Kingston (ACT)

Kingston lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kingston's population is around 7,343 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 764 people (11.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,579 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,338 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 5,245 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Kingston's 11.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (6.7%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 42.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 3,168 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 43.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Kingston when compared nationally

Kingston has experienced around 31 dwellings receiving development approval annually, with 157 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 0 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 7.9 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $98,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $10.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Kingston has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 25th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of attached dwellings. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 3779 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Future projections show Kingston adding 3,163 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Kingston has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Kingston Arts Precinct, Greenway Rise - The Establishment, Kingston Foreshore Precinct, and Griffith-Narrabundah Community Centre & Oval Upgrade, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Kingston rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Kingston features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 0.7%, and 1.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,595 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.1% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (83.2% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. In contrast, construction employs just 2.8% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 6.8%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.1% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory, where employment rose by 0.9%, the labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Kingston. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Kingston's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The Kingston SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $102,775 and an average of $126,106 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is exceptionally high nationally, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $112,292 (median) and $137,783 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Kingston, between the 90th and 99th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 40.8% of the community (2,995 individuals), reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. The substantial proportion of high earners (43.1% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the area. High housing costs consume 16.2% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 88th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Kingston features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Kingston, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 3.0% houses and 96.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Kingston was lagging that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 17.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.8%) or rented (51.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Australian Capital Territory average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $510, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Kingston's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Kingston features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 48.3% of all households, comprising 10.7% couples with children, 30.9% couples without children, and 6.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 51.7%, with lone person households at 44.4% and group households comprising 7.2% of the total. The median household size of 1.8 people is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Kingston performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational attainment in Kingston significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 71.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 46.8% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 38.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (25.2%) and graduate diplomas (8.1%). Vocational pathways account for 15.1% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (7.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.1% in tertiary education, 4.5% in primary education, and 3.5% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 25 active transport stops operating within Kingston, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 47 individual routes, collectively providing 3,021 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 200 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 67%, with 14% walking and 10% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional average. Some 14.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 431 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 120 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kingston's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Kingston, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 80% of the total population (5,867 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.8% and 8.6% of residents, respectively, while 71.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 14.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,067 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Kingston was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kingston was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 26.9% of its population born overseas and 18.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Kingston is Christianity, which makes up 34.0% of people in Kingston. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.7% of the population, compared to 0.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Kingston are English, comprising 25.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.9% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of Kingston (vs 0.5% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.6%) and Russian at 0.6% (vs 0.3%).

Kingston's population is younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Kingston's median age nearly matches the Australian Capital Territory average of 35, while being somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Kingston has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (27.6%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (3.9%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.3% to 5.5% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 18.3% to 20.0%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 30.4% to 27.6% and the 15 to 24 group dropped from 9.2% to 7.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Kingston. The 35 to 44 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 40%, adding 589 residents to reach 2,057.