Kenwick

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

Kenwick's population is estimated at around 6,857 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,173 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,684 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 6,701 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 694 persons per square kilometer. Kenwick's growth of 20.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 post-2032 estimations, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends project an above median growth for the suburb of Kenwick, with an expected expansion of 953 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 7.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Kenwick among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Kenwick shows approximately 33 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 165 homes. In FY26 so far, 34 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of about 4.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. Commercial development approvals totalled $35.8 million this financial year.

Compared to Greater Perth, Kenwick has slightly more development, around 20.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. New developments consist of approximately 72.0% standalone homes and 28.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 98.0% houses. Kenwick has about 182 people per approval, indicating a developing area. Future projections estimate an addition of 494 residents by 2041 at current development rates.

Future projections show Kenwick adding 494 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Kenwick has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that may impact this area. Notable projects include CDC Maddington Data Centre Campus, Principal Shared Paths - Bickley Road, Central Maddington Outline Development Plan, and Maddington Central Redevelopment. Relevant details are provided below.

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

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Employment drivers in Kenwick are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Kenwick has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. The unemployment rate in Kenwick was 7.7% over the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.5%. As of September 2025, there are 3,157 residents employed, while the unemployment rate is 3.8% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Kenwick lags at 63.7%, compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, only 5.5% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Transport, postal & warehousing shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

However, education & training has limited presence at 5.4%, compared to the regional level of 9.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5% and labour force increased by 2.6%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In Greater Perth during the same period, employment grew by 2.9%, labour force expanded by 3.0%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kenwick's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Kenwick has a median income of $48,887 and an average income of $57,219. This is below Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,590 (median) and $62,723 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023. Census 2021 income data ranks Kenwick's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 25th and 31st percentiles. The predominant income bracket in Kenwick is $1,500 - 2,999, which accounts for 33.2% of locals (2,276 people), similar to Perth's metropolitan region where this cohort represents 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kenwick, with only 82.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 29th percentile.

Kenwick is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Kenwick's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kenwick was at 25.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.6% and rented ones at 29.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Kenwick was $300, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Kenwick's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kenwick features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.9% of all households, including 35.3% couples with children, 20.6% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.1%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Kenwick fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 12.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (25.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Kenwick has 33 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by four routes that collectively facilitate 889 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 345 meters to the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, primarily by car (83%), while train usage stands at 9%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 5.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency across all routes averages 127 trips per day, translating to about 26 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kenwick is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Kenwick faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (around 3,423 people), compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 7.1 and 6.9% of residents respectively. About 72.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 14.5% of residents aged 65 and over (around 994 people), which is lower than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. National rankings for health indicators are broadly in line with the general population.

Kenwick is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kenwick has a high level of cultural diversity, with 40.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 44.6% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kenwick, accounting for 46.8% of people. However, Islam is significantly overrepresented, comprising 8.6%, compared to the Greater Perth average of 3.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (25.1%), English (21.6%), and Australian (18.3%). Notably, Filipino (3.4% vs regional 1.4%), Maori (1.3% vs regional 0.9%), and Korean (0.6% vs regional 0.3%) ethnic groups are also overrepresented in Kenwick.

Kenwick's population is younger than the national pattern

Kenwick's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Perth's 37 years and somewhat younger than the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group comprises 13.3% of Kenwick's population compared to Greater Perth, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 7.8%. Between 2021 and the present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.3% to 5.3% of the population. Conversely, the 0-4 age group has declined from 7.3% to 6.3%. By 2041, demographic changes are projected for Kenwick. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to rise substantially, increasing by 197 people (54%) from 363 to 561. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 55% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.