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, reflecting an increase of 163 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 9.3% increase from the previous population of 1,761. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,862 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024, along with an additional 53 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 93 persons per square kilometer. Kew's growth rate exceeded that of both Rest of NSW (5.9%) and its SA4 region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, the suburb is projected to experience above median population growth in national non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 377 persons, reflecting a gain of 16.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Kew recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Kew recorded around 18 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 91 homes. So far in FY26, six approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.8 new residents were associated with each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25.

The average value of new homes being built is $431,000. Commercial development approvals totalling $2.6 million have been recorded in FY26. Compared to the rest of NSW, Kew has seen 37.0% more development per person over the five-year period ending FY25. Recent construction comprised 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% townhouses or apartments.

The latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects Kew's population to grow by 315 residents through to 2041.

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

No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to impact the area. Key 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.

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 balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.2% in the past year, lower than Regional NSW's 3.9%. As of December 2025637 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.7%, below Regional NSW's 3.9%.

Workforce participation is lower at 39.1% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. A low 12.6% work from home. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade is particularly strong, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Public administration & safety has lower representation at 4.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 7.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force decreased by 0.3% and employment declined by 0.5%, raising unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2%. 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 Kew's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.6% in five years and 13.7% in ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

The suburb of Kew's median income among taxpayers was $38,794 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $48,265 during the same period. These figures are below Regional NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, current estimates for Kew would be approximately $42,231 (median) and $52,541 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Kew all fall between the 6th and 7th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $800 - 1,499 dominated in Kew with 35.2% of residents (677 people), unlike regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominated at 29.9%. Housing costs were modest in Kew, with 88.3% of income retained. However, 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

Kew's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.7% houses and 2.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% 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 Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Kew was $370, compared to Regional 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 24.5%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households making up 1.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional 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 the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 9.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 43.3% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 33.3%.

School and university attendance comprises 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

Kew has 13 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 34 different routes that together facilitate 377 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically residing 265 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 98% of residents. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, buses run an average of 53 trips per day, equating to approximately 29 weekly trips per 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 generally positive results, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. 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 in the area, with approximately 46% (~886 people) having it, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (16.5%) and mental health issues (8.6%). About 50.0% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than the 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces significant health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Kew has a higher proportion of seniors, with 46.6% aged 65 and over (896 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional 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. Christianity is the main religion in Kew, comprising 62.0% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Kew are English (36.4%), Australian (27.4%), and Scottish (10.4%).

Notably, Irish ancestry is overrepresented at 10.2%, Maltese at 0.6%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.0%.

Kew ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kew's median age is 63 years, significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and substantially above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Kew has a notably higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (25.6%) and a lower percentage of those aged 25-34 (6.2%). The 65-74 age group is more than double the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, Kew's population aged 75-84 has increased from 16.2% to 17.1%, while the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 27.4% to 25.6% and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 8.8% to 7.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Kew's age profile. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 20%, reaching 396 people from the current 329. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 54% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 1%.