Kensington (NSW)
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Kensington reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Kensington's NSW population was 14,302 as of August 2025. This showed an increase of 2,493 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,809. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: 14,318 in June 2024 and four additional validated addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 5,417 persons per square kilometer, placing Kensington in the top 10% nationally. Its growth rate since 2021 (21.1%) exceeded NSW's state average (6.4%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 96.1% of Kensington's population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For uncovered areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 (base year 2021) are used. These projections forecast significant growth: Kensington is expected to gain 4,422 persons by 2041, a total increase of 31.0%.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Kensington according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Kensington recorded approximately 37 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 188 homes were approved, with none yet in FY26 as of now. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $878,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. This year alone, there have been $44.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kensington shows moderately higher development activity, 13.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. However, this activity is below national averages, likely due to the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 8.0% standalone homes and 92.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

Kensington has approximately 423 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its established nature. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 4,438 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Kensington has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 56 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Meriton Green Square Epsom Road Development, The Kensington by TOGA, Anson Group Anzac Parade Residential Development, and Ralph Alexandria. Below is a list detailing those 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.

The employment environment in Kensington shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Kensington NSW has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 3.4% as of June 2025, compared to Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.9%. As of June 2025, 8,737 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, similar to Greater Sydney's workforce participation rate of 60.0%. Major employment sectors include professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and education & training, with the latter being particularly notable at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, manufacturing showed lower representation at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 5.7%.

The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.8 as of the Census, indicating a higher level of local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, labour force grew by 2.4%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.6% while unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kensington's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.2% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localised population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2022, Kensington had a median income among taxpayers of $57,559 with the average level standing at $88,129. This is among the highest in Australia and compares to levels of $56,994 and $80,856 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since June 30, 2022, current estimates would be approximately $64,817 (median) and $99,242 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Kensington cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.2% of the community (4,605 individuals), mirroring the region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. The district demonstrates considerable affluence with 32.9% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 19.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 68th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Kensington's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 20.5% houses and 79.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 26.9% houses and 73.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kensington was at 24.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.0% and rented ones at 56.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kensington was $2,800, below Sydney metro's average of $3,033. Median weekly rent in Kensington was $500, compared to Sydney metro's $550. Nationally, Kensington's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 59.7% of all households, including 23.0% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.3%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households comprising 9.7%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.4.

Kensington shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Kensington has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above. A significant 51.0% hold university qualifications, surpassing both the Australian average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 32.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational pathways account for 19.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 9.7% and certificates 10.1%.

Educational participation is high in Kensington, with 39.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 21.9% in tertiary education, 6.3% in primary education, and 4.5% pursuing secondary education. The area has four schools with a combined enrollment of 1,570 students. Kensington's schools demonstrate significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1115. Education provision is balanced, with three primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Kensington has 40 active public transport stops, offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 25 different routes, collectively handling 10,236 weekly passenger trips. Residential accessibility to these stops is rated excellent, with residents typically located 120 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,462 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 255 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Kensington shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% (9,124 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 70.6%. Nationally, this stands at 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 7.0% and 6.1% of residents respectively. A total of 77.2% report being free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 76.0%. Kensington has 10.7% (1,533 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 15.1%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

Kensington is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kensington has a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 47.7% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Kensington, making up 43.7% of people there. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 3.6% of Kensington's population versus 4.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other at 16.5%, English at 16.0%, and Australian at 14.6%. Notably, Russian (1.0% vs 1.1%), Spanish (1.0% vs 0.9%), and Greek (4.8% vs 4.0%) are overrepresented in Kensington compared to the regional figures.

Kensington hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

At 30 years, Kensington's median age is younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kensington has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (30.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.3%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is above the national average of 12.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows younger residents have reduced the median age to 30, with notable shifts including an increase in the 15-24 age group from 21.3% to 30.3% and decreases in the 45-54 cohort from 10.3% to 8.4% and the 55-64 group from 8.5% to 6.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the strongest growth projected for the 25-34 age group at 32%, adding 981 residents to reach a total of 4,091.