Newtown (Qld)

Newtown is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Newtown's population was approximately 10,761 as of May 2026. This figure shows an increase of 722 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,039. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates and additional validated addresses. Newtown's population density was around 1,942 persons per square kilometer, higher than average national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Newtown's 7.2% growth since the census compares favorably with its SA3 area (9.2%). Natural growth contributed approximately 55.1% of overall population gains recently, while overseas and interstate migration also played positive roles.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 based on 2022 data. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. Projections indicate a decline of 154 persons overall by 2041 but growth in specific age cohorts, notably the 25 to 34 age group projected to expand by 293 people.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Newtown when compared nationally

Newtown has received approximately 28 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 141 homes from FY-20 to FY-24. As of FY-26221 approvals have been recorded. On average, around five people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating high demand outstripping supply, which typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new homes is $243,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at $23.8 million have been registered, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Newtown has significantly less development activity, 51.0% below the regional average per person, which usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is also below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 25.0% detached dwellings and 75.0% townhouses or apartments, shifting from the current 71.0% houses, indicating decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse housing options. With around 364 people per approval, Newtown suggests a mature market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, it may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Newtown may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Mission Australia Social and Affordable Housing Development, Hill Street Social and Affordable Housing, Pinnacle of Kearneys, and New Toowoomba Hospital. The following list details those 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Newtown faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Newtown has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 5.9%. As of December 2025, there are 5,153 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 7.8%, which is 1.9% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Newtown is lower at 61.6%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 5.7% of residents work from home. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care & social assistance shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, mining has lower representation at 1.0%, compared to Regional Qld's average of 3.6%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the working population versus resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Newtown's labour force decreased by 4.3% and employment decreased by 5.2%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Newtown's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Newtown SA2 had a median income of $50,129 and an average of $61,462. This was lower than national averages. Regional Qld had a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $55,824 (median) and $68,444 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, Newtown's household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 13th and 25th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile showed 30.9% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly, with 3,325 residents in this bracket, unlike metropolitan trends where 31.7% earned $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 12th percentile.

Newtown is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Newtown, as per the latest Census evaluation, 70.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 29.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This differs from Regional Queensland's figures, which showed 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Newtown stood at 24.3%, with mortgaged properties at 27.3% and rented dwellings at 48.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Newtown was $1,254, lower than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Newtown was recorded as $289, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Newtown's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 57.3 percent of all households, including 17.7 percent couples with children, 23.2 percent couples without children, and 15.0 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 42.7 percent, with lone person households at 38.0 percent and group households comprising 4.8 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Newtown fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 27.8%. Educational participation is high, with 30.1% currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.2% in primary, 9.2% in secondary, and 4.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Newtown has 64 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that collectively facilitate 822 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 187 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward using their cars, which remain the dominant mode of transportation at 90%. Four percent of residents walk to work. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling in Newtown, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 117 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Newtown are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Newtown. AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence shows that common health conditions among the general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,358 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (11.3%) and asthma (9.5%), while 62.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 17.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,848 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Newtown records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Newtown's cultural diversity aligns with the broader area, as indicated by its population composition: 84.6% citizens, 82.7% born in Australia, and 86.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 51.6%. The most significant deviation is seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 5.4%, compared to the regional average of 0.8%.

Regarding ancestry, the top groups are English (26.8%), Australian (26.7%), and Irish (9.8%). Notable differences exist for German (7.1% vs regional 4.7%), Australian Aboriginal (5.2% vs 3.9%), and Korean (0.2% vs 0.2%).

Newtown's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Newtown is 35 years, which is lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 years and under the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort makes up 18.3% of Newtown's population, compared to Regional Queensland's average, indicating over-representation in this age group. Meanwhile, the 45-54 year-olds are under-represented at 9.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 16.0% to 18.3%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 10.7% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.0% to 9.8%. Population forecasts for Newtown indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 11%, adding 220 people and reaching a total of 2,190 from its current figure of 1,969. Conversely, both the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.