Kensington (SA)

Kensington has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Kensington (SA) statistical area (Lv2) is around 1,834. This figure reflects an increase of 26 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,808. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 1,829 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of one new address since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 3,460 persons per square kilometer, placing Kensington (SA) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, ending in June 2024, Kensington (SA) demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is anticipated for Kensington (SA) (SA2), with an expected increase of 328 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 26.3% 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 virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years. Specifically, between FY21 and FY25, an estimated 3 homes were approved, with none so far in FY26.

This results in a significant demand-supply imbalance, with an average of 61.3 new residents per year for every home built over the past five financial years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Kensington has markedly lower building activity, supporting stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, construction activity has intensified recently. Nationally, this activity is below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction in Kensington during this period comprised medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, currently at 30.0% houses. The population density is around 1310 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area.

Kensington has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that may impact the area. Notable projects include Glenside Development, The Parade Quarter, UniSA Magill Campus Redevelopment (Magill Project), and SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, with the following list detailing those most likely to be relevant.

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The labour market strength in Kensington positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Kensington has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.8%. As of September 2025, 1,182 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, similar to Greater Adelaide's workforce participation rate of 61.7%. Leading employment industries among Kensington residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical services have a concentration 1.7 times the regional average, while manufacturing shows lower representation at 3.5% compared to the regional average of 7.0%.

Many Kensington residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8%, labour force grew by 3.6%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points in Kensington. In Greater Adelaide, employment rose by 3.0%, labour force grew by 2.9%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 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 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, assuming stable population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Kensington had a median taxpayer income of $50,104 and an average income of $75,736. Nationally, the median was $54,808 and the average was $66,852. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $54,513 and an average of around $82,401, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8%. Census 2021 data shows personal income ranked at the 49th percentile ($797 weekly) and household income at the 24th percentile. In Kensington, 25.7% (471 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range. Income distribution shows polarization: 33.8% in lower brackets (<$800/week) and 20.9% in higher brackets (>$3,000/week). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 21st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

As of the latest Census, dwelling structures in Kensington comprised 29.8% houses and 70.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 51.7% houses and 48.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kensington was at 25.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.1% and rented ones at 50.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,817, below Adelaide metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $340. Nationally, Kensington's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 48.6% of all households, including 19.5% couples with children, 17.3% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 51.4%, with lone person households at 46.8% and group households making up 4.1%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.2.

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. Among residents aged 15 and above, 48.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This educational advantage is driven by bachelor degrees at 30.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.1% and graduate diplomas at 4.5%. Vocational pathways account for 21.9% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 12.4%.

Educational participation is high in Kensington, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in tertiary education, 8.0% in primary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Kensington has eight active public transport stops in operation, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 27 different routes that together facilitate 1,286 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 167 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes is 183 trips per day, equating to about 160 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Kensington are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Kensington's health indicators show below-average results, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. The area has a very high rate of private health cover at approximately 57% (~1,043 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 62.2%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.0 and 8.8% of residents respectively, while 67.6% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.4% across Greater Adelaide. Kensington has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 24.3% (445 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 20.9%. Health outcomes among seniors in Kensington are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Kensington 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, surveyed in August 2021, had a higher linguistic diversity than most local areas, with 23.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas, 33.8% of Kensington's population was recorded in this survey. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 40.8% of people.

Hinduism, however, showed significant overrepresentation, comprising 5.1% compared to Greater Adelaide's 3.2%. In terms of ancestry, English (27.7%), Australian (17.0%), and Other (10.4%) were the top three groups. Notable ethnic group disparities included Korean at 1.5% (regional average: 0.5%), Sri Lankan at 0.7% (regional average: 0.3%), and Italian at 6.3% (regional average: 11.1%).

Kensington hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Kensington is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Kensington has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84, at 9.6%, but fewer residents aged 5-14, at 8.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 11.4% to 12.8%, while the 75-84 cohort rose from 8.2% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group decreased from 12.9% to 11.5%, and the 55-64 age group dropped from 11.1% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kensington's age structure. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 53%, adding 93 people and reaching a total of 270 from the previous count of 176. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age cohort is expected to grow by a modest 6%, with an increase of 9 people.