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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kensington (NSW) is around 14,724, reflecting an increase of 2,797 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 23.5% increase from the previous population count of 11,927. The latest resident population estimate of 14,718 was derived from AreaSearch's examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2025 and validation of two new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 5,514 persons per square kilometer, placing Kensington (NSW) in the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate exceeded both the state's 7.1% and its SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 96.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is forecasted to increase its population by 4,095 persons, reflecting a total increase of 27.8% over the 16-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Kensington has experienced around 37 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 188 homes. So far in the financial year 2026 (FY-26), two approvals have been recorded. The population has declined recently, but development activity has remained adequate relative to this decline, which could be positive for buyers.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $878,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $44.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kensington shows comparable construction activity per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. However, this level is lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 9.0% detached dwellings and 91.0% townhouses or apartments, focusing on higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

Kensington reflects a developing area with around 167 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Kensington will gain 4,089 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 54 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include Meriton Green Square Epsom Road Development, The Kensington by TOGA, Anson Group Anzac Parade Residential Development, and UNSW G25 Education Building. 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.

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 an educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of a certain period. Employment grew by an estimated 3.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of December 2025, 8,943 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was on par with Greater Sydney's 68.8%. Census responses showed that 51.2% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors.

Kensington has a particularly high concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Manufacturing employs only 2.6% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 5.7%. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 3.8% while labour force grew by 3.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%. 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 14.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Kensington had a median income among taxpayers of $57,367 and an average level of $87,838. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the national averages of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). By March 2026, based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated median income would be approximately $63,287 and average income around $96,903. Census data shows incomes in Kensington cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that 31.9% of Kensington's population earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, mirroring the regional average of 30.9%. Notably, 33.1% exceed $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power. High housing costs consume 18.9% of income, but 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

In Kensington, as per the latest Census evaluation, 21.1% of dwellings were houses while 78.9% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and 'other' dwellings. This contrasted with Sydney metropolitan area's dwelling composition of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kensington stood at 24.8%, lower than the Sydney metro average. Dwellings were either mortgaged (18.9%) or rented (56.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kensington was $2,760, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Kensington was recorded at $500, compared to Sydney metro's $470. 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 59.8 percent of all households, including 23.2 percent couples with children, 27.1 percent couples without children, and 7.6 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.2 percent, with lone person households at 30.5 percent and group households comprising 9.7 percent of the total. 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 is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 50.8% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. This high level of educational attainment positions Kensington favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (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 in Kensington, 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.

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 currently 52 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops offer a mix of light rail and bus services, with a total of 30 individual routes providing weekly passenger trips amounting to 13,075. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 119 meters from their nearest stop. As Kensington is predominantly residential, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 55% of residents, while 15% use buses and 10% walk. Vehicle ownership in the area averages at 0.7 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census data, a significant proportion of residents work from home, with this figure standing at 51.2%. This high percentage may be reflective of the COVID-19 conditions during that period. The service frequency across all routes averages out at 1,867 trips per day, equating to approximately 251 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kensington's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance across Kensington. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Private health cover was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (9,067 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and asthma, impacting 6.9% and 6.1% of residents respectively. 77.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Kensington has 10.3% of its population aged 65 and over (1,516 people), which is lower than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 47.6% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Kensington, comprising 44.0% of people. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 3.5% of Kensington's population versus 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other at 16.4%, English at 16.0%, and Australian at 14.5%. Notably, Russian (1.0%) and Spanish (1.0%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.6%, respectively. Greek is also significantly overrepresented at 5.0% versus 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 29, which is significantly lower than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kensington has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (31.6%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.7%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 12.7%. Between 2021 and the present, Kensington's median age has decreased by 3 years to 29, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes include an increase in the proportion of residents aged 15-24 from 21.2% to 31.6%, and an increase in the 25-34 age group from 21.0% to 23.3%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 10.3% to 7.7%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 7.9% to 5.7%. Population forecasts for Kensington in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 age cohort, expected to increase by 30% to reach 4,477 residents.