In 2021, its population was 1,812[1] and is seeing rapid growth thanks in part to a recently opened business park.

It was renamed Barrett's Cross in 1824 after an early settler who established an inn in the area.

[15] Aside from being a service centre for the surrounding farming,fishing and tourism areas, Kensington hosts many notable events throughout the year.

It is also home to Kensington Intermediate Senior High School which teaches grades seven to twelve.

KISH (as it is often abbreviated) offers many extracurricular programs and organizations such as the Gender Sexuality Alliance, the student council, sports teams (e.g. rugby, soccer, basketball and more), Travel and Tourism, Agriculture (known commonly as Aggies), concert and jazz band and much more.