As of the census of 2001, there were 4,850 households and 10,304 people residing in the suburb. The racial makeup of the suburb was 12.50% Black African, 16.14% Coloured, 3.73% Indian/Asian, 67.63% White and 0% from other races. In the suburb the population was spread out, with 18% under the age of 18, 35.95% from 18 to 34, 24.13% from 35 to 54, 8.65% from 55 to 64, and 12.95% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 77.44 males. 81.22% of the population speak English, 7.20% speak Afrikaans, 6.49% speak Xhosa, 2.53% speak another African language and 2.55% some other language as a first language.
History
During his term as Governor of the Cape Colony from 1814 to 1824 Lord Charles Somerset lived on a farm in the upper part of Kenilworth. Following the establishment of the racecourse in 1882 and the construction of train station Kenilworth became more sought after and a number of mansions were built in the area to the west of the racecourse. During the second Anglo-Boer War the racecourse was temporarily used to house Boer prisoners of war. The historically better developed neighbourhoods of Claremont to the north and Wynberg to the south and their respective commercial hubs along Main Road have always played an important role in Kenilworth's history and economy.
An attraction which draws visitors to Kenilworth is the Kenilworth Racecourse. The oldest race course in the country established in 1882, it is home to the Sun Met held in late January each year, which draws more than 50,000 spectators. The race has been won by horses who have gone on to international success, including Horse Chestnut and Wolf Power. The Queens Plate, a similar event but smaller and more exclusive than the Sun Met, is held every year around two to three weeks before the Met. Numerous other Grade 1 horse races are held at Kenilworth throughout the year. The 52 hectare Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area established in 1985 at the centre of the race track is an important conservation area and seasonal wetland. Hosting many indigenous species of Cape sand fynbosfauna and flora.
Economy
The Kenilworth Racecourse is a large part of the economy of the suburb. Not only drawing in large crowds during the Sun Met and smaller crowds during the more common races but it is also the site of a commercial park that hosts numerous businesses including the headquarters of Pick 'n Pay Stores Limited. , a large factory outlet shopping complex, is also located in the suburb. The shopping area along Main Road is known as a commercial centre for the purchase and repair of bicycles. Health care also has a large presence in the area with a number of private medical practices and drug rehabilitation centers. Since the 1990s the neighbourhood has become known as a centre for street prostitution in Cape Town particularly along Main Road, Kenilworth Road and Harfield Road.
