Port Kennedy

Port Kennedy has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of November 2025, Port Kennedy's population is estimated at around 14,952. This reflects an increase of 1,475 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,477. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 14,418 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, and an additional 256 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 705 persons per square kilometer. Port Kennedy's growth rate of 10.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and estimations post-2032, AreaSearch utilised growth rates provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking ahead, aggregated SA2-level projections anticipate lower quartile growth, with Port Kennedy expected to increase by 511 persons to reach a total population of around 15,463 by 2041. This reflects an overall decrease of approximately 0.1% in total over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Port Kennedy when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Port Kennedy recorded around 37 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), approximately 186 homes were approved, with an additional 43 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling accommodated about 2.2 new residents annually over these years.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $516,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, $9.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to Greater Perth, where Port Kennedy has significantly less development activity (71.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, although construction activity has intensified recently. Nationally, the area's building activity is also below average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity comprises predominantly standalone homes (98.0%) with a minority of townhouses or apartments (2.0%), maintaining Port Kennedy's traditional low density character appealing to those seeking space.

With around 214 people per approval, the area reflects a transitioning market, and population is expected to remain stable or decline, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include Kennedy Bay Coastal Community, Port Kennedy Industrial Estate, Koorana Reserve Sports Complex Upgrade, and DHA Defence Housing Program - Rockingham. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Port Kennedy recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Port Kennedy has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, heavily represented by manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.5% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 7,915 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 6.7%. The leading industries for Port Kennedy residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, manufacturing employment is high, at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical jobs are lower at 3.9% compared to the regional average of 8.2%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparison between working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.5% while labour force grew by 5.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 3.7%, labour force grow by 3.8%, and unemployment increase by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Kennedy's current employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Port Kennedy's median income among taxpayers was $56,474 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $69,144 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Perth's median and average incomes of $58,380 and $78,020 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 14.2% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $64,493 (median) and $78,962 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,921 weekly), while personal income sits at the 39th percentile. In Port Kennedy, 37.0% of locals (5,532 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, similar to the broader area where 32.0% occupy this category. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, leaving disposable income at the 61st percentile.

Port Kennedy is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Port Kennedy's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 93.9% houses and 6.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Perth metro had 90.5% houses and 9.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Kennedy was at 22.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.2% and rented ones at 23.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,700, below Perth metro's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $350, compared to Perth metro's $330. Nationally, Port Kennedy's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Port Kennedy features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 80.9% of all households, including 38.3% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 19.1%, with lone person households at 16.8% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Port Kennedy fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 11.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 34.5%. Educational participation is high, with 32.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 11.3% in primary, 10.8% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary education.

Port Kennedy has a network of 10 schools educating approximately 1,998 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 958) and balanced educational opportunities. There are 7 primary and 3 secondary schools serving distinct age groups. School places per 100 residents is 13.4, below the regional average of 17.0, suggesting some students may attend schools in nearby areas. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, please refer to their parent campus.

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

Port Kennedy has 78 active public transport stops. These are served by buses along four routes that together facilitate 1,057 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents usually located 228 meters from the nearest stop.

Services run an average of 151 trips per day across all routes, resulting in about 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Port Kennedy are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Port Kennedy's health indicators show below-average results compared to national averages.

Common health conditions are prevalent among the general population, with mental health issues affecting 9.7% of residents and arthritis impacting 8.1%. Approximately 67.2% of residents claim no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Perth's 68.5%. Private health cover is high at around 55%, covering approximately 8,171 people. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 14.7% (2,197 people) falling into this category. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population due to presenting challenges.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Port Kennedy was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Kennedy's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 7.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 30.7% born overseas. The predominant religion in Port Kennedy is Christianity, making up 42.6%. However, Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, comprising 0.7% versus the regional 0.7%.

Top ancestry groups include English (36.3%), Australian (25.4%), and Scottish (7.7%). Notable divergences exist for Maori (2.4%, compared to regional 2.0%), Welsh (0.9%, same as regionally), and New Zealand (1.2%, same as regionally).

Port Kennedy's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Port Kennedy's median age is 36 years, closely matching Greater Perth's average of 37 years, which is slightly below Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Port Kennedy has a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (15.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.4%). Between the censuses of 2021 and 20xx (exact date not provided), the population aged 75 to 84 grew from 3.8% to 5.0%, while the 15 to 24 age group increased from 14.0% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group decreased from 14.9% to 13.0%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 15.6% to 14.0%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Port Kennedy's age profile by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 71%, adding 534 residents, reaching a total of 1,282. Residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to experience population declines.