Kensington Gardens

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Kensington Gardens is around 2,698. This reflects an increase of 200 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,498. The latest estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of the ABS ERP data release from June 2024 and additional validated new addresses, is 2,692 residents. This results in a population density ratio of 2,475 persons per square kilometer, placing Kensington Gardens in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth rate of 8.0% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the SA3 area (5.1%) and the state average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for Kensington Gardens, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. According to population projections, Kensington Gardens is expected to increase by just below the median of national areas. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to grow by 232 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 6.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Kensington Gardens recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Kensington Gardens experienced around 11 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 59 homes. So far in FY-26, four approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed was 1.7 between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this increased to 4.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $838,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment.

There have also been $1.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Kensington Gardens records about three-quarters the building activity per person and places among the 65th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 79.0% standalone homes and 21.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (46.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 218 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Population forecasts indicate Kensington Gardens will gain 165 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Kensington Gardens has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region: Hamilton Hill (former Youth Training Centre, Magill/Woodforde). Other notable projects include UniSA Magill Campus Redevelopment (Magill Project), Magill Campus Renewal Project, and Morialta Performing Arts Centre.

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Kensington Gardens ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Kensington Gardens has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% in June 2025, below Greater Adelaide's 4.0%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.6%. Workforce participation was 58.4%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with a share 1.8 times the regional level.

Manufacturing has limited presence at 3.4% compared to the regional 7.0%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparison of working population vs resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6%, labour force by 1.6%, keeping unemployment stable at 2.0%. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Kensington Gardens' employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.8% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Kensington Gardens' median income among taxpayers was $56,090 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $86,668 during this period. This compares to figures for Greater Adelaide of $52,592 and $64,886 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimates suggest the median income could reach approximately $63,286 by September 2025, with average income potentially reaching around $97,788 during this period. Census data shows personal income ranks at the 69th percentile ($915 weekly), while household income sits at the 39th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 26.1% of Kensington Gardens residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (704 individuals). This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region where 31.8% fall into the same earnings category. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses in Kensington Gardens. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Kensington Gardens displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Kensington Gardens' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 46.0% houses and 54.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 67.0% houses and 33.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kensington Gardens was 41.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.1% and rented ones at 30.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, below Adelaide metro's average of $2,300. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $346, compared to Adelaide metro's $360. Nationally, Kensington Gardens' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 60.3% of all households, including 23.5% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 39.7%, with lone person households at 36.7% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

Kensington Gardens' residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion with university qualifications (49.4%) compared to South Australia (25.7%) and Greater Adelaide (28.9%). Bachelor degrees are the most common (33.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational pathways account for 22.1%, with advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 12.9%. Residents' current educational participation is high, with 27.4% enrolled in formal education: primary (8.5%), tertiary (8.4%), and secondary (6.1%).

Educational facilities seem to be outside Kensington Gardens' immediate boundaries, requiring residents to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 13 active transport stops operating within Kensington Gardens. These stops are serviced by 18 individual routes, collectively providing 1,351 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 173 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 193 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 103 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kensington Gardens's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Kensington Gardens residents showed relatively positive health outcomes with common conditions seen across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (1,650 people), compared to 68.6% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis (8.2%) and mental health issues (6.6%).

68.6% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Adelaide. Kensington Gardens had 28.0% residents aged 65 and over (755 people), higher than Greater Adelaide's 23.6%. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Kensington Gardens was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kensington Gardens had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 32.6% of its population born overseas and 26.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kensington Gardens, comprising 48.2% of its population. However, Buddhism stood out as being overrepresented, making up 4.0% compared to Greater Adelaide's 3.4%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (23.9%), Australian (19.2%), and Other (8.8%). Polish, Italian, and Hungarian ethnicities showed notable differences: Polish was at 1.1%, Italian at 7.3%, and Hungarian at 0.4%, compared to regional percentages of 0.9%, 6.0%, and 0.3% respectively.

Kensington Gardens hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Kensington Gardens has a median age of 45 years, which is higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 39 years and also exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 9.7% of Kensington Gardens' population, compared to Greater Adelaide's figure. The 5-14 age group makes up 9.0% of Kensington Gardens' population. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.2% to 12.7% of the population. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 12.4% to 11.0%. Demographic modeling indicates that Kensington Gardens' age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 78%, adding 115 residents to reach a total of 264. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 81% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 65-74 age groups.