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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Scarborough - Newport's population is around 18,237 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,980 people (19.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,257 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,587 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 951 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,248 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Scarborough - Newport's 19.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.8%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 5,717 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 27.8% in total 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 experienced around 284 dwellings receiving development approval per year, with 1,422 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 172 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.7 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $384,000—moderately above regional levels—indicating an emphasis on quality construction. Additionally, $17.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Scarborough - Newport records 127.0% more development activity (per person), creating greater choice for buyers, though construction activity has eased recently. This level is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 57.0% detached dwellings and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. At around 155 people per approval, Scarborough - Newport reflects a developing area.

Population forecasts indicate Scarborough - Newport will gain 5,067 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 29 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Stockland Newport Master Planned Community, Bruce Highway (Brisbane-Gympie) Upgrade - Dohles Rocks Road to Anzac Avenue (Stage 1), Lighthouse Newport, and Stockland Newport Retirement Living - Expansion (Pier North), with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 labour market strength in Scarborough - Newport positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Scarborough - Newport features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, and 4.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,027 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.3% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (60.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 20.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 7.6% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 4.3% alongside the labour force increasing by 4.2%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, labour force growth of 3.0%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Scarborough - Newport. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Scarborough - Newport's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account 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 FY-23, the Scarborough - Newport SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,711 with the average level standing at $72,247. This is higher than average nationally and compares to levels of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,133 (median) and $79,407 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Scarborough - Newport, between the 45th and 50th percentiles. Income analysis reveals 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, ranking at the 46th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Scarborough - Newport, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 71.8% houses and 28.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Scarborough - Newport was well beyond that of Brisbane metro, at 40.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.5%) or rented (28.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Brisbane metro average at $2,100, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $405, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Scarborough - Newport's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 71.3% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people 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

Educational attainment in Scarborough - Newport significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 25.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 14.9% in the SA4 region and 19.2% in the SA3 area. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.8%) and certificates (24.9%).

A substantial 24.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. 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

Public transport analysis reveals 55 active transport stops operating within Scarborough - Newport, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 529 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 252 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. Some 20.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 75 trips per day across all routes, 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~10,012 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.8% and 8.3% of residents, respectively, while 63.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 31.4% of residents aged 65 and over (5,720 people), which is higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane, though ranking lower nationally than 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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 7.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 27.1% born overseas. The main religion in Scarborough - Newport is Christianity, which makes up 55.9% of people in the area. This compares to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Scarborough - Newport are English, comprising 32.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.8%, Australian, comprising 23.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Scarborough - Newport (vs 0.5% regionally), South Australian at 0.8% (vs 0.6%) and New Zealand at 1.0% (vs 1.0%).

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

With a median age of 50, Scarborough - Newport is materially older than the Greater Brisbane figure of 36 and well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (16.3%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (5.7%) than in Greater Brisbane. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.2% to 11.3% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 15.1% to 16.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.0% to 9.6% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 7.0% to 5.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Scarborough - Newport's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 75% (1,548 people), reaching 3,617 from 2,068. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 71% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.