Kensington (NSW)

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

As of November 2025, Kensington's population is estimated at approximately 14,439 people. This figure represents a significant increase from the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,927. The growth can be attributed to an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date and the resident population estimate of 14,451 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024. This population density equates to around 5,407 persons per square kilometer, placing Kensington within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 21.1% since the 2021 Census exceeds both state (6.7%) and SA4 region averages, indicating its status as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 96.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is utilising ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for Kensington, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For future demographic trends, a significant population increase is forecast, with an expected rise of 4,452 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of approximately 30.9% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Kensington shows around 37 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 188 homes were approved, with none so far in FY26. The population has been declining recently, suggesting new supply is keeping up with demand and offering good choice for buyers.

The average construction value of new properties is $878,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This year, there have been $135,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kensington has moderately higher construction activity, at 12.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, but is lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 9.0% detached dwellings and 91.0% townhouses or apartments, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

The location has approximately 167 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Kensington is expected to grow by 4,461 residents by 2041, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and price increases if current development rates do not match population growth.

Kensington has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 56 projects likely to impact the area, with major ones including Meriton Green Square Epsom Road Development, The Kensington by TOGA, Anson Group Anzac Parade Residential Development, and UNSW G25 Education Building.

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 positions Kensington ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Kensington has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector notably represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.4% in an unspecified past year.

Employment growth over that year was estimated at 2.9%. As of June 2025, 8,808 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries for Kensington residents were professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training, with the latter being particularly concentrated at 1.5 times the regional average.

Manufacturing, however, was under-represented at 2.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 5.7%. The worker-to-resident ratio of 0.8 indicated a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, while labour force increased by 2.4%, leading to an unemployment rate decrease of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.6%, labour force expansion of 2.9%, and a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kensington's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.5% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Kensington had a median income among taxpayers of $57,367. The average income stood at $87,838, which is among the highest in Australia. This compares to levels of $56,994 and $80,856 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Kensington would be approximately $64,601 (median) and $98,914 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Kensington cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Distribution data shows 31.9% of the population fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. A significant 33.1% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 18.9% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 68th percentile. 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 21.1% houses and 78.9% 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 24.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.9% and rented ones at 56.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,760, 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 higher at $1,863 and 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 59.8% of all households, including 23.2% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.2%, with lone person households at 30.5% 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's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 50.8% of residents aged 15 and above hold 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 (16.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational pathways account for 19.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 10.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 39.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 21.8% in tertiary education, 6.3% in primary education, and 4.6% pursuing secondary education. Kensington has four schools with a combined enrollment of 1,570 students, demonstrating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1115). Educational 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 41 active transport stops operating within Kensington. These include a mix of lightrail and bus services. They are served by 25 individual routes, collectively providing 10,236 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility 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 249 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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Kensington, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (8,891 people), compared to 70.6% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 6.9 and 6.1% of residents respectively.

A total of 77.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.0% across Greater Sydney. Kensington has 10.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,559 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health 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's cultural diversity is notable, with 41.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 47.6% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kensington, comprising 44.0%. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 3.5% of Kensington's population versus 4.4% regionally.

The top three ancestral groups are Other (16.4%), English (16.0%), and Australian (14.5%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Russian is slightly overrepresented at 1.0%, Spanish is similarly represented at 1.0%, and Greek is notably higher at 5.0%.

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. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kensington has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (30.2%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (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. Notably, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 21.2% to 30.2%, while the proportions of those aged 45-54 and 55-64 have decreased to 8.5% and 6.7%, respectively, from their previous figures of 10.3% and 8.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Kensington, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 age group, which is expected to grow by 31%, adding 981 residents to reach a total of 4,115.