Get a property report and suburb profile for any property in Mount Kembla

Join the 2 million Australians* who use our services every year.

Geo Page

Mount Kembla suburb profile

Mount Kembla is a picturesque suburb nestled in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, renowned for its natural beauty and rich history. Located approximately 10km west of Wollongong, it offers a serene escape with its lush landscapes and stunning views of the escarpment. The suburb is steeped in mining history, with the Mount Kembla Heritage Centre preserving its past. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the area for its hiking trails, including the popular Mount Kembla Ring Track. With a close-knit community and a peaceful rural atmosphere, Mount Kembla provides a charming retreat while remaining accessible to urban conveniences.

Mount Kembla property market performance

Mount Kembla’s property market has experienced a notable increase in house values, with a 17.5% rise over the past 12 months. However, the median house and unit prices remain unavailable, indicating limited data. Over the same period, unit values have shown no change.

With only 4 houses sold in the last 12 months and no units, the market activity is sparse. Houses spend a median of 39 days on the market, reflecting stable demand in this niche sector. The unit market remains inactive with no sales recorded.

Rental data for both houses and units is currently unavailable, with no changes observed over the past year, suggesting minimal rental activity in Mount Kembla.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/AN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
17.5%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
4N/A
Median days on market
Past 12 months
39N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
N/AN/A
Change in rent
Past 12 months
N/AN/A

Access homes before they're listed for sale

Build a buying brief and get first access to properties that aren't yet on the market.

OpenAdvantage

Mount Kembla demographics

Mount Kembla, nestled in the picturesque Illawarra region of New South Wales, is a charming suburb known for its natural beauty and close-knit community. With a population of just over 1,000 residents, it offers a serene and family-friendly environment, making it an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The median age of 42 suggests a mature community, with many families and long-term residents enjoying the tranquil surroundings and strong sense of community.

The suburb's housing landscape is predominantly owner-occupied, with a significant 53% of properties owned outright and 39.8% owned with a mortgage. This high level of home ownership reflects the stability and commitment of its residents to the area. Rental properties are relatively scarce, with only 7.2% of homes being rented, indicating a preference for long-term settlement among the community.

Family life is a cornerstone of Mount Kembla, with 54% of households being couple families with children, and 36.6% being couple families without children. The presence of one-parent families, although smaller at 9.4%, adds to the suburb's diverse family dynamics. The median total household income of $2,824 per week is indicative of a comfortable standard of living, supported by the area's natural beauty and community spirit. Mount Kembla's appeal lies in its blend of rural charm and suburban convenience, making it a sought-after location for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Mount Kembla infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Mount Kembla remains a tightly held, largely semi-rural suburb with no major new transport or retail infrastructure projects currently announced that would materially alter its village character or connectivity. The area’s appeal continues to centre on its proximity to Wollongong’s employment hubs, the scenic Mount Kembla lookout and surrounding bushland trails, which support demand from buyers seeking a lifestyle location with reasonable access to the city and coast.[2][5][6]

Local planning settings continue to favour low-density residential and the protection of natural and heritage assets, including the historic village and former mining sites, which constrains large-scale redevelopment but helps underpin scarcity value for existing homes.[2][6] In the absence of significant new infrastructure or rezoning, property market movements in Mount Kembla are likely to track broader Wollongong trends, with lifestyle and environmental attributes remaining the key drivers of desirability.

Mount Kembla rental market trends

The rental market in Mount Kembla has remained stagnant, with both house and unit rents showing no change over the past year. The median rent for houses and units has remained at $0 per week, indicating either a lack of available data or properties in the rental market.

Suburbs near Mount Kembla

Some popular suburbs near Mount Kembla include:

Common questions about Mount Kembla

  • Is Mount Kembla a nice place to live?

    Mount Kembla is a delightful suburb that offers a serene and family-friendly environment, making it a wonderful place to live. Known for its charming rural atmosphere and lush landscapes, it provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The suburb's close-knit community is one of its standout features, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for families. With its proximity to Wollongong, residents enjoy the convenience of urban amenities while relishing the tranquility of a semi-rural lifestyle.

    Families will find Mount Kembla particularly appealing due to its strong sense of community and the abundance of outdoor activities. The suburb is surrounded by beautiful bushland and offers numerous hiking trails, perfect for weekend adventures with the kids. While the area lacks major retail and transport infrastructure, this contributes to its charm and helps maintain its peaceful vibe. The trade-off is a slower pace of life, which many residents find refreshing and conducive to a balanced lifestyle.

    Safety is generally not a concern in Mount Kembla, with its low-density residential setting and community-focused atmosphere. Although the suburb doesn't boast a bustling nightlife or extensive shopping options, it compensates with its natural beauty and the opportunity for a relaxed lifestyle. For those who value a strong community spirit, access to nature, and a family-oriented environment, Mount Kembla is a truly nice place to call home.

    Down Pointer
  • Is it expensive to live in Mount Kembla?

    Living in Mount Kembla presents a unique scenario when it comes to evaluating its cost of living, primarily due to the absence of current property market data. With no available figures for median house or unit prices, as well as rental costs, it's challenging to directly assess the housing expenses in this suburb. However, we can still consider other aspects to determine its affordability.

    The median total household income in Mount Kembla is $2,824 per week, which translates to approximately $146,848 annually. This is significantly higher than the average full-time worker's salary in New South Wales, which is about $95,000 per year. This suggests that households in Mount Kembla generally have a higher earning capacity compared to the state average, potentially offering more financial flexibility.

    Given the higher household income and the lack of specific property data, it's reasonable to infer that the cost of living in Mount Kembla might be manageable for those earning within the suburb's income range. However, without concrete property prices or rental costs, it's essential for anyone considering living in Mount Kembla to conduct further research or seek local insights to get a clearer picture of the expenses involved.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
    Down Pointer
  • Is Mount Kembla a good place to invest?

    Mount Kembla presents an intriguing investment opportunity, particularly for those interested in capital growth. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a significant 17.5% increase in median house values, indicating strong demand and a healthy market. This growth suggests that Mount Kembla is becoming increasingly desirable, likely due to its picturesque setting and proximity to larger urban centers, making it appealing for both families and professionals seeking a balance between city access and a more relaxed lifestyle.

    While the rental market has remained stable with no change in rent for both houses and units, this stability can be seen as a positive for investors looking for consistent rental income without the volatility seen in other areas. The lack of change in unit values over the past year might suggest a more cautious approach for those considering units, but it also indicates potential for future growth as the suburb continues to develop and attract new residents.

    Overall, Mount Kembla's impressive rise in house values and its stable rental market make it a promising option for investors seeking capital growth and steady returns. Its unique charm and strategic location are likely to keep it on the radar for savvy investors looking to capitalize on its upward trajectory.

    Down Pointer

Not quite ready to sell?

icon

Property report

Suburb and property report

Completed by independent professional experts not a computer.
icon

OpenEstimates

Digital estimate for your property

Compare your property to three recent sales to get a digital estimate.
icon

Navigate the market like a pro

Navigate the market

Get an understanding of the market signals you should keep an eye on.