Port Kennedy

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Port Kennedy's population is around 14,690 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,213 people (9.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,477 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,418 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 272 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 692 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Port Kennedy's 9.0% growth since the census positions it within 0.9 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 55.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 511 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain 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 recorded around 37 residential properties granted approval annually, with 186 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 60 so far in FY-26. At an average of 2.2 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average cost of $433,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have also been $9.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

When measured against Greater Perth, Port Kennedy shows substantially reduced construction (71.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 97.0% detached houses and 3.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 239 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Looking ahead, Port Kennedy is expected to grow by 239 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Port Kennedy has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Kennedy Bay Coastal Community, Port Kennedy Industrial Estate, Koorana Reserve Sports Complex Upgrade, and DHA Defence Housing Program - Rockingham, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 performance in Port Kennedy has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Port Kennedy features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 6.8%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,658 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.7% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Perth's 71.9%. Based on Census responses, a low 6.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care and social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, professional and technical services show lower representation at 3.9% versus the regional average of 8.2%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.1% while the labour force increased by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. This compares to Greater Perth, where employment grew by 2.3%, the labour force expanded by 2.6%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Port Kennedy. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Port Kennedy's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Port Kennedy SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $59,167 with the average level standing at $71,778. This is above the national average and compares to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $64,859 (median) and $78,683 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,921 weekly), while personal income sits at the 39th percentile. Income analysis reveals 37.0% of the population (5,435 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, though strong earnings still 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

Dwelling structure within Port Kennedy, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.9% houses and 6.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Port Kennedy lagged that of Perth metro, at 22.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (54.2%) or rented (23.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Perth metro average at $1,700, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Port Kennedy's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 80.9% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (11.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 45.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (34.5%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 72 active transport stops operating within Port Kennedy, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 1,060 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 228 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 84%, with 8% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 6.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 151 trips per day across all routes, 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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Port Kennedy, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~8,064 people), compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.7% and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 67.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,309 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly 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 is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 7.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 30.7% born overseas. The main religion in Port Kennedy is Christianity, which makes up 42.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 0.7% of the population, compared to 3.2% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Port Kennedy are English, comprising 36.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 28.0%, Australian, comprising 25.4% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 2.4% of Port Kennedy (vs 0.9% regionally), Welsh at 0.9% (vs 0.7%), and New Zealand at 1.2% (vs 0.8%).

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

At 36 years, Port Kennedy's median age is nearly matching the Greater Perth average of 37 and is similarly modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Perth, Port Kennedy has a higher concentration of 15 - 24 residents (15.4%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (11.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.8% to 5.5% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 7.0% to 8.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.9% to 12.4% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 15.6% to 13.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Port Kennedy's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 60%, adding 479 residents to reach 1,282. Senior residents (65+) will drive 100% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, the 25 to 34 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.