Newington (Vic.)

Newington is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The population of the suburb of Newington (Vic.) is estimated at around 1,719 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 1,844 people, marking a drop of 125 individuals (6.8%). The current population was inferred by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of one new address since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 719 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove recent population growth in Newington (Vic.).

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, Newington (Vic.) is projected to experience above median population growth, with an expected increase of 297 persons to 2041, reflecting a total rise of 17.3% over the 16-year period.

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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Newington recorded around 7 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 36 homes. So far in FY-26 (i.e., July 2021 to June 2022), 1 approval has been recorded.

Newington has experienced population decline, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. Developers focus on the premium market, constructing new properties at an average expected construction cost value of $666,000.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Newington shows substantially reduced construction (68.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Newington is projected to add 297 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the future.

Newington has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may affect this region: Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment, Ballarat Line Upgrade, VNI West - Victorian Section, and St John of God Ballarat Hospital Expansion. The following list details those likely to be 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 environment in Newington shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Newington's workforce is well-educated with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of December 2025 was 2.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 855 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.3% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Newington was similar to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. Census responses indicated that a moderate 21.5% of residents worked from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. The key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, health care & social assistance had employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 1.8% compared to Regional Vic.'s 7.5%.

As of the Census, there were 1.2 workers for every resident, indicating that Newington functions as an employment hub with more jobs than residents and attracts workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period prior to this data, labour force decreased by 1.6% while employment declined by 1.3%, resulting in a fall of 0.3 percentage points in the unemployment rate. By comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6%, labour force decline of 0.7%, and a 0.1 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Newington's employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Newington, based on postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch, is $48,334 for the financial year 2023. The average income for this suburb is $61,840 during the same period. These figures are below the national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) in Regional Vic. As of March 2026, estimated median and average incomes in Newington would be approximately $52,984 and $67,789 respectively, accounting for a 9.62% growth since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Newington rank modestly, between the 47th and 49th percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 29.5% of locals (507 people), falling within the $1,500 - $2,999 category. This is similar to the metropolitan region pattern where 30.3% occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 88.0% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Newington, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.5% houses and 15.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Vic.'s dwelling structure was 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Newington was 39.1%, with the remainder being mortgaged (32.1%) or rented (28.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Newington was $1,517, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Newington was $315, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Newington's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Newington features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 65.7% of all households, including 27.2% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.3%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households making up 3.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional Vic. average.

The educational profile of Newington exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Newington's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of 15+ age residents, 39.8% hold university qualifications compared to 21.7% in the Rest of Vic and 24.6% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.2%) and graduate diplomas (6.3%). Vocational pathways account for 22.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 14.5%. Educational participation is high, with 35.8% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 16.7% in secondary education, 9.2% in primary education, and 5.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Nine active public transport stops operate within Newington. These are served by two distinct routes, together facilitating 395 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents situated an average of 259 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most inhabitants commute outward. Cars remain the prevalent mode at 87%, while walking constitutes 9%. On average, 1.4 vehicles are owned per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 21.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 56 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 43 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Newington is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Newington shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age groups have low rates of common health conditions. Private health coverage is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, which consists of about 882 people. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.2 and 8.4% of residents respectively. Around 67.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are largely typical. The area has 18.7% of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Senior health outcomes are above average, with national rankings generally aligned with those of the overall population.

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

Newington was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.5% of its population born in Australia, 93.2% being citizens, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Newington is Christianity, comprising 49.4% of the population. However, Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 1.6% compared to 0.7% across Regional Vic.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.6%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (14.1%). Notably, Dutch (2.1%) and Russian (0.4%) are overrepresented in Newington compared to regional averages of 1.7% and 0.1%, respectively.

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

The median age in Newington is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional Vic., Newington has a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (18.2%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (10.2%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the percentage of Newington's population aged 75-84 has grown from 5.9% to 7.1%, while the percentage of those aged 85 and over has declined from 2.3% to 1.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Newington's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 55%, increasing from 166 to 258 people. Conversely, the 55-64 age cohort is projected to decline by 3 people.