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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kew (NSW) is around 1,924. This reflects an increase of 163 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,761. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,862 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 53 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 93 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 9.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.9%), indicating significant growth in the area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 85.0% 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, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where data is not available, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb until 2041, with an expected increase of 379 persons, reflecting a gain of 15.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Kew has recorded approximately 19 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 99 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were noted between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction value was $431,000.

In FY-26, $2.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to Rest of NSW, Kew has slightly more development activity, with 42.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. Recent construction comprises 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% townhouses or apartments. As of around 135 people per approval, Kew reflects a developing area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kew is expected to grow by 303 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand.

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

No changes can influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact 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, with the following list detailing those most likely relevant.

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

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Kew ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Kew has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 1.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8%.

As of September 2025642 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.4% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was significantly lower at 39.6%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, only 12.6% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade had a particularly high representation with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety showed lower representation at 4.3%, compared to the regional average of 7.5%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8% while labour force increased by 1.1%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a contraction in employment by 0.5%, a fall in labour force by 0.1%, and an unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Kew's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

Kew's median income among taxpayers was $38,794 in financial year 2023, according to AreaSearch data sourced from the ATO. The suburb's average income stood at $48,265 during this period. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Kew as of September 2025 would be approximately $42,231 (median) and $52,541 (average). The 2021 Census data indicated that household, family, and personal incomes in Kew all fell between the 6th and 7th percentiles nationally. Income brackets showed that the $800 - $1,499 bracket dominated with 35.2% of residents (677 people), unlike regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category was predominant at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.3% income retention, Kew's total disposable income ranked at just the 12th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Kew, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 97.7% houses and 2.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kew was 67.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.8% and rented dwellings at 10.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kew was $1,769, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Kew was $370, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Kew's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Kew has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average 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 comprise the remaining 24.5%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 9.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 10.0% and certificates make up 33.3%.

School attendance encompasses 18.3% of the community, including 6.7% in secondary education, 6.5% in primary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Kew shows that there are 13 active transport stops currently operating. These stops cater to a mix of bus services. A total of 34 individual routes service these stops, collectively facilitating 377 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 265 meters from their nearest transport stop. As Kew is primarily residential, most residents commute outward to other areas for work or leisure. Despite this, the car remains the dominant mode of transportation, used by 98% of residents.

On average, there are 1.4 vehicles owned per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 12.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages out to approximately 53 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kew's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data for Kew residents shows positive outcomes overall. Mortality rates and health conditions are broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% (886 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (16.5%) and mental health issues (8.6%). 50.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Kew has a higher proportion of seniors, with 47.0% aged 65 and over (904 people), compared to 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.7% of its population born in Australia, 94.4% being citizens, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Kew is Christianity, comprising 62.0% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (36.4%), Australian (27.4%), and Scottish (10.4%).

Notably, Irish ancestry is overrepresented in Kew at 10.2%, compared to 8.8% regionally, Maltese at 0.6% versus 0.4%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.0% versus 4.6%.

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 and substantially exceeding the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the cohort aged 65-74 is notably over-represented in Kew at 26.0%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 6.0%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 75 to 84 has grown from 16.2% to 17.1% of Kew's population. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 27.4% to 26.0%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 8.8% to 7.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Kew's age profile will evolve significantly. Leading this demographic shift, the 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 21%, reaching 397 people from 329. This growth is primarily driven by residents aged 65 and older representing 56% of anticipated population growth. Meanwhile, numbers in the 55-64 age range are expected to fall by 1%.