Newington (NSW)

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

As of Feb 2026, Newington's population is estimated at around 5,674 people. This reflects an increase of 26 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,648 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch validation of new addresses following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 6,101 persons per square kilometer, placing Newington in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for Newington are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Newington is projected to expand by 936 persons, reflecting a gain of 16.4% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Newington is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Newington has averaged around 3 new homes approved annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 15 homes were approved, with one more in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

Developers focus on the premium market, with new dwellings valued at an average of $556,000. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $52,000, reflecting Newington's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Newington shows significantly reduced construction activity (94.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction activity has intensified but remains below national averages, suggesting possible planning constraints. Building activity comprises 25.0% detached houses and 75.0% attached dwellings, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers due to affordable entry pathways. With around 1023 people per dwelling approval, Newington demonstrates a highly mature market.

Future projections estimate Newington will add 930 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Newington 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 a total of 15 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2, Club Ryde Ex Mixed Use Development, 287-295 Victoria Road Development, and Newington Reserve Upgrade. 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 Newington places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Newington has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.6% in the past year, showing strong growth of 5.0%. As of December 2025, 3,588 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, below Greater Sydney's 4.2%.

Workforce participation was high at 80.7%. A significant 56.5% of residents worked from home, likely influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Education & training particularly stands out with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction employs only 5.1% of local workers, lower than Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The worker-to-resident ratio of 1.0 indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.0%, and the labour force grew by 4.5%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.2% and unemployment marginally increase. 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. However, applying these projections to Newington's specific industry mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 30, 2023 shows median income in Newington suburb is $60,075 and average income is $71,649. Greater Sydney has median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.86% from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025, estimated current incomes are approximately $65,398 (median) and $77,997 (average). As per Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data 2021, Newington ranks high nationally for household, family and personal incomes, between 84th and 90th percentiles. Predominant earnings cohort in Newington is 32.2% earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly, similar to metropolitan region's 30.9%. Notably, 40.7% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing costs consume 17.1% of income but strong earnings place disposable income at 87th percentile nationally. Newington's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Newington features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Newington, as per the latest Census, consisted of 39.0% houses and 61.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. In contrast, Sydney metropolitan area had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Newington stood at 26.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.9% and rented ones at 31.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, exceeding Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Newington was $560, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Newington's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Newington features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 82.0% of all households, including 49.7% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 18.0%, with lone person households at 16.3% and group households making up 1.7%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational achievement in Newington places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Newington's educational attainment exceeds national averages significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 52.2% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. This high level of attainment positions Newington favourably for knowledge-based opportunities, with bachelor degrees being the most prevalent at 33.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational pathways account for 20.3% of qualifications among those aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (9.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.3% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 27 active transport stops operating within Newington. These comprise a mix of buses serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 2,448 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 168 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 78%, followed by train at 9% and walking at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a high 56.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 349 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 90 weekly trips per individual stop.

Newington's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Newington's health outcomes show exceptional results according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 55% of the total population (around 3,134 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 5.5% and 4.0% of residents respectively. A total of 81.6% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Newington has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.1%, with around 686 people, compared to 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, ranking broadly in line with the general population nationally.

Newington is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Newington has a population where 50.1% were born overseas, and 53.7% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Newington, with 47.9%. Buddhism, however, is more prevalent in Newington at 4.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 4.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (21.6%), Other (15.0%), and Korean (12.0%). These figures are higher than the regional averages of 8.4% for Chinese, 15.0% for Other, and 1.1% for Korean. Notably, Filipino (3.5%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 2.0%, as are Russian (0.5% vs 0.4%) and Sri Lankan (0.6% vs 0.3%).

Newington's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Newington is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, the 45-54 age group is notably over-represented in Newington at 18.0%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.3%. This concentration of the 45-54 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 12.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that residents have aged on average by 1.1 years, with the median age rising from 38 to 39. The 55-64 age group has grown from 10.2% to 12.6%, and the 75-84 age group increased from 2.8% to 4.0%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 10.1% to 8.3%, and the 35-44 age group dropped from 19.0% to 17.3%. By 2041, Newington is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 78% (799 people), reaching 1,821 from 1,021. In contrast, the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are expected to experience population declines.