New Town (Tas.)

Population growth drivers in New Town are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of New Town (Tas.) is around 6,848 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 67 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,781 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,697 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Education and Workforce (ERP) data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 84 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,769 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 1.0% growth since census positions it within 1.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 to estimate growth by age group post-2032, the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth is projected for national areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,304 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 16.9% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in New Town according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows New Town averaged approximately 23 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 119 homes. As of FY-26, 24 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers while supporting population growth.

The average value of new properties constructed is $469,000. In FY-26, there have been $9.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Hobart, New Town has recorded 26.0% more construction per person over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. This is below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. The current development trend consists of 31.0% detached dwellings and 69.0% attached dwellings, a significant shift from the existing housing pattern of 68.0% houses. This denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

New Town has approximately 164 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, New Town is projected to add 1,156 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

New Town has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Hobart City High School redevelopment, Queens Walk Housing Expansion, New Town Sporting Precinct Upgrades, and New Town Rivulet Restoration. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, New Town has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

New Town has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 3680 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% lower than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in New Town is similar to Greater Hobart's at 61.6%. Key employment sectors for residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Notably, accommodation & food services have an employment level that is 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 8.7%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, labour force decreased by 1.6% and employment fell by 1.4%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. This compares with Greater Hobart where employment fell by 1.5%, labour force contracted by 1.6%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to New Town's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, indicating New Town had a median taxpayer income of $53,961 and an average of $66,942. These figures are slightly above Greater Hobart's respective levels of $51,272 and $63,777. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, estimated median income for New Town as of September 2025 is approximately $61,424, with average income around $76,200. The 2021 Census ranked household, family and personal incomes in New Town between the 41st and 48th percentiles. Income analysis shows 30.3% of residents (2,074 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to the regional level at 32.2%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining after expenses, ranking at the 41st percentile. New Town's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

New Town displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in New Town, as per the latest Census, consisted of 67.9% houses and 32.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Hobart metro had 69.2% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. The home ownership level in New Town was at 31.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (27.0%) or rented (41.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in New Town was $1,771, below Hobart metro's average of $1,800. The median weekly rent figure in New Town was $340, compared to Hobart metro's $390. Nationally, New Town's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

New Town features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 59.7% of all households, including 22.4% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.3%, with lone person households at 34.4% and group households comprising 6.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Greater Hobart average.

Educational attainment in New Town aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

New Town's residents aged 15+ exhibit high educational attainment, with 46.9% holding university qualifications, surpassing Tasmania's (25.5%) and Australia's (30.4%) averages. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational pathways account for 23.3%, with advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 14.7%. Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.5% in tertiary, 7.8% in primary, and 6.3% in secondary education. New Town's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,168 students, serving typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1013). The educational mix consists of one primary, two secondary, and one K-12 school, with a specialist school addressing specific learning needs. School capacity exceeds regional averages, with 31.7 places per 100 residents compared to the region's 22.7, indicating New Town serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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 New Town shows that there are currently 58 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 95 individual routes providing service to these stops. The collective weekly passenger trips across all routes amount to 7,690.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 130 meters from their homes to the nearest transport stop. The service frequency across all routes averages out to 1,098 trips per day, which equates to approximately 132 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in New Town is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

New Town faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but notably higher among older adults. Approximately 54% (~3,676 people) of New Town's residents have private health cover, compared to 58.9% in Greater Hobart.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.3% and 9.0% of residents respectively. About 65.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.8% across Greater Hobart. The area has an 18.5% senior population (1,266 people), with health outcomes among seniors requiring more attention than the broader population.

New Town 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

New Town's population showed a high level of cultural diversity, with 29.0% born overseas and 22.5% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in New Town, representing 34.8% of its population. Hinduism stood out as overrepresented compared to Greater Hobart, comprising 6.6% versus 3.5%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (27.6%), Australian (23.4%), and Other (11.7%). Notable differences in ethnic group representation included Polish at 0.9% (versus 1.0% regionally), Hungarian at 0.3% (versus 0.2%), and Welsh at 0.6% (versus 0.6%).

New Town's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

New Town's median age is 38, closely matching Greater Hobart's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 cohort in New Town is notably higher at 18.2% compared to the Greater Hobart average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 8.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.2% to 11.9%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 19.5% to 18.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in New Town's age profile. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 426 people (53%), from 808 to 1,235, while the 35-44 group is expected to decrease by 172 residents.