Kensington, Philadelphia, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
20,007
-4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$45,314/yr
-1.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,980
-2.4% year-over-year change

Kensington population

How many people live in Kensington

Kensington is home to 20,007 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.9% of Kensington locals are male, and 52.1% are female.

Total population
20,007
-4.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.9%
9,582
Female
52.1%
10,425
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,582 47.9% -3.4%
Female 10,425 52.1% -6.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Kensington is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.3% are children under 15, then 16.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27% of the population, while another 25.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.3%
15 to 24
16.3%
25 to 44
27%
45 to 64
25.4%
Over 65
11.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,054 20.3% -19.2%
15 to 24 3,262 16.3% 11.6%
25 to 44 5,403 27% -8.6%
45 to 64 5,073 25.4% -3.0%
Over 65 2,215 11.1% 15.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Kensington, 74.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 19.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 34.7% of locals are Caucasian, 18.5% are African American and 1.9% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 30% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 14.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
74.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
19.5%
Non-citizens
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,939 74.7% -5.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,909 19.5% -7.2%
Non-citizens 1,159 5.8% 8.2%
Racial breakdown
White
34.7%
Black or African American
18.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
14.6%
Other
30%
Value Percent
White 6,943 34.7%
Black or African American 3,699 18.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 54 0.3%
Asian 383 1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 13 0.1%
Two or more races 2,916 14.6%
Other 5,999 30%

Households in Kensington

A peek inside Kensington households

Kensington has 7,834 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.8% are families, while the remaining 42.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,834
-2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,303
Family households
4,531
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,303 42.2% 7.6%
Family households 4,531 57.8% -8.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Kensington

The housing landscape of Kensington

Kensington's housing consists of 8,980 units, with 9.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 79% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,980
-2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 890 9.9%
1 unit, attached 7,098 79%
2 units 319 3.6%
3 or 4 units 391 4.4%
5 to 9 units 87 1%
10 to 19 units 32 0.4%
20 to 49 units 45 0.5%
50 or more units 85 1%
Mobile home 32 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
17
240.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Kensington

In Kensington, the median construction year is 1938. About 68.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,151 68.5% -4.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 759 8.4% -0.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 614 6.8% 2.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 337 3.8% -19.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 475 5.3% 12.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 259 2.9% -6.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 145 1.6% 12.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 109 1.2% 23.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 114 1.3% 90.0%
Built in 2020 or later 17 0.2% 240.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Kensington occupancy rates

Out of the 7,834 occupied housing units in Kensington, 56% are owner-occupied, while 44% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,834
-2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,451
Owner occupied
4,383
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,451 44% -3.2%
Owner occupied 4,383 56% -1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
12.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Kensington housing costs

Housing costs in Kensington come to a median of $987 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,174.

Median housing costs per month
$987/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Kensington
$1,174/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Kensington

Kensington education at a glance

About 50.9% of the population in Kensington went to high school, while 17.1% pursued college studies. Another 5.5% earned an associate degree and 11.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,322 8.8% -0.8%
High school diploma 7,669 50.9% -3.4%
College diploma 2,577 17.1% 6.6%
Associate degree 833 5.5% -4.7%
Bachelor's degree 1,673 11.1% 14.8%
Graduate degree 984 6.5% 2.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Kensington

How much people earn in Kensington

The average annual household income in Kensington was $62,820 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $45,314, reflecting a -1.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Kensington
$62,820/year
6.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Kensington
$45,314/year
-1.7% year-over-year change

Kensington income by age

In Kensington, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $58,211. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $51,993 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,118, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $30,269 in earnings. Overall, 67.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,118 2.3%
25 - 44 $58,211 15.4%
45 - 64 $51,993 -3.3%
Over 65 $30,269 -5.6%
Above poverty level
13,078
Below poverty level
6,349
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,078 67.3% -0.1%
Below poverty level 6,349 32.7% -14.0%

Employment in Kensington

Workforce and job types in Kensington

76.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.6% run their own businesses, 63.7% are employed by private companies, and 12.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
5,767
Blue collar
1,777
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,767 76.4% -0.5%
Blue collar 1,777 23.6% -10.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.6%
Private companies
63.7%
Governmental workers
12.1%
Not for profit companies
15.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 651 8.6% -3.6%
Private companies 4,804 63.7% -7.9%
Governmental workers 914 12.1% 3.4%
Not for profit companies 1,176 15.6% 16.9%

Transportation in Kensington

How people get around in Kensington

In Kensington, the average commute time is 1 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 75.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
1 min
-91.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,449 75.8% -3.4%
Taxicab 105 1.8% 23.5%
Bus or trolleybus 725 12.4% -6.1%
Railroad 28 0.5% 86.7%
Bicycle 56 1% 36.6%
Walk 509 8.7% -20.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Kensington by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
19124 71,004 25,300 $45,314 $63,140
19134 53,594 21,254 $44,066 $60,793
19137 8,026 3,140 $76,739 $91,303

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FAQs about Kensington demographics 

What is the total population of Kensington?

Kensington has a total population of 20,007 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -4.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Kensington?

The gender ratio in Kensington is as follows:
  • 47.9% males (9,582 residents)
  • 52.1% females (10,425 residents)

What is the median age in Kensington?

The median age in Kensington is 34.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Kensington?

The age distribution in Kensington is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.3% (4,054 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.3% (3,262 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27% (5,403 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.4% (5,073 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.1% (2,215 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Kensington?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Kensington is as follows:
  • White: 34.7% (6,943 residents)
  • Black or African American: 18.5% (3,699 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (54 residents)
  • Asian: 1.9% (383 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (13 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.6% (2,916 residents)
  • Other: 30% (5,999 residents)

What percentage of the population in Kensington are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 74.7% of the population in Kensington.

How many housing units are there in Kensington?

There are 8,980 housing units in Kensington, reflecting a -2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Kensington and what is the average household size?

Kensington has a total of 7,834 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Kensington?

Kensington has a median household income of $45,314, representing a -1.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Kensington?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.4% (5,767 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.6% (1,777 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.6% (651 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.7% (4,804 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.1% (914 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.6% (1,176 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025