Newstead - Bowen Hills
Statistical Area - sa2

Newstead - Bowen Hills lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Newstead-Bowen Hills' population is approximately 21,421 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 3,405 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 18,016. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 20,923 in June 2024 and validated new addresses totalling 966 since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 7,000 persons per square kilometer, placing Newstead-Bowen Hills among the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's population growth rate of 18.9% since the 2021 census exceeds both national (8.9%) and state averages, indicating strong growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 58.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 with a base year of 2021. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using a base year of 2022. Future population trends indicate significant increases in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation, with Newstead-Bowen Hills expected to increase by 8,294 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, marking a total gain of 36.4% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Newstead - Bowen Hills was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Newstead-Bowen Hills has received approximately 306 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1530 homes. As of FY26184 approvals have been recorded. On average, about three people move to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating significant demand outstripping supply. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is around $372,000.

This financial year has seen approximately $242.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Newstead-Bowen Hills exhibits 136.0% higher development activity per capita, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. The majority of new developments consist of townhouses or apartments (99.0%), with a focus on higher-density living that creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 391 people moving to the area per dwelling approval, Newstead-Bowen Hills demonstrates a developed market. Future projections indicate an addition of approximately 7796 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Future projections show Newstead - Bowen Hills adding 7,796 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Newstead - Bowen Hills has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 127 projects expected to impact the region. Notable initiatives include Waterfront Newstead - Mirvac Masterplan, Teneriffe Banks, Cross River Rail - Exhibition Station, and Isle Waterfront Newstead. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Newstead - Bowen Hills performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Newstead-Bowen Hills has a highly educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate in the area is 2.2%, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.3%. As of June 2025, there are 16,772 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 1.9% and workforce participation at 77.7%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries of employment among residents include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. The area has a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level.

Construction employs only 4.9% of local workers, which is below Greater Brisbane's rate of 9.0%. There are 1.4 workers for every resident, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.3% while labour force increased by 2.9%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Newstead-Bowen Hills's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.4% over five years and 14.9% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Newstead-Bowen Hills' income level is among the top percentile nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2022. Its median income among taxpayers was $64,314 and average income stood at $95,925, compared to Greater Brisbane's figures of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year ended June 2022, current estimates would be approximately $73,312 (median) and $109,345 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings stood out at the 97th percentile nationally ($1,405 weekly). Income brackets indicated that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominated with 37.6% of residents (8,054 people), mirroring the surrounding region where 33.3% occupied this bracket. Higher earners represented a substantial presence with 32.1% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consumed 18.4% of income, though strong earnings still placed disposable income at the 73rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 9th decile.

Newstead - Bowen Hills features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Newstead-Bowen Hills' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 3.8% houses and 96.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In comparison, Brisbane metropolitan area had 36.5% houses and 63.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Newstead-Bowen Hills was 12.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.7% and rented ones at 70.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Brisbane metro's $2,167. Median weekly rent in the area was $450, higher than Brisbane metro's $410 but lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Newstead-Bowen Hills' mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863.

Newstead - Bowen Hills features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 45.7% of all households, including 8.0% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 3.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 54.3%, with lone person households at 43.5% and group households comprising 10.7%. The median household size is 1.7 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.2.

The educational profile of Newstead - Bowen Hills exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Newstead-Bowen Hills exceeds broader benchmarks. 56.1% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 38.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.8% and graduate diplomas at 4.6%. Vocational pathways account for 24.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 13.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.5% in tertiary education, 2.6% in primary education, and 2.1% pursuing secondary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

The analysis of public transport in Newstead - Bowen Hills shows that there are currently 45 active transport stops operating. These stops offer a mix of ferry, train, and bus services. They are serviced by a total of 223 individual routes, which collectively provide 17,707 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to public transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 131 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 2,529 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 393 weekly trips per individual stop.

Newstead - Bowen Hills's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Newstead-Bowen Hills shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover is high at approximately 69%, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are most prevalent, affecting 10.8% and 7.3% respectively. Overall, 73.9% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Brisbane's 73.7%. The area has 11.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,369 people), lower than Greater Brisbane's 12.2%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

Newstead - Bowen Hills 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

Newstead-Bowen Hills has a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 19.4% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 34.6% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion in Newstead-Bowen Hills, comprising 37.4% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 0.3% versus 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.6%), Australian (17.7%), and Other (11.0%). Notably, French (1.0%) Spanish (0.9%) and Welsh (0.8%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.7%, 0.5%, and 0.7% respectively.

Newstead - Bowen Hills's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Newstead-Bowen Hills has a median age of 34, which is slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly below Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Newstead-Bowen Hills has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (34.1%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (2.9%). This concentration of 25-34-year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, residents have aged on average by 1.1 years, with the median age rising from 33 to 34. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 2.8% to 4.1%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 36.4% to 34.1%, and those aged 15-24 have dropped from 12.8% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest that Newstead-Bowen Hills' age profile will change significantly, with the 45-54 age cohort expected to rise substantially, increasing by 1,546 people (66%) from 2,337 to 3,884.