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, Kew (NSW) SA2's population is estimated at around 1,912 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 151 people (8.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,761 people in Kew (NSW) SA2. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,862 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on 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 in Kew (NSW) SA2, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Kew's 8.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's growth rate of 5.7%. 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 for Kew (NSW) SA2, with the area expected to increase by 382 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 16.7% 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 in Kew shows around 19 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 99 homes. Five approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 1.8 new residents are associated with each dwelling constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average construction value of new homes is $431,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting focus on quality developments.

This financial year has seen $2.6 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Kew has 43.0% more development per person over the past five years, offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, recent periods have shown moderation in development activity. The majority of recent construction comprises detached houses (89.0%), preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 135 people per approval, Kew reflects a developing area. By 2041, AreaSearch projects an increase of 320 residents in Kew. Current development rates 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 infrastructure changes are expected in this area. No major projects have been identified by AreaSearch that will impact the region. Key initiatives include Lake Cathie Public School upgrade, Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane, Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, and Corridor Preservation For East Coast High Speed Rail.

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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 1.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9%. As of September 2025645 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.6% lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation lagged at 35.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade showed strong specialization with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety had lower representation at 4.3% versus the regional average of 7.5%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison. In the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9%, labour force by 1.1%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected a national expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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 in financial year 2023 was $38,794. The average income stood at $48,265 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of NSW, which were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on an 8.86% increase from financial year 2023 suggest median income will be approximately $42,231 and average income around $52,541. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Kew fall between the 6th and 7th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $800 - 1,499 is dominant in Kew, with 35.2% of residents (673 people), unlike regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.3% income retention, total disposable income in Kew ranks at just the 12th percentile nationally.

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

In Kew, as per the latest Census evaluation, 97.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's figures of 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kew stood at 67.3%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 21.8% and rented properties making up 10.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,769, exceeding Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Kew was recorded at $370, compared to 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 below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 75.5% of all households, including 20.4% that are couples with children, 48.6% that are couples without children, and 6.5% that are 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%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common 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 them - advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 33.3%.

School and university attendance makes up 18.3% of the community, including secondary education (6.7%), primary education (6.5%), and tertiary education (1.5%).

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

Transport analysis in Kew shows 13 active public transport stops operating. These are a mix of bus services. There are 34 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 377 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 265 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 53 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 29 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 extremely low at approximately 46%, covering around 881 people. This compares to a rate of 48.9% across the Rest of NSW, and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 16.5%) and mental health issues (8.6%), while 50% of residents report having no medical ailments. This is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 59.9%. Kew has a higher proportion of seniors, with 46.9% aged 65 and over (896 people), compared to 28.7% in the Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Kew are generally 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 had a cultural diversity score below the average, with 86.7% of its residents born in Australia, 94.4% being citizens, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kew, accounting for 62.0% of the population, compared to 57.5% across the rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Kew were English (36.4%), Australian (27.4%), and Scottish (10.4%).

Notably, Irish ancestry was overrepresented in Kew at 10.2%, compared to 9.4% regionally, while Maltese ancestry was also higher at 0.6% versus 0.4%. Additionally, Australian Aboriginal ancestry was slightly more prevalent in Kew at 4.0%, compared to 3.8% regionally.

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 cohort aged 65-74 is notably over-represented in Kew at 26.4%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 5.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 85 and over has grown from 3.0% to 3.9%. Conversely, the cohort aged 45 to 54 has declined from 8.8% to 7.8%. Demographic modeling suggests that Kew's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading this demographic shift, the group aged 75 to 84 is expected to grow by 25%, reaching 398 people from 317. This growth is part of a broader trend of demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and over representing 58% of anticipated population growth. Meanwhile, numbers in the age range of 55 to 64 are expected to fall by 0%.