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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kew (NSW) is around 1,842 people. This figure reflects an increase of 81 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,761. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on the June 2025 ABS ERP data release and additional validated new addresses, supports this estimation. The population density ratio is approximately 89 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Kew has shown a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed about 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, are adopted for Kew. 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, Kew's population is expected to increase by 325 persons, reflecting a total gain of 17.6% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Kew among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Kew recorded around 18 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 91 homes. So far in FY26, nine approvals have been recorded. On average, four new residents are associated with each home built yearly between FY21 and FY25, suggesting demand outpaces supply, which may put upward pressure on prices and increase buyer competition. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $431,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a 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 34.0% more development per person over the past five years, offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, recent development activity has moderated.

The majority of new developments consist of detached dwellings (88.0%), with medium and high-density housing making up the remainder (12.0%), preserving Kew's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 175 people per dwelling approval in the location, confirming a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kew is expected to grow by 325 residents through to 2041. 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 factors can influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are projected to impact this area. Key initiatives 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 outlining those most pertinent.

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 with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025632 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 2.8% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Kew lags at 39.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census responses show that only 12.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Kew has a strong specialization in retail trade, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 4.3% of Kew's workforce compared to 7.5% in Regional NSW. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force decreased by 0.6%, while employment declined by 0.6%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kew's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on 07/06/2023 for financial year 2023, the suburb of Kew had a median income among taxpayers of $38,794 with an average level of $48,265. This is lower than national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 in Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from financial year 2023 to March 2026, current estimates for Kew would be approximately $42,798 (median) and $53,246 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Kew fall between the 6th and 7th percentiles nationally. The predominant income bracket in Kew is $800 - 1,499, with 35.2% of locals earning within this range. In contrast, the broader area has a predominant income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 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

Kew's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.7% houses and 2.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with 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, and 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 account for 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 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 challenges and opportunities 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 prevalent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 33.3%.

School 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

Transport analysis indicates 13 active public transport stops in Kew, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by 34 individual routes, collectively offering 377 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 265 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant transport mode at 98%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 12.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 53 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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

Kew's health data shows positive outcomes overall, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and common health conditions. The prevalence of these conditions is low among Kew's general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Private health cover stands at approximately 46% (849 people), lower than Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (16.5%) and mental health issues (8.6%). Half of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population faces elevated chronic condition rates. Kew has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 46.9% (863 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes present 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 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 predominant religion, comprising 62.0% of Kew's population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (36.4%), Australian (27.4%), and Scottish (10.4%).

Notably, Irish ancestry was higher in Kew at 10.2% versus the regional average of 8.8%, Maltese was slightly higher at 0.6% compared to 0.4%, and Australian Aboriginal was lower at 4.0% versus 4.6%.

Kew ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kew's median age is 62 years, significantly higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 and above the national average of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Kew has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 at 25.5%, but fewer residents aged 25-34 at 6.1%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 85+ has increased from 3.0% to 4.2%, while the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 27.4% to 25.5%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 8.8% to 7.7%. By 2041, Kew's age composition is projected to change notably. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to expand by 68 people (22%) from 316 to 385. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 57% of total population growth, reflecting Kew's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 1% (2 people).