Kensington (Vic.)

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According to ABS population updates for the region and subsequent address validations by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Kensington (Vic.) has a population estimated at approximately 12,423 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,678 people (15.6%) from the 10,745 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This change is calculated from the resident population of 12,423, which was estimated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release combined with 70 validated new addresses added since the Census. This population level translates to a density of 5,805 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% of all locations evaluated nationally by Districts and highlighting the high demand for local land. The 15.6% growth rate in the suburb of Kensington (Vic.) since the 2021 census outpaced the state average of 9.3% and the national benchmark, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Population gains during recent times were primarily fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly of the overall increase.

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The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education, particularly within professional services, alongside an unemployment rate of 6.9% and an estimated annual employment growth rate of 3.1%, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. Jobholders numbered 7,722 as of March 2026, while the unemployment rate sits 2.1% higher than the Greater Melbourne rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation stands at an elevated 76.1%, compared to 70.2% across Greater Melbourne. Census data indicates that a high 52.7% of employed residents worked from home, though this figure should be interpreted in light of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

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The latest postcode-level ATO data from Districts for financial year 2023 indicates that incomes in the suburb of Kensington are exceptionally high on a national scale, with a median of $64,507 and an average of $81,585. This compares to a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Factoring in a Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of approximately $70,713 (median) and $89,433 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Kensington all rank highly, placing between the 79th and 93rd percentiles nationally. The largest earnings bracket consists of 31.5% of local residents (3,913 people) who earn in the $1,500 - range, mirroring metropolitan trends where of the population fall into this category. A substantial of residents earn more than weekly, pointing to pockets of high wealth that support local businesses. High housing costs account for of income, yet strong overall earnings keep disposable income in the th percentile, with the area's SEIFA income ranking placing it in the th decile.

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At the time of the latest Census, the housing composition in Kensington consisted of 17.2% houses and 82.8% other dwelling types such as apartments, semi-detached, and alternative homes, differing from the Melbourne metropolitan split of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership was lower than the metropolitan average, standing at 18.6%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (31.2%) or tenants renting (50.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the Melbourne metropolitan average of $2,000 at $2,162, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $416, compared to the metropolitan average of $390. Globally, mortgage repayments in Kensington are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also significantly above the national benchmark of $375.

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Family households constitute the majority of homes at 56.3%, consisting of 20.1% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 7.5% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 43.7%, with single-person households representing 34.9% and shared group households making up 8.8%. The median household size of 2.1 persons is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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Residents in Kensington achieve educational qualifications at rates well above regional and national benchmarks. University degrees are held by 59.1% of residents aged 15+, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% across Victoria. This educational profile positions the community well for professional opportunities in knowledge-based industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 35.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 18.3% and graduate diplomas at 5.3%. Vocational training accounts for 17.3% of qualifications among those aged 15 and over, split between advanced diplomas at 8.5% and certificates at 8.8%.

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Public transport infrastructure consists of 22 active stops within the area, providing a combination of light rail and bus services. These stops accommodate 4 distinct routes, delivering 4,527 passenger journeys weekly. Accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 197 meters from the nearest stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, the majority of workers commute outward. Driving remains the primary mode of travel at 54%, followed by 20% who commute by train and 9% who cycle. Car ownership stands at an average of 0.6 vehicles per household, which is below the metropolitan average. A high proportion of residents, 52.7%, worked from home, according to 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Health indicators point to generally positive outcomes for local residents, with mortality rates and medical conditions aligned with national averages. The prevalence of common health issues is low among the general population, though older and vulnerable cohorts show rates above the national average. The rate of private health insurance is exceptionally high, covering approximately 59% of the population (7,330 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

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Kensington exhibits greater cultural diversity than most local property markets, with 32.2% of the population born outside Australia and 25.7% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 29.0% of the population. The most pronounced religious overrepresentation relative to the metropolitan area is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.3% of residents compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of 34 years in the suburb of Kensington (Vic.) is slightly below the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and younger than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the suburb of Kensington (Vic.) has a higher proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (25.7%) and a lower proportion of children aged 5 - 14 (7.7%). The concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age bracket in the suburb of Kensington (Vic.) has risen from 23.7% to 25.7% of the population, and the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.4% to 11.5%. Meanwhile, the to cohort decreased from to , and the to group declined from to . Demographic projections for suggest significant shifts in the suburb of Kensington (Vic.). The to cohort is expected to grow the most, increasing by to add residents and reach a total of . Conversely, the number of residents aged to is projected to decrease by .

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Kensington currently has an estimated 596 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 359 children aged 0-2 and 238 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 6% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 636 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 766. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.