Newborough

An assessment of population growth drivers in Newborough reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Newborough is around 7,121, reflecting a growth of 235 people since the 2021 Census. This increase corresponds to a 3.4% rise from the previous population count of 6,886. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,040 in June 2025, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 151 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 360 persons per square kilometer. Newborough's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.8%), indicating it as a growth leader regionally. Interstate migration contributed approximately 55% to overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the suburb.

AreaSearch projections for each SA2 area are adopted from ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these trends, an above median population growth is projected for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to expand by 1,404 persons to reach a total of 8,525 by 2041, reflecting an 18.6% increase over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Newborough recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval data shows Newborough has averaged around 38 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 190 homes were approved, with an additional 25 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, about 0.6 new residents have arrived per new home on average.

This suggests supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction cost value of new homes is $368,000, higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. In FY-26, there have been $4.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential.

When comparing development levels per person with the Rest of Vic., Newborough maintains a similar market balance. The majority of new developments consist of detached houses (88.0%) and attached dwellings (12.0%), preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 199 people per dwelling approval in the location, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Newborough is projected to add 1,323 residents by 2041. Development pace appears reasonable when compared to projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

Newborough has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include North Quarter, Newborough Convenience Centre, Narracan Drive Redevelopment, and Turras Reach (Narracan Lakes). The following list details those likely 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.

The employment landscape in Newborough shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Newborough's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.3%, while estimated employment growth over the past year is 7.1%. As of December 2025, there are 3,115 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 5.4% (1.7% above Regional Vic.'s rate), and workforce participation at 56.0%, below Regional Vic.'s 61.0%.

Only 10.3% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area specializes in electricity, gas, water & waste services with an employment share four times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 2.0%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparison of working population to resident population.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 7.1%, labour force grew by 5.7%, leading to a 1.3% decrease in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Vic.'s employment contracted by 0.6%, labour force fell by 0.7%, with unemployment decreasing by 0.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Newborough's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Newborough is $49,723 and average income is $60,560. This is below Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. By March 2026, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $54,506 and average income will be around $66,386 due to a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data shows incomes in Newborough fall between the 10th and 15th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The largest earnings segment comprises 27.4% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. This aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 30.3%. Housing costs are modest, with 87.0% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 14th percentile nationally.

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

Newborough's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.4% houses and 12.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Newborough stood at 38.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.2% and rented ones at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,118, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Newborough was $230, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Newborough's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,118 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $230 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 63.7% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.3%, with lone person households at 33.9% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Newborough faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.5%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.7%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.5% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.3%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (34.9%). Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.1% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Newborough has 53 active public transport stops serviced by 17 routes. These routes collectively provide 699 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 186 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Newborough's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 97%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 10.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Newborough is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Newborough faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with approximately 51% of the total population having private health cover (~3,618 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.0% and 11.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.2% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Newborough has 22.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,623 people), lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligning with those of the broader population.

Newborough is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Newborough's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.8% of its population born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Newborough, comprising 44.8% of people. However, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.8%), English (30.3%), and Scottish (8.1%). Notably, Dutch (3.4%) and Maltese (3.2%) were overrepresented in Newborough compared to Regional Vic's averages of 1.7% and 0.5%, respectively. Polish was also slightly overrepresented at 0.9% versus the regional average of 0.5%.

Newborough hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Newborough's median age is 42 years, comparable to Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 13.5%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 11.2% compared to Regional Vic.. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 10.8% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 11.8% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic changes are projected for Newborough. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 40%, adding 385 residents to reach 1,347. Meanwhile, numbers in the 55-64 age range are forecasted to fall by 58%.