Newtown (NSW)
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Newtown reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Newtown's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 15,506. This figure represents an increase of 839 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,667. The growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 15,548 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 9,876 persons per square kilometer, placing Newtown within the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 5.7% growth since the Census is close to the state average of 6.7%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Newtown is projected to have an above median population growth, increasing by 2,386 persons over the 17-year period, reflecting a total increase of 15.7%.

The level of residential development activity in Newtown is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Newtown has received approximately six dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years 2021 (FY-21) and 2025 (FY-25), 34 homes were approved, with an additional four approved in FY-26 so far. Despite recent population decline, housing supply has been adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with varied buyer choices.

The average construction cost of new properties is $406,000. In the current financial year, $5.0 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Newtown has significantly less development activity, being 92.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, which is also under the national average, suggesting an established market with potential planning constraints. Currently, 25.0% of approved buildings are detached houses, while 75.0% are townhouses or apartments, reflecting a trend towards denser development that appeals to various buyer types. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (5.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes amidst densification trends.

The area has approximately 3447 people per dwelling approval, indicative of an established market. Future projections estimate Newtown's population will grow by 2,428 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Newtown has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

A total of 33 infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact a specific area. These projects include notable ones such as Federation Place Warehouse Conversion, The Erskineville Project (Ashmore Precinct), Camperdown Memorial Rest Park Management Plan, and Erskineville Village. The following list details those considered most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Newtown has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Newtown in New South Wales has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 4.9%.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively maintained. In June 2025, 10,707 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.6%, 0.7% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is high at 74.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries for employment among residents include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area shows strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. However, construction shows lower representation at 4.1% compared to the regional average of 8.6%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, labour force grew by 0.7%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Newtown's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.3% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Newtown had a median taxpayer income of $68,874 and an average of $94,610 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is notably higher than national averages, with Greater Sydney's median income being $56,994 and average income $80,856. By September 2025, estimates suggest Newtown's median income would be approximately $77,559 and average income $106,540, based on a 12.61% growth in wages since the financial year 2022. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Newtown rank between the 84th and 95th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment comprises 29.8% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. Economic strength is evident with 39.4% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000. Despite high housing costs consuming 21.0% of income, disposable income ranks at the 77th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Newtown displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census evaluation found that dwelling structures in Newtown comprised 5.1% houses and 94.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 2.3% houses and 97.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Newtown was 17.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (23.9%) or rented (58.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $550. Nationally, Newtown's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Newtown features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 49.6% of all households, including 15.3% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 5.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 50.4%, with lone person households at 36.6% and group households comprising 13.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 1.9.

Newtown shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Newtown is notably high, with 59.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. The majority of these qualifications are bachelor degrees (38.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5%, with advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 9.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.0% in tertiary education, 5.0% in primary education, and 3.8% pursuing secondary education. There are six schools operating within Newtown, educating approximately 2,132 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1115). These schools include four primaries, one secondary, and one K-12 school. Newtown functions as an education hub with 13.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 7.7, attracting students from surrounding communities.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 27 active stops operating in Newtown, including trains and buses. These stops are served by 22 routes, offering a total of 11,789 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 144 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,684 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 436 weekly trips per individual stop.

Newtown's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows strong health metrics throughout Newtown. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 69% of the total population (10,745 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 13.5% and asthma affecting 8.3% of residents. A total of 69.9% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.4% across Greater Sydney. The area has 8.8% (1,361 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Newtown was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Newtown's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 17.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 32.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 23.2%. Judaism was notably represented at 1.1%, similar to Greater Sydney's 1.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.1%), Australian (18.7%), which exceeded Greater Sydney's average of 13.5%, and Irish (11.4%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: French (1.1% vs regional 1.1%), Spanish (0.8% vs 1.0%), and Welsh (0.8% vs 0.6%) were overrepresented in Newtown.

Newtown hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Newtown's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Newtown has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (28.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.6%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population of those aged 15 to 24 has increased from 13.1% to 15.9%, while the population of those aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 13.5% to 11.6%. By 2041, Newtown's demographic is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 52%, adding 2,321 residents and reaching a total of 6,793. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 45-54 and 35-44 age groups.