Port Kennedy

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025 the Port Kennedy statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 14,668. This reflects a growth of 1,191 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,477. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 14,418 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 256 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 691 persons per square kilometer. Port Kennedy's growth rate of 8.8% since census is within 0.9 percentage points of the national average (9.7%). Population growth in the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 55.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). According to population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth is anticipated for national areas. The Port Kennedy (SA2) is expected to increase by 511 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 1.8% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Port Kennedy has recorded approximately 37 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 186 homes were approved, with an additional 55 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each dwelling accommodates about 2.2 new residents per year over these five years, suggesting a healthy demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $516,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $9.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential. Compared to Greater Perth, Port Kennedy has significantly less development activity, 71.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, although construction activity has intensified recently. Nationally, this activity is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity comprises predominantly standalone homes (98.0%) with a minority of townhouses or apartments (2.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With approximately 214 people per approval, Port Kennedy reflects a transitioning market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch projects Port Kennedy to grow by 261 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Port Kennedy has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that could affect this 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 likely most relevant.

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

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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, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, an unemployment rate of 6.9%, and estimated employment growth of 2.7% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025, 7,767 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.0% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Perth at 65.2%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average, while professional & technical services have lower representation at 3.9% compared to the regional average of 8.2%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data.

Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.7% and labour force by 4.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points, contrasting with Greater Perth's marginal unemployment increase. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%. National employment forecasts (May-25) project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but specific industry projections suggest Port Kennedy's employment could increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The suburb of Port Kennedy had an income level above the national average in financial year 2023, according to aggregated ATO data by AreaSearch. The median income among taxpayers was $56,474 and the average income stood at $69,144, compared to Greater Perth's figures of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $61,907 (median) and $75,796 (average). In the 2021 Census, household income ranked at the 60th percentile ($1,921 weekly), while personal income was at the 39th percentile. Income distribution showed that 37.0% of locals (5,427 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the broader area where 32.0% occupied this bracket. High housing costs consumed 15.3% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 61st percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Port Kennedy, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.9% houses and 6.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, '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 the rest either mortgaged (54.2%) or rented (23.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment 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, 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the 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, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (34.5%). Educational participation is high at 32.0%, comprising 11.3% in primary education, 10.8% in secondary education, and 3.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 10.8% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Port Kennedy has 72 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together facilitate 1,060 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically located 228 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 151 daily trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 14 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.

Common health conditions are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Approximately 55% of Port Kennedy's total population (~8,016 people) have private health cover. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.7 and 8.1% of residents respectively. About 67.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.5% across Greater Perth. The area has 14.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,156 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

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

Port Kennedy's cultural diversity was above average, with 7.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 30.7% born overseas. Christianity dominated Port Kennedy's religious landscape, comprising 42.6%. Islam's representation in Port Kennedy was similar to Greater Perth at 0.7%.

Ancestry wise, the top three groups were English (36.3%), Australian (25.4%), and Scottish (7.7%). Notably, Maori (2.4%) and Welsh (0.9%) were equally represented regionally, while New Zealanders made up 1.2% in both Port Kennedy and Greater Perth.

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

Port Kennedy's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Perth's average of 37 years. This is slightly below the Australian median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Port Kennedy has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (15.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.4%). Between the censuses of 2016 and 2021, the population aged 75-84 grew from 3.8% to 5.0%, while the 15-24 age group increased from 14.0% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 14.9% to 13.0%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 15.6% to 14.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Port Kennedy's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 75%, adding 548 residents to reach a total of 1,282. Residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, indicating a trend towards demographic aging. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.