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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Kingston (ACT) has an estimated 7,479 residents, up from 6,579 at the 2021 Census — a change of 900 people, or 13.7%. Growth has averaged 3.7% a year over five years, faster than 82% of areas nationally. Overseas migration accounts for 42.0% of that increase. That puts 5,342 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to census figures and subsequent address verification by AreaSearch, the suburb of Kingston (ACT) has an estimated population of 7,479 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 900 individuals (13.7%) from the 6,579 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This calculation stems from an estimated local population of 7,472 derived from the ABS demographic release of June 2025 combined with 16 newly confirmed addresses since the census. The population density stands at 5,342 residents per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top 10% of areas nationwide for density, highlighting the high demand for local land.
The 13.7% growth rate eclipsed both the ACT overall growth of 8.3% and the wider SA4 region, establishing the suburb as a regional growth leader. This population expansion was mostly fueled by international arrivals, who represented roughly 42.0% of the total demographic gains, though interstate migration and natural population increases also contributed positively. Future demographic projections rely on 2024 ABS and Geoscience Australia releases using 2022 as a baseline, supplemented by ACT Government age cohort projections where required. Analysts project substantial population expansion for the suburb of Kingston (ACT) over the coming decades, placing it in the top quarter of Australian locations. By 2041, the population is expected to grow by 2,857 individuals, representing an overall increase of 38.1% over a 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
157 new dwellings have been approved in Kingston (ACT) over the past five years, an average of 31 a year. That places the area in the 56th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 4 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Few approvals have been recorded in the most recent months, well below the longer-run average; the latest ABS periods are still being reported. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of building approval statistics shows that the locality averages approximately 31 residential approvals annually, yielding an estimated 157 new homes over the preceding 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, no approvals have been registered. Given that 7.9 new residents arrived for every finished dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, demand continues to outstrip construction, driving up competition and prices. The average value of these approved dwellings is $682,000, indicating that developers are prioritizing the higher-end, luxury market. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $72,000 were logged during the current financial year, reinforcing the predominantly residential character of the neighborhood.
Per capita residential building approvals in the neighborhood stand at roughly 56% of the ACT average, placing it in the 24th percentile of domestic markets. This constrained pipeline limits options for prospective buyers, reinforcing demand for established properties. Recent construction has consisted solely of multi-unit formats like townhouses and apartments, which provide entry-level price points and appeal to investors, downsizers, and first-time buyers. The mature state of the local property market is highlighted by an allocation of approximately 644 people for every single dwelling approval. Demographic forecasts suggest the local population will expand by 2,850 residents by 2041. Under current construction trajectories, housing supply is unlikely to keep pace with this growth, which could intensify competition among buyers and support further price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Kingston (ACT)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Kingston (ACT), worth an estimated $1.35 billion. A further 37 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $8.46 billion. 13 are already under construction and 10 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and health & medical. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects and planning changes are major drivers of neighborhood change. Five active projects have been identified that are expected to influence the local area. Key developments include the Kingston Arts Precinct, Greenway Rise - The Establishment, the Kingston Foreshore Precinct, and the Griffith-Narrabundah Community Centre & Oval Upgrade.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Kingston Arts Precinct
A $146 million redevelopment of Section 49 in Kingston to create a premier visual arts and culture destination. The project involves the adaptive reuse of the historic Fitters Workshop, Powerhouse, and Former Transport Depot to house major arts organisations like Canberra Glassworks and Megalo Print Studio. It includes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art space, artist studios, and a 346-space carpark. Construction is currently expected to begin in 2027.
Griffith-Narrabundah Community Centre & Oval Upgrade
ACT Government project delivering a new multi-purpose community centre and upgrades to Griffith Oval, including a new pavilion, upgraded play spaces, and improved amenities. The facility serves residents of both Griffith and Narrabundah in Canberra's inner south.
Kingston Foreshore Precinct
Award-winning mixed-use waterfront precinct featuring premium apartments, restaurants, bars, retail, public art and parklands along the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin.
National Security Office Precinct (York Park)
A multi-agency office precinct at York Park in Barton designed to accommodate approximately 5,000 workers from national security and Commonwealth agencies, including the Office of National Intelligence and DFAT. The project includes high-security office spaces, retail, and hospitality amenities. As of May 2026, the adjacent John Gorton Campus Car Park is fully operational with ongoing facade work, while main construction for the office precinct is progressing following the permanent site closure in early 2025.
Canberra Defence Precinct Tranche 1: ADFA Living-in Accommodation
A billion-dollar redevelopment at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) to replace aging living-in accommodation facilities. The project delivers 1,500 contemporary rooms for Trainee Officers, offices for supervisory staff, and a multi-level car park with electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Narrabundah Village Precinct Renewal (Iluka & Boolimba)
Ongoing precinct renewal of Narrabundah's established local village centre, guided by the ACT Inner South District Strategy adopted under the Planning Act 2023. The strategy directs a mix of housing types, improved public realm, active travel connections, and community facility retention around the Iluka Street and Boolimba Crescent local shops. The centre serves as a key neighbourhood hub for Narrabundah's inner-south community, with incremental infill and public domain improvements anticipated through to 2038 and beyond.
Cromwell Office Building Development
Development of a 19,800 sqm, six-level office building in Barton for a Commonwealth Government entity. The facility is designed to achieve a 6.0-star NABERS Energy and 6.0-star Greenstar rating, and will be 100% occupied under a 15-year lease with a 5-year extension option. An $85 million A-grade commercial building in Canberra's Barton precinct with 18,000sq m area and 225 parking spaces.
Canberra Lyric Theatre (Theatre Centre Transformation Stage 1)
A new 2,000-seat lyric theatre being constructed on Vernon Circle adjacent to The Playhouse as Stage 1 of the broader Canberra Theatre Centre transformation. Designed by Cox Architecture with Yerrabingin, Charcoalblue and Arcadia Landscape Architecture, the venue will enable Canberra to host large-scale musicals, ballet, opera and international productions for the first time. The auditorium features 1,000-seat stalls, a 500-seat circle and a 500-seat balcony with state-of-the-art acoustics. A $317 million contract was signed in December 2025 with Multiplex as builder; main construction commenced January 2026 with completion targeted for 2028.Refurbishment of the existing Canberra Theatre, Playhouse and Courtyard Studio will follow in subsequent stages.
5,614 residents of Kingston (ACT) are employed, from a labour force of 5,660. Unemployment sits at 0.8%, with participation at 82.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 6,733, about 90% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education and strong representation in professional services, alongside an unemployment rate of only 0.8% and an estimated annual job growth rate of 1.0%. By March 2026, employed residents numbered 5,614. The unemployment rate sits 3.2% below the ACT average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is elevated at 82.0% compared to 70.8% across the territory. Census records show that 14.3% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic-related restrictions. The dominant industries for employed residents are public administration & safety, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance.
Public sector employment is particularly high, running at 1.5 times the broader regional average. In contrast, the construction sector accounts for only 2.8% of local employment, compared to 6.8% across the region. A comparison of the local working population to local job numbers suggests that a significant portion of residents travel outside the area for work. Labor force data for the year ending March 2026 shows a 1.0% increase in employment alongside a 1.2% expansion of the labor force, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, the ACT saw employment rise by 0.3%, the labor force grow by 1.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.7 percentage points. Long-term trends can be contextualized using national projections from May-25, which forecast overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Projecting these industry-specific national trends onto the local employment structure suggests that local employment could grow by 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Kingston (ACT) is $2,469 a week (about $128,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,777 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $98,743 a year against an average of $121,767. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Tax data from the financial year 2023 indicates that the median taxpayer income in the locality is $98,743, with an average income of $121,767, placing the area in the highest nationwide bracket compared to the ACT median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.44% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 stand at approximately $109,052 for the median and $134,479 for the average. Census data from 2021 confirms that household, family, and individual incomes are all positioned between the 90th and 99th percentiles nationally.
The largest income cohort comprises 40.8% of the local population (3,051 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, compared to 34.3% in the wider region. High-income households earning over $3,000 weekly make up 43.1% of the total, underpinning local retail demand. Mortgage and rent costs consume 16.2% of income, yet strong overall earnings keep disposable income in the 88th percentile and place the area in the 10th decile of the SEIFA index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Kingston (ACT) had 3,293 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 3% detached houses and 91% apartments. 31% are owned with a mortgage, 51% rented and 18% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $510 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,950 a month, a total housing cost higher than 92% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 20.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the last census, the local housing stock consisted of 3.0% detached houses and 96.9% multi-unit dwellings such as townhouses and apartments, contrasting with the ACT split of 63.3% houses and 36.7% alternative dwellings. The homeownership rate was 17.8%, which is lower than the territory average, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (30.8%) or rented (51.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,950 and weekly rent of $510 compare to the ACT averages of $2,080 and $450 respectively. On a national level, local mortgage costs exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well above the countrywide figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Kingston (ACT) counted 3,293 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 3,743 today, averaging 1.8 people each. 11% are couples with children, fewer than in 97% of areas nationally, against 31% couples without children. 44% of households are people living alone, and families average 0.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 48.3% of local households, consisting of couples with children (10.7%), couples without children (30.9%), and single-parent households (6.1%). Non-family arrangements make up the remaining 51.7% of households, with single-person households at 44.4% and group households representing 7.2%. The median household size is 1.8 residents, which is smaller than the ACT average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
71.5% of adults in Kingston (ACT) hold a university qualification, including 38.2% with a bachelor degree and 25.2% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 94% of areas nationally. A further 7.1% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Academic credentials in the area are high, with 71.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% nationally and 46.8% across the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 38.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 25.2% and graduate diplomas at 8.1%. Vocational qualifications are held by 15.1% of the population aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates at 7.1%. A high proportion of the community participates in education, with 27.5% of residents enrolled in study. This group includes 14.1% in higher education, 4.5% in primary school, and 3.5% in secondary school.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Kingston (ACT) reaches 25 stops on 47 routes, timetabled for about 3,000 services a week. The typical home sits about 200 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 0.7 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local transit network comprises 25 active bus and train stops. These facilities are serviced by 47 distinct transit routes, which support 3,021 passenger journeys weekly. Transit access is high, with the average distance to a stop being 200 meters. The majority of working residents commute outside the area, with private vehicles being the primary mode of transport at 67%, followed by walking at 14% and bus travel at 10%. Household vehicle ownership stands at 0.7 cars per dwelling, which is below the regional average. In the 2021 Census, 14.3% of residents recorded working from home, which may reflect pandemic conditions.
Transit service frequency averages 431 daily trips across the entire network, translating to approximately 120 weekly departures per transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
71.8% of residents in Kingston (ACT) report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 81% of areas nationally. 1.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 75.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators for the locality are strong, reflecting low mortality and low rates of chronic illness. Private health insurance coverage is high, encompassing roughly 75% of the population (5,630 people), which exceeds the ACT level of 62.4% and the national benchmark of 55.7%. The primary diagnosed conditions are mental health concerns and asthma, affecting 9.8% and 8.6% of the population respectively. Meanwhile, 71.8% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 70.2% across the ACT. Health outcomes for residents under the age of 65 are above average. Residents aged 65 and older account for 14.6% of the population (1,091 people), and health outcomes for this senior cohort rank higher relative to national averages than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
26.9% of Kingston (ACT) residents were born overseas and 18.6% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (25.8%) and Australian (19.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The neighborhood displays higher levels of cultural diversity than most Australian markets, with 26.9% of residents born abroad and 18.6% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, encompassing 34.0% of the population. The most pronounced religious divergence is Judaism, which accounts for 0.7% of residents compared to 0.2% across the ACT. English ancestry is the most common at 25.8%, followed by Australian at 19.9% and Irish at 11.0%. The local demographic also shows elevated concentrations of specific ancestries relative to the territory: French ancestry stands at 1.2% compared to 0.5% regionally, Welsh at 0.8% compared to 0.6%, and Russian at 0.6% compared to 0.3%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Kingston (ACT) is 35, younger than 76% of areas nationally. 36.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of residents is 35, matching the ACT median but slightly below the national figure of 38. The suburb has a higher concentration of young adults aged 25 to 34 (28.7%) compared to the ACT average, but a smaller share of children aged 5 to 14 (3.8%). The 25 to 34 age bracket is significantly larger than the national average of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 3.3% to 5.5%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has grown from 18.3% to 20.4%.
Conversely, the 15 to 24 age bracket fell from 9.2% to 7.4%, and the 25 to 34 group declined from 30.4% to 28.7%. Projections for 2041 indicate that the 35 to 44 age bracket will experience the largest expansion, growing by 35% to add 536 residents and reach a total of 2,062.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Kingston (ACT)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 4 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 16 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (6,579 at the 2021 Census → 7,479 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL80083). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.