Kensington (WA)

Kensington is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kensington (WA) is around 5,243, reflecting a 13.3% increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,627. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 5,158 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of 9 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,016 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Kensington's growth rate surpassed both the national average (9.9%) and its SA3 area, making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.0% to recent population gains in the suburb. 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, AreaSearch uses ABS' Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future demographic trends indicate a population increase just below the national median statistical area's median by 2041. The suburb is expected to expand by 427 persons by then, reflecting a total gain of 4.7% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Kensington when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Kensington has seen approximately 20 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 103 homes were approved, with an additional five approved so far in FY-26. Each year, an average of 2.6 new residents is gained per dwelling built over these five financial years.

This indicates strong demand, which should support property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $1,419,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $5.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Perth, Kensington records approximately 66% of the building activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 59th percentile of areas assessed.

New development consists of 23.0% detached dwellings and 77.0% attached dwellings, demonstrating a shift towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 82.0% houses. With around 256 people per dwelling approval, Kensington shows a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kensington will gain approximately 248 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Kensington has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Edward Millen Adaptive Heritage and Landscape Redevelopment, 167-169 Bank Street Development, Australian Hockey Centre, and Woolworths East Victoria Park. The following list details those likely to be most 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.

Employment conditions in Kensington rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Kensington has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 1.5%, lower than the Greater Perth average of 4.0%. In September 2025, 3,128 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% below Greater Perth's rate.

Workforce participation was 73.7%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, 11.9% of residents worked from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Professional & technical jobs are particularly notable, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 2.9%. There were 1.1 workers for every resident as of the Census, indicating Kensington functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.6% while labour force grew by 2.5%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.4%. In comparison, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 2.9% and labour force expand by 3.0%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment 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 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Kensington's income level is exceptionally high nationally. According to AreaSearch data aggregated from the latest ATO figures for financial year 2023, Kensington's median income among taxpayers is $61,629 and average income stands at $100,780. This compares to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kensington would be approximately $67,558 (median) and $110,475 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Kensington rank highly nationally, between the 84th and 90th percentiles. Distribution data shows that the $4000+ bracket dominates with 30.4% of residents (1,593 people), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 32.0%. Kensington demonstrates considerable affluence with 43.5% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 14.4% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 90th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Kensington is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Kensington, as per the latest Census evaluation, 81.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 18.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kensington was at 29.8%, similar to Perth metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.4% and rented ones at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kensington was $2,600, higher than the Perth metro average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Kensington was $375, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Kensington's mortgage repayments are higher at $2,600 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are comparable at $375.

Kensington features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 72.7% of all households, including 38.5% couples with children, 23.6% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.3%, consisting of 22.5% lone person households and 4.5% group households. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Perth average.

The educational profile of Kensington exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Kensington has a notably high level of educational attainment, with 49.2% of its residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This figure surpasses both the Western Australian average of 27.9% and the SA4 region's average of 29.9%. The area's educational advantage is reflected in its strong focus on knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent, with 32.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.2% and graduate diplomas at 5.1%.

Vocational pathways account for 22.7% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 9.4% and certificates accounting for 13.3%. Educational participation is notably high in Kensington, with 34.5% of its residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in secondary education, 10.1% in primary education, and 8.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Kensington has 43 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 12 different routes that together facilitate 1,946 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 152 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 79%, followed by buses at 11% and cycling at 3%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 278 trips per day, equating to approximately 45 weekly trips per stop.

Kensington's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Kensington's health outcomes data shows exceptional results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (3,523 people), compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were mental health issues impacting 8.6% of residents and asthma affecting 7.7%. A total of 72.6% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. Kensington has 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (859 people), with seniors showing strong health outcomes that align with national rankings for the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Kensington records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kensington's cultural diversity is above average, with 10.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 24.6% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kensington, making up 45.4%. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 0.8%, compared to 1.4% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.8%), Australian (25.4%), and Irish (8.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Polish is overrepresented at 1.0% in Kensington (vs 0.7% regionally), South African at 0.9% (vs 1.0%), and Croatian at 0.9% (vs 0.8%).

Kensington's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Kensington is close to Greater Perth's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Kensington has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (15.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.5%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 3.3% to 5.7%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 0 to 4 has decreased from 5.3% to 4.5%. By 2041, Kensington's age composition is expected to change notably. The demographic shift will be led by the 75 to 84 group, which is projected to grow by 58%, reaching 471 people from 298. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 74% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups.