Kensington (SA)

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kensington (SA) is around 1,834. This 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 the resident population at 1,829 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,460 persons per square kilometer, placing Kensington in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Kensington has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected for Kensington, with the suburb expected to grow by 314 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 26.1% in total 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 in Kensington shows virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 3 homes were approved, with none so far in FY-26.

This results in a significant demand-supply mismatch, with an average of 61.3 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past five financial years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Kensington has substantially reduced construction levels, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings despite recent acceleration in building activity. The area's established nature is indicated by its level being under the national average, suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of attached dwellings, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This trend reflects reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands. Kensington currently has approximately 1310 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market.

Kensington has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects impacting this region. Notable initiatives include Glenside Development, The Parade Quarter, UniSA Magill Campus Redevelopment (Magill Project), and SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts.

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.

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, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of that date, 1,189 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.9% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Kensington was 75.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, 17.1% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

Kensington has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Meanwhile, manufacturing has limited presence with 3.5% employment compared to 7.0% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on the count of Census working population to local population. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0% and labour force increased by 3.8%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Kensington. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Kensington's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Kensington had a median income among taxpayers of $50,104 and an average income of $75,736 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are higher than Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Kensington as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,513 (median) and $82,401 (average). In the 2021 Census, personal income in Kensington ranked at the 49th percentile ($797 weekly), while household income was at the 24th percentile. Income distribution showed that 25.7% of the population earned between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 21st percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Kensington, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, consisted of 29.8% houses and 70.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Adelaide metropolitan area's structure of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. In Kensington, the home ownership rate was 25.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.1% and rented dwellings at 50.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kensington was $1,817, above Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure for Kensington was recorded at $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. 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 make up the remaining 51.4%, with lone person households at 46.8% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Kensington shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Kensington's educational attainment notably exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 48.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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.

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

Analysis of public transport in Kensington shows eight active transport stops operating within the area, all offering bus services. These stops are served by 27 different routes, collectively facilitating 1,286 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 167 meters from their nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most residents commute outward. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 77%, followed by bus at 11% and walking at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 17.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 183 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 160 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Kensington is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Kensington demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment completed in June 2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low among the general population but closer to national averages for older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (around 1,043 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide as of June 2021. The most common medical conditions in Kensington were mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.0% and 8.8% of residents respectively, while 67.6% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide as of June 2021. The under-65 population in Kensington demonstrates better than average health outcomes. As of June 2021, the area has 24.8% of residents aged 65 and over (454 people), which is higher than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors in Kensington are above average but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

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's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 23.5% speaking a language other than English at home and 33.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kensington, accounting for 40.8% of its population. Notably, Hinduism was overrepresented in Kensington, comprising 5.1% compared to 2.8% across Greater Adelaide.

Regarding ancestry, the top groups were English (27.7%), Australian (17.0%), and Other (10.4%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Korean was overrepresented at 1.5% in Kensington versus 0.3% regionally, Sri Lankan at 0.7% versus 0.2%, and Italian at 6.3% versus 5.2%.

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 median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Kensington has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (10.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.0%). According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 8.2% to 10.1%, while the proportion of those aged 15-24 has risen from 11.4% to 12.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has decreased from 12.9% to 11.5%, and the proportion of those aged 55-64 has dropped from 11.1% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kensington's age structure, with the 85+ group expected to grow by 145 people, reaching 144 from its current size of 58.