Kempsey
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Kempsey are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Kempsey's population is 16,386 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a growth of 732 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,654. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 16,271 in June 2024 and an additional 121 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 84 persons per square kilometer. Kempsey's growth rate of 4.7% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA3 area at 4.5%, indicating it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.6% to recent population gains in the area.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Kempsey is projected to have an above median population growth of national regional areas, increasing by 2,793 persons to reach a total of 19,179, reflecting a 16.1% increase over the 17-year period.

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

Kempsey has granted approximately 43 residential property approvals annually. Between the financial years FY21 and FY25, a total of 216 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved in FY26 so far. On average, around 2.9 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $283,000, aligning with regional patterns. This year, $8.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of NSW, Kempsey has recorded significantly lower building activity, at 51.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically enhances demand and prices for existing properties, which is also under the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. New development consists of 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 488 people, reflecting a quiet, low-activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Kempsey will gain 2,639 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Kempsey has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 12 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Kempsey Riverside Precinct Foreshore Stabilisation, Verge and Eden Streets Sporting Complex, West Kempsey Social and Affordable Housing, and Health Precinct Development West Kempsey. The following list details those projects expected to be most relevant:.

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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Kempsey faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Kempsey's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.5% as of June 2021, showing a 0.7% employment growth over the past year.

As of June 2025, 6,091 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is 3.8%, higher than Rest of NSW's 3.7%. Workforce participation in Kempsey lags at 43.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care & social assistance has a strong representation with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 2.5% compared to the regional average of 5.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.7%, while labour force grew by 0.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Kempsey's employment could grow approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Kempsey's median income among taxpayers is $42,102, with an average of $48,191. This is below the national average and compares to Rest of NSW's median of $49,459 and average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $47,411 (median) and $54,268 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Kempsey all fall between the 6th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 28.8% of the community (4,719 individuals), differing from the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kempsey, with only 83.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally.

Kempsey is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Kempsey, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's dwelling structure of 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings during the same period. Home ownership in Kempsey stood at 38.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.6% and rented dwellings at 30.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kempsey was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,330 recorded in the same Census. The median weekly rent figure for Kempsey was $285, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Kempsey's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863 as of 2016, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 during the same period.

Kempsey has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households compose 68.2% of all households, including 21.8% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 18.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.8%, with lone person households at 28.9% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Kempsey faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.3%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (36.2%). Educational participation is high at 33.4%, with 13.2% in primary, 10.2% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

Twelve schools serve 3,641 students, comprising seven primary, four secondary, and one K-12 school. The area functions as an educational hub with 22.2 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Kempsey indicates that there are currently 258 operational transport stops. These include a combination of train and bus stations. The services are provided by 105 unique routes which facilitate a total of 1,126 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of these transport services is deemed excellent, with residents residing an average of 185 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 160 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kempsey is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Kempsey faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46%, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.4%) and mental health issues (11.0%). A total of 56.2% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW figure at 58.0%. Kempsey has 21.1% of its population aged 65 and over (3,459 people), compared to 28.1% in Rest of NSW. The health profile of seniors is broadly similar to that of the general population.

The latest Census data sees Kempsey placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kempsey's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.7% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (92.8%), speaking English only at home (96.6%). Christianity was the predominant religion in Kempsey at 57.0%, compared to 54.2% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.8%), English (30.6%), and Australian Aboriginal (12.4%).

Notably, Maltese were overrepresented at 0.5% in Kempsey versus 0.4% regionally, Irish at 7.8% versus 8.7%, and Samoan at 0.1% versus 0.1%.

Kempsey hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Kempsey's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43, but older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 0-4 are prominent at 6.6%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 11.5% compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and now, the 35-44 age group has grown from 10.9% to 12.2% of the population, and the 0-4 cohort increased from 5.4% to 6.6%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 13.0% to 12.0%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecast for Kempsey. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 24%, adding 485 residents to reach 2,506. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts.