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 NSW's population was 14,302 as of Aug 2025. This reflected an increase of 2,493 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,809 people. The change was inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 14,318 in June 2024 and four validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 5,417 persons per square kilometer, placing Kensington among the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kensington's population growth rate of 21.1% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the state (6.4%) and SA4 region levels, indicating it as a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 96.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Kensington are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, Kensington is forecasted to experience significant population growth, with an expected increase of 4,422 persons by 2041 based on the latest numbers, representing a total gain of 31.0% over the 17-year period.

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 in the area, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $878,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment by developers. In FY26, there have been $44.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kensington shows moderately higher development activity, with 13.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This has maintained good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. However, this activity is below average nationally, reflecting 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 and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 423 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. Looking ahead, Kensington is expected to grow by 4,438 residents by 2041. 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 52 potential impactful projects in total. Key initiatives include Meriton Green Square Epsom Road Development, The Kensington by TOGA, Anson Group Anzac Parade Residential Development, and Ralph Alexandria. Below is a list of those most likely to be relevant.

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

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 is 3.4%, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

In June 2025, employment grew by 2.9% year-on-year, with an estimated 8,737 residents employed and an unemployment rate of 3.6%. The workforce participation rate is similar to Greater Sydney's at 60.0%. Key industries include professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and education & training, with the latter showing particularly high concentration at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 5.7%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.8, indicating a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, labour force grew by 2.4%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. In Greater Sydney, employment grew by 2.6%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, but unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. As of Sep-25, NSW's employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 4.3%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5%, and employment grew by 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that over five years, national employment will expand by 6.6% and by 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.

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 1 July 2022 for financial year 2022, Kensington had a median income among taxpayers of $57,559 with the average level standing at $88,129. These figures are among the highest in Australia and compare to levels of $56,994 and $80,856 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $63,660 (median) and $97,471 (average) as of March 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Kensington cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 32.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (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 nationally. Consequently, 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, had 20.5% houses and 79.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 26.9% houses and 73.1% 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, below Sydney metro's average of $3,033. The median weekly rent figure 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 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 comprise the remaining 40.3%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households making up 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's educational attainment exceeds national and state averages. 51.0% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. 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%.

Educational participation is high, with 39.2% of residents currently enrolled. This includes 21.9% in tertiary education, 6.3% in primary education, and 4.5% pursuing secondary education. Kensington's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,570 students as of the latest data. The area has notable socio-educational advantages 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

Transport analysis shows 40 active stops operating within Kensington. These include lightrail and bus services. There are 25 routes serving these stops, providing a total of 10,236 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 120 meters to the nearest stop. Daily service frequency averages 1,462 trips across all routes, which equals 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, with very low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover stands at approximately 64% (9,124 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 70.6%, but below the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 7.0% and 6.1% respectively.

A total of 77.2% claim to be free from medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 76.0%. Kensington has a lower proportion of seniors (aged 65+) at 10.7% (1,533 people), compared to 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 high cultural diversity, with 41.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 47.7% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Kensington, comprising 43.7%. Judaism is overrepresented at 3.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 4.4%.

In terms of ancestry, Other (16.5%), English (16.0%), and Australian (14.6%) are the top groups. Notably, Russian (1.0% vs regional 1.1%), Spanish (1.0% vs 0.9%), and Greek (4.8% vs 4.0%) are overrepresented in Kensington.

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 significantly higher than the national average of 12.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that younger residents have reduced Kensington's median age by 2.5 years to 30. The proportion of 15-24 year-olds has increased from 21.3% to 30.3%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 10.3% to 8.4% and the 55-64 group has dropped from 8.5% to 6.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Kensington, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 cohort at 32%, adding 981 residents to reach a total of 4,091.