Kensington (NSW)

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

Based on ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Kensington's population is estimated at around 14,470 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,543 people (21.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,927 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 14,453 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,419 persons per square kilometer, placing Kensington in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 21.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.3%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecasted for Kensington, with an expected increase of 4,452 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 30.6% over the 17 years.

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 indicates Kensington recorded around 37 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 188 homes. As of FY26, 0 approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, suggesting new supply is meeting demand and providing good choice for buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $878,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year, $44.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kensington shows moderately higher construction activity, 12.0% above regional average per person over the five-year period. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, this level is below national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 9.0% detached houses 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 4,430 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning 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 has identified 57 projects that could affect the area. Notable ones are 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 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 a highly educated workforce. Its unemployment rate is 3.4%. Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 3.8%.

As of September 2025, 8,885 residents are employed. Kensington's unemployment rate is 0.8% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Kensington matches Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 51.2% of residents work from home.

Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. Kensington specializes in education & training, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Manufacturing employs only 2.6% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 5.7%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.8, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8% and labour force grew by 3.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In Greater Sydney, employment rose by 2.1%, labour force grew by 2.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kensington's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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 ended 30 June 2023, Kensington suburb had median income among taxpayers at $57,367 and average income at $87,838. These figures rank high in Australia compared to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. By September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $62,450 and average income around $95,620 based on 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year ended 2023. Kensington's incomes from the 2021 Census clustered at the 72nd percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 31.9% of individuals in Kensington earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (4,615 individuals), similar to surrounding regions with 30.9%. High earners above $3,000/week comprise 33.1%, indicating strong economic capacity. Housing costs consume 18.9% of income, but disposable income ranks at the 68th percentile. Kensington'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

The dwelling structure in Kensington, as per the latest Census, consisted of 21.1% houses and 78.9% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metropolitan area had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kensington stood at 24.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.9% and rented ones at 56.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,760, higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,427. Weekly rent median 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 account for 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 constitute 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 2.7.

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 and above, 50.8% possess university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4% and New South Wales' average of 32.2%. This high level of educational attainment positions Kensington favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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 making up 9.6% and certificates 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 52 active transport stops currently operating within the area. These include a mix of light rail and bus services. There are 30 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 13,075 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 119 meters from their nearest transport stop. As Kensington is primarily a residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. Car remains the dominant mode of transport 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 be reflective of COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages approximately 1,867 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 251 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

AreaSearch's health metrics analysis reveals robust performance across Kensington. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups.

Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (8910 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions were mental health issues (6.9%) and asthma (6.1%). A higher proportion, 77.1%, reported being completely clear of medical ailments compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Kensington has a lower percentage of residents aged 65 and over at 11.1% (1606 people) than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors align with the general population, placing Kensington in line with national rankings.

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 47.6% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Kensington, comprising 44.0%. Judaism is overrepresented in Kensington at 3.5%, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (16.4%), English (16.0%), and Australian (14.5%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Russian is overrepresented at 1.0%, Spanish at 1.0%, and Greek 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. Kensington has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (29.9%) compared to Greater Sydney but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.4%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 12.5%. Post-2021 Census data reveals a shift in median age down by 2.3 years to 30, with notable changes including an increase in the 15-24 age group from 21.2% to 29.9%, and decreases in the 45-54 cohort from 10.3% to 8.6% and the 55-64 group from 8.5% to 6.8%. Population forecasts for Kensington by 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 age cohort at 33%, adding 1,018 residents to reach a total of 4,115.