Kensington (SA)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census Kensington's population is estimated at around 1,860 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 52 people (2.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,808 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,860, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,509 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by Districts. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Kensington has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and 3.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,082 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Adelaide's 66.6%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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According to Districts' aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Kensington had a median income among taxpayers of $50,104 with the average level standing at $75,736. This is well above average nationally and compares to levels of $54,808 and $66,852 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,200 (median) and $83,438 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 49th percentile ($797 weekly), while household income sits at the 24th percentile. Income analysis reveals 25.7% of the population (478 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents . Income distribution demonstrates clear polarization - in lower brackets ( /week). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Kensington, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 29.8% houses and 70.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Kensington was lagging that of Adelaide metro, at 25.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.1%) or rented (50.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Adelaide metro average at $1,817, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562 and $320. Nationally, Kensington's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 48.6% of all households, comprising 19.5% couples with children, 17.3% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 51.4%, with lone person households at 46.8% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.0 people is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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Educational attainment in Kensington significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 48.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in SA and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 30.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational pathways account for 21.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (12.4%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 8 active transport stops operating within Kensington comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 27 individual routes, collectively providing 1,286 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 167 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 77%, with 11% by bus and 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average. Some 17.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Kensington demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,058 people). This compares to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide.

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Kensington was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 23.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 33.8% born overseas. The main religion in Kensington was found to be Christianity, which makes up 40.8% of people in Kensington. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Hinduism, which comprises 5.1% of the population, compared to 2.8% across Greater Adelaide.

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The 43-year median age in Kensington is significantly above Greater Adelaide's average of 39 similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Kensington has a higher concentration of 75 - 84 residents (10.0%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (8.1%). Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.2% to 10.0% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.4% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.7% and the 55 to group dropped from to . Looking ahead to demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Kensington's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the + group will grow by ( people), reaching from . Notably, the combined + age groups will account for of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the to cohort shows minimal growth of just ( people).

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Kensington currently has an estimated 79 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 36 children aged 0-2 and 23 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 7% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 5% by 2041 (to approximately 83 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 116. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 6.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.