South Perth - Kensington

An assessment of population growth drivers in South Perth - Kensington reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, South Perth - Kensington's population is around 19,352 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,126 people (12.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,226 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,025 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 445 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,493 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. South Perth - Kensington's 12.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 90.8% 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 utilizing the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 2,439 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 10.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions South Perth - Kensington among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

South Perth - Kensington has averaged around 141 new dwelling approvals per year, with 705 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 28 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, with recent figures showing this has accelerated to 5.9 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting increasing demand and tightening supply. New homes are being built at an average value of $598,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $45.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

When measured against Greater Perth, South Perth - Kensington has slightly more development (22.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, though building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity shows 18.0% detached dwellings and 82.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 45.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 338 people per dwelling approval, South Perth - Kensington shows a developing market.

Population forecasts indicate South Perth - Kensington will gain 2,112 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

South Perth - Kensington has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 49 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Riva Como, Lumiere South Perth, The Pearl, and Peninsula Place, 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees South Perth - Kensington performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

South Perth - Kensington possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, and 1.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 11,907 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.2% below 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 12.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 6.4% employment compared to 9.3% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8% and the labour force increased by 1.9%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. This contrasts with Greater Perth, where employment rose by 2.3%, the labour force grew 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 South Perth - Kensington. 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 South Perth - Kensington's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the South Perth - Kensington SA2's median income among taxpayers is $66,612, with an average of $108,651. This is among the top percentile nationally, and compares to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $73,020 (median) and $119,103 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in South Perth - Kensington, between the 73rd and 87th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 28.0% of locals (5,418 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 32.0%. Economic strength emerges through 35.8% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.1% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 75th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

South Perth - Kensington displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within South Perth - Kensington, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 44.7% houses and 55.4% 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 South Perth - Kensington was 33.2%, which is well beyond that of Perth metro, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.8%) or rented (40.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Perth metro average at $2,388, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $375, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, South Perth - Kensington's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are comparable to the national figure of $375.

South Perth - Kensington features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 61.3% of all households, comprising 24.4% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 33.6% and group households comprising 5.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

South Perth - Kensington shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in South Perth - Kensington significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 50.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 29.9% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 32.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational pathways account for 23.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (12.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in tertiary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 7.0% pursuing primary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 121 active transport stops operating within South Perth - Kensington, comprising a mix of ferry and buses. These stops are serviced by 16 individual routes, collectively providing 3,916 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 133 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 76%, with 13% by bus and 3% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 12.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 559 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

South Perth - Kensington's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across South Perth - Kensington, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 75% of the total population (14,572 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.0% and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 73.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 21.7% of residents aged 65 and over (4,199 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

South Perth - Kensington is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 18.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 35.7% born overseas. The main religion in South Perth - Kensington is Christianity, which makes up 46.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.4% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in South Perth - Kensington are English, comprising 28.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.8% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South Australian is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of South Perth - Kensington (vs 1.0% regionally), Croatian at 0.9% (vs 0.8%) and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.7%).

South Perth - Kensington's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, South Perth - Kensington is somewhat higher than the Greater Perth figure of 37 and similarly marginally higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Perth average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (11.7% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (9.0%). In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.4% to 7.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 12.1%. Demographic modeling suggests South Perth - Kensington's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 935 people (62%) from 1,519 to 2,455. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 73% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.