Kensington (SA)

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

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by them, the suburb of Kensington (SA) had an estimated population of around 1,860 as of May 2026. This figure reflects a rise of 52 people (2.9%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 1,808 in the suburb. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 1,860 residents based on their review of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and validation of two new addresses since the Census date. This population density translates to approximately 3,509 persons per square kilometer, placing Kensington in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch nationwide. Overseas migration accounted for roughly 94.0% of overall population gains in recent periods for the suburb.

AreaSearch employs 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, they adopt and adjust the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends indicate an above median growth for Kensington (SA), with projections estimating an increase of 274 persons by 2041. This would represent a total gain of 14.7% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Kensington is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Kensington had virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years.

Between financial year 2021 (FY-21) and 2025 (FY-25), an estimated 3 homes were approved, with 0 so far in FY-26. The population decline over these years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Kensington's construction level is substantially reduced, typically reinforcing demand and pricing for existing dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated recently. This level is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent development comprised entirely of attached dwellings, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This trend reflects reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands. The current housing mix is 30.0% houses. Kensington has approximately 1219 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market.

Kensington has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major undertakings, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed zero projects anticipated to influence this area. Notable projects include Glenside Development, The Parade Quarter, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28, and O-Bahn City Access Project, with the following list outlining those most pertinent.

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 analysis reveals Kensington significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Kensington has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.4% as of December 2025, lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. Employment grew by an estimated 3.1% over the past year.

As of December 2025, 1,077 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate similar to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. A moderate 17.1% of residents worked from home in Census responses, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training sectors. Kensington specializes in professional & technical employment with a share 1.7 times the regional level, while manufacturing has limited presence at 3.5% compared to the regional 7.0%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.1%, labour force grew by 3.0%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged in Kensington. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2% and labour force growth of 3.9%, with a decrease in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Kensington's median income among taxpayers was $50,104 and average income was $75,736 in financial year 2023. These figures are higher than Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852 respectively. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,200 (median) and $83,438 (average), based on a 10.17% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. As of the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 49th percentile with $797 weekly, while household income was at the 24th percentile. In Kensington, 25.7% of individuals 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

In Kensington, as per the latest Census, houses constituted 29.8% of dwellings while other types (semi-detached, apartments, others) made up 70.1%. In contrast, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% 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, exceeding Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Kensington was $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. 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 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 comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is 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 significantly 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. This educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 30.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%).

Vocational pathways account for 21.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 12.4%. Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis shows eight active transport stops operating within Kensington. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 27 individual routes that collectively provide 1,286 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 167 meters from the nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 77%, with 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 on 13th June 2022. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at-risk cohorts.

The rate of private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,058 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide as of 13th June 2022. The most common medical conditions in the area 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 13th June 2022. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. As of 13th June 2022, the area has 25.3% of residents aged 65 and over (470 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though ranking lower nationally than 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, as per the findings, exhibited higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets. Specifically, 23.5% of its residents spoke a language other than English at home, while 33.8% were born overseas. Christianity emerged as the predominant religion in Kensington, with 40.8% of the population identifying with it.

Notably, Hinduism was overrepresented in Kensington compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 5.1% versus 2.8%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (27.7%), Australian (17.0%), and Other (10.4%). While Australians were slightly underrepresented compared to the regional average of 22.8%, certain ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Korean (1.5% vs 0.3%), Sri Lankan (0.7% vs 0.2%), and Italian (6.3% vs 5.2%) were overrepresented in Kensington compared to the regional figures.

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, at 10.0%, but fewer residents aged 5-14, at 8.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group increased from 8.2% to 10.0% of Kensington's population, while the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 11.4% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort decreased from 12.9% to 11.7%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 11.1% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kensington's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 115%, reaching 144 people from 66. The combined 65+ age groups will account for 54% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 cohort is projected to show minimal growth of just 4%, adding only 3 people.