Kensington (NSW)

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

Kensington's population was around 14,331 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 2,522 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,809 people. The increase was inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,318 in June 2024 and five validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 5,428 persons per square kilometer, placing Kensington in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. Kensington's growth rate of 21.4% since the 2021 Census exceeded both its SA4 region (7.2%) and the state level, positioning it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 96.1% of overall population gains during recent periods in Kensington.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 using a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Kensington is forecasted to experience significant population growth, with an increase of 4,422 persons expected by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 30.8% over the 17 years.

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

Kensington has recorded approximately 37 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 188 homes were approved, with 0 so far in FY26. 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 of $504,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. This year, there have been $44.9 million in commercial approvals, showing 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, while remaining below national averages due to its 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. The location has approximately 423 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

By 2041, Kensington is expected to grow by 4,409 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Kensington has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 57 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Meriton Green Square Epsom Road Development, The Kensington by TOGA, Anson Group Anzac Parade Residential Development, and UNSW G25 Education Building. The following list details 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 has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 3.4% as of September 2025. The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 3.8% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 8,812 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was on par with Greater Sydney at 70.0%. According to Census responses, 51.2% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment in Kensington is concentrated in 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 shows lower representation at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 5.7%. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates above-average local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.8%, while labour force grew by 3.4%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%, labour force expand by 2.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Kensington's employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix. These projections do not account for potential impacts of localised population changes.

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

In AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Kensington SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $60,337 and an average level of $90,210. This is among the highest in Australia compared to Greater Sydney's levels of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kensington would be approximately $65,683 (median) and $98,203 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Kensington cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 32.2% of the community (4,614 individuals), similar to the region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. The district exhibits 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, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 20.5% houses and 79.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kensington stood at 24.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.0% and rented ones at 56.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,800, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Weekly rent median in Kensington was $500, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Kensington's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents 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 constitute 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 2.7.

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

Kensington's educational attainment exceeds national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 51.0% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (32.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational pathways account for 19.8%, with advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 10.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 39.2% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 21.9% in tertiary education, 6.3% in primary education, and 4.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Kensington shows that there are 51 active transport stops currently operating within the area. These stops offer a mix of light rail and bus services. In total, these stops are serviced by 30 individual routes which collectively provide 13,075 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Kensington is rated as excellent, with residents typically located an average of 119 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transportation for these residents is by car at 55%, followed by bus at 15% and walking at 10%.

The average vehicle ownership per dwelling in Kensington is 0.7, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high percentage of residents, specifically 51.2%, work from home, which may reflect conditions related to COVID-19. The service frequency averages 1,867 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 256 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's health outcomes show notable results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Approximately 66% of Kensington's total population (9,444 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Sydney's 59.9%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Kensington, affecting 7.0% and 6.1% of residents respectively. A total of 77.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Kensington has 10.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,536 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.3%. Health outcomes among seniors in Kensington are strong and align with national rankings for the general population.

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 high cultural diversity, with 41.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 47.7% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, making up 43.7%. Judaism is overrepresented at 3.6%, compared to 0.8% in Greater Sydney.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (16.5%), English (16.0%), and Australian (14.6%). Notably, Russian (1.0%) and Spanish (1.0%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.6%, respectively, while Greek is significantly higher at 4.8% compared to the regional average of 1.9%.

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

Kensington's median age is 30 years, which is younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Kensington has a higher proportion of 15-24 year-olds (30.3%) compared to Greater Sydney but fewer 5-14 year-olds (6.3%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is higher than the national average of 12.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows Kensington's median age has decreased by 2.5 years to 30, with notable shifts including an increase in the 15-24 age group from 21.3% to 30.3%, a decline in the 45-54 cohort from 10.3% to 8.4%, and a decrease in the 55-64 group from 8.5% to 6.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 age cohort at 31%, adding 975 residents to reach 4,091.