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, Kensington's population is estimated at around 1,977 people. This reflects an increase of 169 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,808 people in the suburb. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,959 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional one validated new address since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 3,730 persons per square kilometer, placing Kensington in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 9.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both state (7.1%) and metropolitan area averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Kensington.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, AreaSearch uses the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. The suburb is expected to increase its population by 331 persons to reach 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 17.4% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Kensington when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Kensington has recorded approximately four residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 22 homes were approved, with no approvals so far in FY26.

On average, for every home built over these five years, there have been about 8.4 new residents per year, indicating significant demand exceeding supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new homes has been around $759,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Kensington records notably lower building activity, 64.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, construction activity has recently intensified. Nationally, Kensington's level is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New construction in Kensington has been entirely comprised of medium and high-density housing, providing accessible entry options and appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

This marks a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 30.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With approximately 246 people per approval, Kensington reflects a transitioning market. Looking ahead, Kensington is expected to grow by 343 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

No factors influence a region's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that may impact this 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 relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Kensington significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Kensington's workforce comprises highly educated individuals with significant representation in professional services. The unemployment rate stood at 2.1% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3%.

As of June 2025, 1,164 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.9% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries included health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Kensington showed particular employment specialization in professional & technical services, with a share 1.7 times the regional level.

Manufacturing employed only 3.5% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.0%. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and May 2025, employment increased by 2.3%, labour force grew by 2.1%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In Greater Adelaide, employment grew by 2.1% while unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kensington's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Kensington's median income among taxpayers is $50,104. The average income is $75,736. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Adelaide's median of $52,592 and average of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for Kensington would be approximately $56,532 (median) and $85,453 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 49th percentile ($797 weekly), while household income sits at the 24th percentile. The income distribution shows that 25.7% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999, with a total of 508 people in this bracket. This pattern is similar to the surrounding region where 31.8% occupy this range. There is a diverse economic landscape with both lower-income residents (33.8%) and affluent households (20.9%) well-represented. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.3% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

In Kensington, as per the latest Census evaluation, houses accounted for 29.8% of dwellings while other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others made up 70.1%. In comparison, Adelaide metropolitan area had 51.7% houses and 48.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kensington stood at 25.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.1% and rented ones at 50.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,817, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Kensington was $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $340. Nationally, Kensington's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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 comprise 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, 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 has a notably high educational attainment rate among residents aged 15 and above, with 48.2% holding university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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, 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. Kensington's three schools have a combined enrollment of 826 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1095. Education provision is balanced with two primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 41.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 32.6, indicating that Kensington serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Public transport analysis shows eight active transport stops operating within Kensington. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 26 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 1,284 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 167 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 183 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 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 rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (around 1,125 people), compared to 61.4% across Greater Adelaide.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.0 and 8.8% of residents respectively. About 67.6% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 70.4% across Greater Adelaide. Kensington has 24.3% of residents aged 65 and over (480 people), which is higher than the 20.9% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors 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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 23.5% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 33.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kensington, making up 40.8% of its population. However, Hinduism was notably overrepresented, comprising 5.1% compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 3.2%.

The top three represented ancestral groups were English at 27.7%, Australian at 17.0%, and Other at 10.4%. There were significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Korean was overrepresented at 1.5% (compared to 0.5% regionally), Sri Lankan at 0.7% (vs 0.3%), and Italian at 6.3% (vs 11.1%).

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

The median age in Kensington is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Kensington has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (9.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group 75-84 increased from 8.2% to 9.6%, while the 15-24 cohort rose from 11.4% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort decreased from 12.9% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Kensington's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 128%, reaching 144 people from 63. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 55% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 5-14 age group is expected to contract by one resident.