Port Kennedy

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

Based on demographic evaluations by AreaSearch utilizing ABS data and verified addresses, the suburb of Port Kennedy has a population of approximately 14,789 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 1,312 residents (9.7%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 13,477 individuals. This calculation stems from an estimated resident count of 14,778 established by AreaSearch using the ABS ERP release from June 2025, combined with 274 validated new addresses since the Census. Consequently, the population density stands at 697 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical statistics tracked by AreaSearch. The suburb of Port Kennedy registered a 9.7% expansion rate post-2021, outperforming the countrywide mark of 9.3% and representing a key expansion zone. This population shift was largely underpinned by arrivals from abroad, which accounted for approximately 55.00000000000001% of the overall demographic increase in recent times.

Projections developed by the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are applied by AreaSearch to each SA2 region. For locations lacking this coverage, or to project changes past 2032, growth rates categorized by age bracket from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections based on 2022 numbers are used. Long-term trends indicate the suburb of Port Kennedy will align with the bottom quartile of Australian statistical territories, with an expected gain of 440 residents by 2041, indicating an overall rise of 2.9% across the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Port Kennedy among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Analysis of building approvals allocated by AreaSearch indicates that the suburb of Port Kennedy averaged about 37 new dwelling approvals annually, summing to approximately 186 residential units over the preceding 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26127 approvals have been logged. With an average of 4.5 new residents per year per finished home recorded between FY-21 and FY-25, demand outpaces supply, typically driving up values and boosting rivalry among buyers, while new homes average an estimated construction cost of $516,000, showing that developers are focused on high-end, premium builds. Furthermore, commercial approvals reached $9.2 million this financial year, highlighting that the area remains predominantly residential.

In comparison to Greater Perth, the suburb of Port Kennedy registers low levels of development, sitting 70.0% below the metropolitan per-capita average. Such limited construction typically sustains values and demand for existing houses, even though building tasks have quickened lately. This volume also trails the national benchmark, pointing to the mature nature of the locality and potential zoning constraints. Building starts consist of 98.0% detached houses and 2.0% attached dwellings, maintaining a low-density pattern focused on standalone homes that appeal to buyers seeking space. Representing a shifting market, the suburb of Port Kennedy registers 218 people per approval.

Projections indicate the suburb of Port Kennedy will gain 429 residents by 2041, starting from the current quarterly estimates. At the observed pace of construction, new housing availability is set to satisfy local needs, creating favorable buying opportunities and possibly supporting population growth above existing forecasts.

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

Developments in public infrastructure, significant local construction, and regional planning policy shape property performance. AreaSearch has tracked 5 projects likely to impact the locality. Prominent initiatives include the Kennedy Bay Coastal Community, Port Kennedy Industrial Estate, Koorana Reserve Sports Complex Upgrade, and the DHA Defence Housing Program - Rockingham.

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.

Employment drivers in Port Kennedy are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

The workforce within the suburb of Port Kennedy exhibits an even split between professional and manual roles, with industrial and manufacturing activities being heavily represented, alongside an unemployment rate of 6.9% according to aggregated data. In March 2026, 7,619 residents were employed, with the local jobless rate sitting 2.7% above the Greater Perth average of 4.2%, and labor participation matching the metropolitan level of 70.2%. Census records show that a minor portion of 6.6% worked from home, though this may have been influenced by pandemic containment measures.

The primary sectors employing residents are retail trade, construction, and health care & social assistance. Local manufacturing employment is especially dense, running at 1.5 times the wider metropolitan average. Conversely, professional & technical roles are underrepresented, engaging just 3.9% of local workers compared to 8.2% in Greater Perth. The balance between local jobs and resident workers suggests limited employment options within the immediate locality.

Labor force metrics compiled from SALM and ABS sources indicate that during the 12 months ending March 2026, the active workforce shrank by 0.9% and total employment fell by 1.4%, which pushed the local unemployment rate up by 0.4 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.0% and its labor pool grow by 2.5%, alongside a 0.4 percentage point rise. Broader trends can be evaluated using national forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25, which were applied to the local workforce structure to estimate future patterns over five and ten years. Nationally, job growth is projected at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sectors vary. Applying these trends to the local industry mix suggests employment among residents could grow 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

Tax statistics from the ATO for the 2023 financial year show the suburb of Port Kennedy has a median taxpayer income of $56,474 and an average of $69,144. This stands slightly above the national benchmark, contrasting with a median of $60,748 and average of $80,248 across Greater Perth. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median of $62,647 and an average of $76,701 as of March 2026. At the 2021 Census, local household weekly income placed at the 60th percentile ($1,921 weekly), while personal earnings sat at the 39th percentile. Income distribution shows the largest segment consists of 37.0% of residents (5,471 people) earning within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is comparable to the 32.0% recorded regionally. Accommodation costs absorb 15.3% of earnings, yet healthy pay levels ensure disposable income remains at the 61st percentile.

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

Residential structures in the suburb of Port Kennedy at the last Census consisted of 93.9% standalone houses and 6.1% alternative dwellings such as townhouses and flats, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative options in metropolitan Perth. Home ownership rates lagged the wider metro area at 22.5%, with the remaining properties occupied under a mortgage (54.2%) or rented (23.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,700 was lower than the metropolitan average, while the median weekly rent stood at $350, compared to Perth averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, mortgage repayments in the suburb of Port Kennedy are below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Families make up 80.9% of all local households, divided between couples with children at 38.3%, couples without children at 26.6%, and single parents at 15.0%. The remaining 19.1% consists of non-family households, including lone persons at 16.8% and group living situations at 2.3%. The median household occupancy of 2.8 individuals exceeds the Greater Perth benchmark of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment profiles show that university graduation rates of 11.6% are below the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are held by 8.4% of the population, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational qualification rates are high, with 45.5% of residents aged 15+ holding practical credentials, comprising advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 34.5%.

Enrolment levels are high, with 32.0% of local citizens actively engaged in study. This includes 11.3% in primary schooling, 10.8% in high schools, and 3.5% enrolled in higher education institutions.

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

Public transport links include 72 operating stops in the suburb of Port Kennedy, consisting of bus services. These stops connect to 4 separate routes, providing a total of 1,060 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is rated highly, with average resident distance to the nearest stop measuring 228 meters. As a residential hub, most workers travel out of the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 84% and train travel at 8%. Households own an average of 1.7 cars, above the regional standard. A lower proportion of 6.6% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic travel restrictions.

Service patterns show an average of 151 daily trips across all lines, translating to roughly 14 weekly services per bus stop.

Health performance in Port Kennedy is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health assessments indicate notable issues within the suburb of Port Kennedy based on mortality statistics and chronic disease rates across various ages, while private health insurance cover is held by approximately 55% of residents (~8,082 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

Mental health difficulties and arthritis represent the primary diagnosed illnesses, affecting 9.7 and 8.1% of citizens respectively, while 67.2% reported having no chronic medical issues compared to 71.9% throughout Greater Perth. Working-age individuals show elevated rates of long-term health issues. Residents aged 65 and over make up 14.8% of the population (2,188 people), which sits below the Greater Perth level of 16.1%. Senior health measures indicate some challenges, with national percentiles matching average population trends.

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

Cultural diversity measures are above average, with 7.3% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 30.7% born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 42.6% of residents. Islam shows the most distinct divergence from regional norms, accounting for 0.7% of the population compared to 3.2% across Greater Perth.

The leading ancestries reported are English at 36.3% of the population, exceeding the regional average of 28.0%, followed by Australian at 25.4% and Scottish at 7.7%. Specific ethnic representations show variation, with Maori residents accounting for 2.4% (vs 0.9% regionally), Welsh at 0.9% (vs 0.7%), and New Zealand backgrounds at 1.2% (vs 0.8%).

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

The median age of 36 years in the suburb of Port Kennedy matches closely with the Greater Perth average of 37 and sits slightly under the national median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, the suburb of Port Kennedy has a higher proportion of youth aged 15 - 24 (15.6%) but fewer residents aged 25 - 34 (11.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket grew from 14.0% to 15.6% and the 55 to 64 group increased from 12.2% to 13.5%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 14.9% to 12.6% and the 5 to 14 group decreased from 15.6% to 13.4%. By 2041, demographic models project the 75 to 84 cohort will see the most significant growth at 62%, adding 467 residents to reach 1,222. Senior residents aged 65 and over are projected to drive 99% of total population growth, while the 55 to 64 and 45 to 54 age brackets are expected to experience population declines.