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 and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Port Kennedy is around 14,690. This reflects an increase of 1,213 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,477. The change is inferred from the resident population of 14,418 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 272 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 692 persons per square kilometer. Port Kennedy's growth rate of 9.0% since the census positions it within 0.9 percentage points of the national average (9.9%). Population growth for the suburb 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 is utilising growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected for Port Kennedy, with an increase of 511 persons to 2041 projected based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 1.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Port Kennedy has seen approximately 37 residential properties approved annually, with 186 homes granted approval between Financial Year 2021 (FY-21) and FY-25. As of FY-26, around 55 dwellings have been approved. Over the past five financial years, an average of 2.2 new residents per year has been associated with each dwelling.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $516,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. In FY-26, $9.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development activity compared to Greater Perth, where Port Kennedy has 71.0% less development activity per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, although construction activity has recently intensified. The area's building activity is dominated by standalone homes (98.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 2.0%, reflecting Port Kennedy's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. As of the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Port Kennedy is projected to grow by 239 residents through to 2041.

Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Port Kennedy has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to impact the area. Key projects are 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.

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

Port Kennedy has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 6.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7%.

As of September 2025, 7,767 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, above Greater Perth's 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Perth's 71.6%. Only 6.6% of residents work from home, but Covid-19 impacts should be considered. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Manufacturing has a notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services show lower representation at 3.9% compared to the regional average of 8.2%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.7%, while labour force grew by 4.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.9% with a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Kennedy's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Port Kennedy's median income among taxpayers was $56,474 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $69,144 during the same period. These figures are based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. Comparing with Greater Perth's incomes of $60,748 (median) and $80,248 (average), Port Kennedy's incomes were higher. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $61,907 and average income $75,796, considering a Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,921 weekly) in Port Kennedy, while personal income sits at the 39th percentile. Income distribution shows that 37.0% of locals (5,435 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the broader area where 32.0% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income in Port Kennedy, but strong earnings place 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, consisted of 93.9% houses and 6.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasted with Perth metro's composition of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Kennedy stood at 22.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.2% and rented ones at 23.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, significantly lower than Perth metro's average of $1,907. Weekly rent in Port Kennedy averaged $350, matching Perth metro's figure but lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Port Kennedy's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863.

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 constitute 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 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.

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 serving a mix of bus routes. These are operated by four different routes, offering a total of 1,060 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 228 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes are outward-bound due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 84%, while train usage stands at 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

Only 6.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency across all routes averages 151 trips daily, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Port Kennedy faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 55% (~8,028 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Perth's 59.0%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 9.7 and 8.1% of residents respectively. About 67.2% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%. Working-age residents have a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.7% (2,306 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Senior health outcomes present challenges, with national rankings roughly in line with the general 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 has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 7.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 30.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Port Kennedy, making up 42.6% of people. However, Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, comprising 0.7% versus 3.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (36.3%), Australian (25.4%), and Scottish (7.7%). Notably, Maori (2.4%) and Welsh (0.9%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.9% and 0.7%, respectively. New Zealanders also have a higher representation at 1.2%.

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, which is modestly under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Perth, Port Kennedy has a higher concentration of residents aged 15-24 (15.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.1%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75-84 grew from 3.8% to 5.5%, while those aged 65-74 increased from 7.0% to 8.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 14.9% to 12.4%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 15.6% to 13.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Port Kennedy's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 59%, adding 474 residents to reach 1,282. Residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, emphasizing demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 55-64 age groups are expected to experience population declines.