household income of $1,804 per week, because affordability depends on both tenure and dwelling size. Compared with apartment-oriented suburbs, Kahibah provides more ground-oriented space, but that also brings greater exposure to maintenance and renovation costs.
Mortgage / mo
$2,089
Rent / wkiMedian weekly rent for new bonds (April to June 2026), NSW Rental Bond Board (DCJ). Census 2021 median: $400.
$700
Bond data Jun 2026 · houses $728 · units $520
HH Size
2.4
Personal Income / wk
$932
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
5.8%
Unoccupied
64
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
22.2%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
26.7%
Community Profile
Ancestry
Household Composition
45.7%
Couples with children
36.5%
Couples, no children
16.7%
Single parent
713
Total families
Economy & Employment
Kahibah's employment base is anchored by essential and knowledge-oriented sectors. Healthcare is the largest industry at 23.0% and 232 workers, followed by Education at 15.5% and 156, Construction at 11.3% and 114, Professional and Technical services at 9.9% and 100, and Public Administration at 7.3% and 74. This mix helps explain why Professionals number 388, Trades 201 and Clerical or Admin workers 191 are the leading occupation groups. Labour-force participation is 66.1%, unemployment is 3.3%, and 56.7% of workers are full time, pointing to a comparatively stable workforce. The 35.7% university share is above the national comparison, while personal weekly income is $932 and household income is $1,804. That combination supports demand for professional services and adaptable homes, although employment access still depends on the wider Newcastle area.
Unemployment
3.3%
Labour Force
1,375
Unemployed
46
Source: ABS Census 2021
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
56.7%
Part-time
38.0%
Participation
66.1%
Employed
1,329
Full-time and part-time are shares of the employed. Source: ABS Census 2021
Occupations
Top Industries
University
35.7%
Postgraduate
7.1%
Born Overseas
9.4%
Dwellings
1,041
Transport to Work
Daily life in Kahibah is car-led but compatible with flexible work. Car drivers account for 64.9% of journeys, compared with 0.5% using public transport and 1.7% walking or cycling, while 30.1% work from home. That pattern suits residents who value access to regional employment by road, but it means transport convenience depends more on private vehicles than frequent transit. One local government primary school, Kahibah Public School, supports primary-aged families; check enrolment zones and nearby secondary options against the exact address. Volunteering is 15.3%, and 4.2% of residents need assistance, so community participation and support access both matter. With 2,603 residents in 1.1 sq km, local facilities are close together, but safety should be checked through current street-level and police information because conditions can vary by street and time.
Drive
64.9%
Public Transport
0.5%
Walk / Cycle
1.7%
Work from Home
30.1%
Growth Outlook
Kahibah's current change profile is incremental rather than dominated by large greenfield release. Thirty development applications in 12 months include alterations, parking structures and a secondary dwelling, so renewal is likely to come through additions and infill within the existing 1.1 sq km footprint. Residential stability is also material: 80.6% of residents stayed at the same address, while turnover was 19.4%. Compared with a high-turnover market, that combination points to a settled base with some movement as homes are upgraded or reconfigured. The population is currently 2,603, and the 30.1% work-from-home rate may support demand for adaptable layouts. Growth should therefore be judged against established-neighbourhood change, with development activity higher than a no-change setting but not evidence of a large new estate.
Population trend: Lake Macquarie council area
Kahibah sits in the Lake Macquarie council area. These are the council area's residents, not Kahibah's.
Residents 2025
224,540
Growth, 5 yr average
+1.2%/yr
2020 to 2025
Growth, last year
+1.1%
2024 to 2025
ABS Estimated Resident Population by LGA, 30 June each year; council area, not this suburb
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How Kahibah compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kahibah a good suburb to live in?
Kahibah can suit buyers who want established family housing close to Newcastle and Lake Macquarie employment areas. It has 2,603 residents, 74.2% separate houses and a 30.1% work-from-home rate. Car use is high at 64.9%, so lifestyle fit depends on comfort with driving.
What is the median house price in Kahibah?
Check current comparable sales for Kahibah's median house price before budgeting, as sale conditions change. The suburb has 74.2% separate houses and 40.1% mortgaged homes; its monthly mortgage figure is $2,089 and weekly rent is $400. These figures help frame affordability but are not a substitute for a current sale median.
What schools are in Kahibah?
Kahibah has 1 local government primary school, Kahibah Public School. Families should confirm the exact enrolment zone and compare nearby government, independent and secondary options before signing a contract. The suburb's 52.0% three-bedroom share and 45.7% couples-with-children family share indicate meaningful family demand.
Is Kahibah safe?
Use current NSW Police incident information and inspect the exact streets at different times before judging safety. Kahibah is a compact 1.1 sq km suburb with 2,603 residents, so conditions can differ around roads, facilities and housing pockets. The 4.2% need-assistance figure describes support needs rather than safety.
Is Kahibah good for property investment?
Kahibah may suit a long-term investor seeking established housing rather than a high-rise rental strategy. Weekly rent is $400, vacancy is 5.8%, and 22.9% of dwellings are rented. Thirty development applications in 12 months create both renewal potential and future competition. Check maintenance, insurance, achievable rent and secondary-dwelling rules.
How is Kahibah's population changing?
Kahibah has 2,603 residents and appears relatively settled: 80.6% stayed at the same address and turnover was 19.4%. Thirty development applications over 12 months indicate ongoing additions and infill, while the 1.1 sq km footprint limits the scale of expansion. Change is more likely to come through renovations, secondary dwellings and household turnover than a large new estate.
What development is occurring in Kahibah?
Development activity is focused on small-scale renewal. Thirty applications were lodged in 12 months, with examples including alterations, garage or carport work, balconies and a secondary dwelling. That pattern can improve existing homes while adding some future rental supply. Buyers should check approvals, overlays, construction impacts and whether a proposed dwelling changes parking or privacy.
How to read these comparisons
Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.
Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.
Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state education open registers (school locations), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications).
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