Scarborough - Newport

Scarborough - Newport lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Scarborough - Newport's population is around 18,237 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase from 15,257 people in the 2021 Census, marking a growth of 2,980 people (19.5%). This change was inferred from ABS estimates of 17,587 residents in June 2024 and an additional 951 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 2,248 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Scarborough - Newport's growth rate exceeded the SA3 area (8.8%) and the national average, indicating significant growth in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are used, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with Scarborough - Newport expected to grow by 5,717 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 27.8% over the 17 years.

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

Scarborough - Newport has seen approximately 284 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 1,422 homes were approved, with an additional 167 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, around 2.7 people have moved into the area each year for every new home constructed during these years.

This suggests solid demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $384,000, which is moderately above regional levels and indicates a focus on quality construction. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalling $17.8 million have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Scarborough - Newport records 127.0% more development activity per person. This creates greater choice for buyers but construction activity has eased recently.

The recent construction mix comprises 57.0% detached dwellings and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, providing options across different price points from family homes to more affordable compact living. With around 155 people being approved per dwelling, Scarborough - Newport reflects a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 5,067 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Scarborough - Newport has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones are Stockland Newport Master Planned Community, Bruce Highway upgrade from Dohles Rocks Road to Anzac Avenue (Stage 1), Lighthouse Newport, and Stockland Newport Retirement Living expansion (Pier North). The following list details those most likely to be 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Scarborough - Newport places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Scarborough - Newport has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.6%, lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 7.5%.

As of September 2025, there are 9,093 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% and workforce participation at 60.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. Census responses indicate that 20.8% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, particularly notable in construction with levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Professional & technical employs only 7.6% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%.

The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 7.5%, labour force by 6.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and unemployment falling by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Scarborough - Newport's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Scarborough - Newport SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,711 with an average level standing at $72,247. This is higher than the national average and compares to levels of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $60,133 for median income and $79,407 for average income as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes all rank modestly in Scarborough - Newport, between the 45th and 50th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 28.1% of residents (5,124 people), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Scarborough - Newport is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Scarborough - Newport's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.8% houses and 28.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Scarborough - Newport stood at 40.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.5% and rented ones at 28.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Scarborough - Newport was $405, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Scarborough - Newport's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Scarborough - Newport has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.3% of all households, including 25.5% couples with children, 35.4% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.7%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Scarborough - Newport performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Scarborough - Newport's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 25.0% hold university qualifications, compared to 14.9% in the SA4 region and 19.2% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.8%) and certificates (24.9%).

A significant portion of the population is actively pursuing education, with 24.3% engaged in formal learning. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Scarborough - Newport shows that there are 55 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 3 individual routes providing service to the area. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 529. Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 252 meters to the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. The car remains the primary mode of transportation for residents, used by 87% of them.

Train usage stands at 6%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, 20.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 75 trips per day, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Scarborough - Newport is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Scarborough - Newport exhibits above-average health outcomes as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Prevalence of common health conditions was low among the general population but higher than national averages for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 55% (~10,012 people) had private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis (10.8%) and mental health issues (8.3%). About 63.6% of residents reported no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents showed a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area had 31.4% of residents aged 65 and over (5,720 people), which was higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane but lower nationally compared to the broader population.

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

Scarborough-Newport has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 7.5% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 27.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Scarborough-Newport, making up 55.9%, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (32.3%), Australian (23.4%), and Irish (10.3%).

Notably, Welsh (0.9%) is overrepresented in Scarborough-Newport compared to the regional average of 0.5%. South African (0.8%) and New Zealand (1.0%) groups also show notable differences from their respective regional averages.

Scarborough - Newport hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Scarborough - Newport has a median age of 50, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years are particularly prominent, making up 16.3% of the population, compared to 9.5% nationally. This group has increased from 15.1% in 2021 Census. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is smaller at 5.7%, having decreased from 7.0%. The 75-84 age group has grown significantly, from 8.2% to 11.3%, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 11.0% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 75-84 age group will grow by 75%, reaching 3,617 people. The combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 71% of total population growth, reflecting Scarborough - Newport's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 25-34 and 0-4 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.