Kew (NSW)

Kew lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Kew's population is estimated at around 1,888 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 127 people (7.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,761 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,854 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 53 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 92 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Kew's 7.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.7%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 85.0% 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, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 381 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 18.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Kew shows approximately 20 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 101 homes. In FY-26 so far, two approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 is 1.7.

Commercial development approvals in Kew this financial year amount to $5.0 million. Relative to the Rest of NSW, Kew has slightly more development, at 45.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. New building activity comprises 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% attached dwellings. The latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects Kew's population to grow by 343 residents through to 2041.

Looking ahead, Kew is expected to grow by 343 residents through to 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.

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

No factor impacts a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially affect this area. Notable projects include Lake Cathie Public School upgrade, Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane, Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, Corridor Preservation For East Coast High Speed Rail. The following list outlines those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Kew demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Kew has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 1.2% as of June 2025, and estimated employment growth of 1.4% over the past year based on AreaSearch data aggregation. The unemployment rate in Kew is 2.4% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, but workforce participation lags at 35.2% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%.

Key employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade is particularly strong with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. However, public administration & safety is under-represented at 4.3% compared to Rest of NSW's 7.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparison of working population versus resident population.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.4% while labour force grew by 1.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points in Kew. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.1%, labour force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kew's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Kew had a median taxpayer income of $38,794 and an average of $48,265. Nationally, the averages were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively for Rest of NSW. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%, median income is estimated at approximately $43,686 and average at $54,351. The 2021 Census places Kew's household, family, and personal incomes between the 6th and 7th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show 35.2% of locals (664 people) fall into the $800 - $1,499 category, differing from broader area where $1,500 - $2,999 is predominant at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.3% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 12th percentile nationally.

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

Kew's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.7% houses and 2.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kew stood at 67.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.8% and rented ones at 10.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,769, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Kew was $370, slightly lower than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $375. Nationally, Kew's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also less than the national figure of $375.

Kew has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 75.5% of all households, including 20.4% couples with children, 48.6% couples without children, and 6.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.5%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches the average for the Rest of NSW.

Kew faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 15.2%, substantially lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (33.3%). School and university attendance encompasses 18.3% of the community, including 6.7% in secondary education, 6.5% in primary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Camden Haven High School provides local educational services within Kew, with an enrollment of 901 students as of a specific date if mentioned verbatim. The area's ICSEA score is 954, indicating balanced educational opportunities. Secondary education dominates with 1 school, while primary students typically attend schools in adjacent catchments. The area functions as an education hub with 47.7 school places per 100 residents - significantly above the regional average of 14.2 - attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 13 active stops in Kew, operated by buses. These stops are served by 34 routes, offering 356 weekly trips for passengers. Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 265 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 50 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 27 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Kew is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Kew faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover in Kew is low at approximately 46% (around 870 people), compared to 48.6% across the rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 16.5% and 8.6% of residents respectively.

However, 50.0% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 59.9% across the rest of NSW. Kew has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 46.9% (around 885 people), compared to 28.7% in the rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Kew are better than those of the general population.

Kew is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Kew's population showed low cultural diversity, with 86.7% born in Australia, 94.4% being citizens, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Kew, accounting for 62.0%, compared to 57.5% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (36.4%), Australian (27.4%), and Scottish (10.4%).

Some ethnic groups had notable differences: Irish at 10.2% in Kew versus 9.4% regionally, Maltese at 0.6% versus 0.4%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.0% versus 3.8%.

Kew ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kew's median age is 63 years, notably exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and substantially exceeding the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented at 26.3% in Kew, while the 25 - 34 age group is under-represented at 5.8%. The 65 - 74 concentration in Kew is well above the national average of 9.4%. Following the Census conducted on 10 August 2021, the 85+ age group has grown from 3.0% to 3.9% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 27.4% to 26.3%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 8.8% to 7.8%. Demographic modeling suggests that Kew's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 27%, adding 83 people and reaching a total of 399 from 315. The demographic aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 57% of anticipated growth. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort grows by a modest 1%, adding 3 people.