suburb.guide

VIC · Melbourne Council

Kensington, 3031

Current weather

11.3°CLight drizzle

82% humidity · 23.4 km/h wind · 12.9° / 10.7° today · 8.3 mm rain

Desirability score

61/100
Good

Top 13% of Victoria's suburbs

89% data confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Dining hub
  • Premium
  • Top transport
  • Growing
  • Parks
What Kensington is known for: Dining hub, Premium, Top transport, Growing, Parks

Suburb profile

Kensington hums with inner-city energy, a established suburb where there is always something happening nearby. Neighbouring suburbs are within easy reach, so the wider metro area always feels accessible. Tree-lined streets and leafy pockets give the suburb a noticeably green, settled character.

Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with a strong presence of young families throughout. There is a genuine buzz to daily life, with restaurants, bars and cultural outings all within reach. Green space is a real strength, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb.

Getting around the metro area is straightforward, with transport tying neighbouring communities together. Housing carries a premium, but residents tend to feel the lifestyle justifies the commitment.

On the desirability index, the suburb rates good overall, led by parks and green space and growth momentum, while housing affordability and safety sit closer to the middle of the pack for similar metro suburbs.

Population

Population
10,745
Median age
35
Median household income / week
$2,216
Dwelling vacancy
11.6%
Unoccupied private dwellings
623 of 5,355
Median monthly mortgage
$2,162
Employment rate
71.5%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
238 / 2,522 / 1,384

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Total offences (2026)
1,354
Against the person
157
Against property
954
Rate per 1,000 residents
126
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 68 residents
State safety percentile
81.5th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+8.9%

Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.

Reported offences by period

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage93
  • B321 Residential Non-Aggravated Burglary76
  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theft93
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle361
  • B49 Other Theft111

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Schools & preschools

Schools & preschools
3
Median school ICSEA (3 schools)
1,149
  • Holy Rosary SchoolPrimary
  • Kensington Community High SchoolSecondary
  • Kensington Primary SchoolPrimary

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

31 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Kensington Rail Replacement Bus Stop
  • Kensington Railway Station
  • Kensington Station
  • Kensington Station
  • South Kensington Rail Replacement Bus Stop

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Roadworks & transport

25 active roadworks / incidents

  • Public Transport Works (With DTP Contact only) activities occurring between 21/12/2025 and 30/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.RACECOURSE ROAD20 Dec 2025 – 29 Aug 2026
  • Public Transport Works (With DTP Contact only) activities occurring between 21/12/2025 and 30/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.RACECOURSE ROAD20 Dec 2025 – 29 Aug 2026
  • Public Transport Works (With DTP Contact only) activities occurring between 21/12/2025 and 30/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.RACECOURSE ROAD, undefined20 Dec 2025 – 29 Aug 2026
  • Public Transport Works (With DTP Contact only) activities occurring between 21/12/2025 and 30/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.RACECOURSE ROAD, undefined20 Dec 2025 – 29 Aug 2026
  • Public Transport Works (With DTP Contact only) activities occurring between 21/12/2025 and 30/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.EPSOM ROAD, undefined20 Dec 2025 – 29 Aug 2026
  • Public Transport Works (With DTP Contact only) activities occurring between 21/12/2025 and 30/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed northbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.RACECOURSE ROAD20 Dec 2025 – 29 Aug 2026
  • Public Transport Works (With DTP Contact only) activities occurring between 21/12/2025 and 30/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed northbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.EPSOM ROAD, undefined20 Dec 2025 – 29 Aug 2026
  • Public Transport Works (With DTP Contact only) activities occurring between 21/12/2025 and 30/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed northbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.RACECOURSE ROAD, undefined20 Dec 2025 – 29 Aug 2026
  • Public Transport Works (With DTP Contact only) activities occurring between 21/12/2025 and 30/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed northbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.RACECOURSE ROAD, undefined20 Dec 2025 – 29 Aug 2026
  • Public Transport Works (With DTP Contact only) activities occurring between 21/12/2025 and 30/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed northbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.RACECOURSE ROAD20 Dec 2025 – 29 Aug 2026

Data sources & freshness

  • Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · Period: current · Updated on site · Hourly refresh where supported

Planning & development

Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).

137 planning-related records

2021· 40 proposals

  • September 2021

  • Section 22 (Subdivision)
    413-427 MACAULAY ROAD KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works for an internal mezzanine
    324-334 MACAULAY ROAD KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition, alterations and additions to the existing building
    2-4 KENSINGTON ROAD KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition, buildings and works associated with an extension to an existing dwelling on a lot less than 300sqm, within a Heritage Overlay
    20 PRIDHAM STREET KENSINGTON 3031NOD issued by the Resp. Authority
  • Construction of an extension to an existing double storey dwelling
    14 BENDALL STREET KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition, buildings & works to existing dwelling
    85 BARNETT STREET KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2021

  • Five Lot Subdivision PS845283W
    24 PARSONS STREET KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Section 22 Subdivision
    38 BARNETT STREET KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alterations and Additions to an Existing Single Storey Dwelling
    13 PRIDHAM STREET KENSINGTON 3031NOD issued by a delegate
  • Partial demolition, to construct a building or construct or carry out works associated with a double storey addition to an existing dwelling in a Heritage Overlay and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    45 HARDIMAN STREET KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • External painting of building within Heritage Overlay
    79 MARKET STREET KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • To remove sewerage easement E-1 on Lot 1 on LP 129596J
    20 PRIDHAM STREET KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building works associated with repair works and rectification of combustible cladding on facades
    63-77 HENRY STREET KENSINGTON 3031No permit required
  • Partial demolition, external alterations, and building and works to construct an addition to an existing dwelling
    54 HARDIMAN STREET KENSINGTON 3031Withdrawn
  • Buildings and works construct a front fence
    26 THE RIDGEWAY KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Sale and consumption of liquor (restaurant and cafe licence) in association with a food and drink premise on ground level of the building
    383-399 MACAULAY ROAD KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Use of the land for a caretaker's house in association with an existing warehouse, buildings and works and waiver of the car parking requirement
    20 BARRETT STREET KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and buildings and works to construct a two storey building at the rear of the existing dwelling consisting of a garage and open plan studio
    25 BAYSWATER ROAD KENSINGTON 3031NOD issued by the Resp. Authority
  • Display business identification signage (retrospective)
    UNIT 3, 313-327 ARDEN STREET KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Demolition, and buildings and works associated with the construction of a dwelling on a lot
    18 RANKINS ROAD KENSINGTON 3031NOD issued by a delegate
  • Partial demolition and buildings and works on a lot less than 300sqm and within a Heritage Overlay
    65 ORMOND STREET KENSINGTON 3031NOD issued by a delegate
  • Buildings and works associated with construction of a basement to the existing dwelling
    107 MCCONNELL STREET KENSINGTON 3031Withdrawn
  • Partial demolition and buildings and works in a Heritage Overlay
    21 BANGALORE STREET KENSINGTON 3031NOD issued by a delegate
  • Partial demolition, external alterations, buildings and works to alter the existing façade and construction of a front fence
    11-13 WOLSELEY PARADE KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Amend Planning Permit TP-2015-767/A pursuant to section 72 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 in the follwoing manner amend the endorsed plans to include 10sqm shed
    297-307 Arden StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Installation of solar energy system, including solar panels and a solar inverter
    242 Bellair StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and buildings and works associated with the construction of alterations and additions to the existing dwelling
    40 PARSONS STREET KENSINGTON 3031NOD issued by a delegate
  • Demolish a fence
    24 HARDIMAN STREET KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and buildings and works associated with external alteration of the existing dwelling, construction of a deck and pergola
    153 RANKINS ROAD KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and buildings and works to an existing dwelling on a lot greater than 300sqm within a Heritage Overlay.
    44 TENNYSON STREET KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Section 32 (Subdivision)
    19-39 CORNISH LANE KENSINGTON 3031In progress
  • Partial demolition and construction of an out building at the rear of the existing residence
    49 MCCRACKEN STREET KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Amend plans to remove first floor component and associated roof forms/window fenestration
    10 HARDIMAN STREET KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works associated with the construction of two or more dwellings on a lot and the construction of a 1.8 metre front fence in the General Residential Zone, with an associated reduction in the statutory car parking requirements of Clause 52.06.
    2 PRIDHAM STREET KENSINGTON 3031NOD issued by a delegate

  • May 2021

  • Amend plans to remove alterations and additions at the first floor
    526 Macaulay RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Subdivision in line with Endorsed TP drawings - PS827466Q
    383-399 MACAULAY ROAD KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and works to construct an extension to the dwelling
    Unit 3, 26 Coopers LanePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of an extension to an existing dwelling for a lot under 300sqm.
    76 LAMBETH STREET KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and buildings and works for a double storey addition to the existing dwelling
    17 ALTONA STREET KENSINGTON 3031NOD issued by a delegate
  • Use and development of the land for the construction of an eight-storey building (with one basement level below) comprising dwellings and office (permit required) and food and drinks premises (permit not required), a reduction in car parking requirements, and associated works
    86-96 STUBBS STREET KENSINGTON 3031Permit issued by the RA

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

  • PPARS planning permit activity (statewide) — Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · Period: 2020–2022 · Updated on site · Public MapServer last updated Feb 2024 — applications through FY 2022–23 only; newer PPARS data requires council/API access

Amenities

551 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

  • Hop&Vin CellarsAlcohol
  • Macaulay CleanskinsAlcohol

    478 Macaulay Road, Kensington

  • atmXATM
  • BitRocket Bitcoin ATMATM
  • MatildasBakery
  • Arnold'sBar

    192 Bellair Street

  • Bar
  • White Rabbit Record BarBar

    176 Bellair Street

  • Bbq (8)
  • 4 SeasonsBeauty salon

    Macaulay Road, Kensington

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe).

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Parks & reserves

21 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Bayswater Road ParkPark
  • Cakebread Mews ReservePark
  • Central Park ReservePark
  • Escarpment ReservePark
  • Flemington StockyardsPark
  • Gilbertson Walk ReservePark
  • J.J. Holland ParkPark
  • Kensington Hall ReservePark
  • Lascelles Square ReservePark
  • Liddy Street ReservePark

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics
15
Emergency department
Not in suburb
  • Connect Health + Movementdoctor
  • Kensington HealthcareMacaulay Roaddoctor
  • Kensington Smilesdentist
  • Macaulay Psychology GroupMacaulay Roadpsychotherapist
  • Mamamidwife
  • Nearby Discount PharmacyMacaulay Roadpharmacy
  • Psychotherapistpsychotherapist
  • Psychotherapistpsychotherapist
  • Sensational Kidsclinic
  • SmileWorks DentalMacaulay Roaddentist

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic (SEIFA)

IRSAD decile (2021)
10/10
IRSD decile (2021)
7/10

SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

7 state heritage places

  • FORMER BURGE BROTHERS FACTORYNH1216
  • FORMER KENSINGTON PROPERTY EXCHANGENH1204
  • FORMER NEWMARKET SALEYARDS & ABATTOIRSNH1430
  • FORMER NEWMARKET SALEYARDS & ABATTOIRSNH1430
  • FORMER NEWMARKET SALEYARDS & ABATTOIRSNH1430
  • FORMER NEWMARKET SALEYARDS & ABATTOIRSNH1430
  • FORMER NEWMARKET SALEYARDS & ABATTOIRSNH1430

Data sources & freshness

  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · Period: current · Updated on site

Childcare

3 childcare services from OpenStreetMap

  • Kids Academykindergarten
  • St Mary's Children's Centrekindergarten
  • childcarechildcare

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Period: current · Updated on site

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
No overlay at centroid

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

  • Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · Period: current · Updated on site

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
48
Parks (OSM)
32

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)

Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap green cover features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Desirability index

Desirability score
61.0/100 — Good
State standing
Top 13% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
642nd in Australia
State rank
162nd in VIC
Peer rank
#46 among Metro Melbourne · Growth area suburbs
Cohort rank
#120 among Metro Melbourne suburbs
Data confidence
89%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics

Recent changes

  • B21 Criminal Damagecrime93
  • B321 Residential Non-Aggravated Burglarycrime76
  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theftcrime93
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehiclecrime361
  • B49 Other Theftcrime111
  • Kids Academychildcarekindergarten
  • St Mary's Children's Centrechildcarekindergarten
  • childcarechildcarechildcare
  • FORMER BURGE BROTHERS FACTORYheritageNH1216
  • FORMER KENSINGTON PROPERTY EXCHANGEheritageNH1204

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Updated on site
  • Recorded offences by suburb/town — Crime Statistics Agency (Victoria) · Updated on site · Year ending March release
  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · Updated on site

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