Newnham

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

As of November 2025, Newnham's population is estimated at around 7,562, reflecting a growth of 489 people since the 2021 Census. The suburb had a population of 7,073 in 2021. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 7,302 residents based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024, along with an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. Newnham's population density stands at 1,268 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 6.9% since the 2021 census exceeds both the SA3 area (3.9%) and the state, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2022 with 2021 as the base year are used, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, projections indicate an overall population decline of 33 persons in Newnham. However, specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are anticipated to grow, with a projected increase of 117 people.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Newnham when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Newnham averaged around 13 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 69 homes. As of FY26 so far, 0 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 4.2 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed. This demand outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $225,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. In FY26, $4.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of Tas., Newnham has significantly less development activity, 57.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though recent periods show increased development activity. Nationally, development activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent development in Newnham has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This preference for detached housing (77.0% at Census) demonstrates ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With around 254 people per approval, Newnham reflects a transitioning market. Population projections showing stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Newnham has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that could affect the region. Notable ones are Newnham Subdivision by Fairlands Property, Newnham Campus Development Strategy, Northern Suburbs Community Recreation Hub (The Hub), and Alanvale Gardens. The following 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Newnham recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Newnham has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 4.9% as of June 2025, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. The unemployment rate is 1.0% higher than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%, while workforce participation stands at 58.4%, slightly above the regional average of 55.7%.

Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Notably, retail trade has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety has limited presence with only 3.2% employment compared to the regional average of 5.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8%, while employment declined by 0.3%, leading to a fall in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Tas. experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.6%. For future insights, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project that Newnham's local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the area's current employment mix.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Newnham has incomes below the national average. The median income is $44,728 and the average income is $49,460. This contrasts with Rest of Tas., which has a median income of $47,358 and an average income of $57,384. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Newnham would be approximately $50,914 (median) and $56,300 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Newnham all fall between the 13th and 15th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 30.4% of locals (2,298 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the surrounding region at 28.5%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Newnham, with only 83.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 15th percentile.

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

Newnham's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.2% houses and 22.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Tas. had 82.1% houses and 17.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Newnham stood at 30.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.3% and rented dwellings at 37.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Tas.'s average. Median weekly rent was $270, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $280. Nationally, Newnham's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus Australia's $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $270 compared to the national figure of $375.

Newnham features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.6% of all households, including 25.8% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 28.6% and group households comprising 4.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

Newnham shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

In Newnham, 21.6% of residents aged 15 and above have university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.8% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 32.0% of residents holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 6.6% and certificates for 25.4%. Educational participation is high, with 30.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.9% in primary, 8.0% in tertiary, and 5.5% in secondary education.

Australian Christian College - Launceston serves Newnham, enrolling 128 students as of a specific date. The area has balanced educational opportunities, with an ICSEA score of 1024. All one school offers integrated K-12 education. However, local school capacity is limited at 1.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 18.3, leading many families to seek schooling in nearby areas.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 37 active transport stops operating within Newnham, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 81 individual routes, collectively facilitating 7,418 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically situated 206 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 1,059 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 200 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Newnham faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 47%, affecting around 3,537 people in total.

This compares to a state average of 50.6%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.3% and 8.9% of residents respectively. Around 67.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.9% across the rest of Tasmania. Newnham has 16.6% of its population aged 65 and over (1,255 people), which is lower than the state average of 19.9%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader population.

Newnham 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

Newnham, as per the data provided, has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets. Specifically, 29.0% of its population was born overseas and 26.7% speaks a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Newnham, with 40.5% of people identifying as such.

However, there's an overrepresentation in the 'Other' religious category, comprising 3.3% of the population compared to Rest of Tas's average of 1.1%. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (28.7%), Australian (27.5%), and Other (16.7%), with the latter being significantly higher than the regional average of 7.1%. Notably, Sri Lankan, Samoan, and Australian Aboriginal ethnicities are overrepresented in Newnham compared to regional averages: Sri Lankan at 0.3% vs 0.1%, Samoan at 0.2% vs 0%, and Australian Aboriginal at 3.5% vs 2.7%.

Newnham hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

At 33 years, Newnham's median age is significantly below the Rest of Tas. average of 45 and considerably younger than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Tas. average, the 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 19.7% locally, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.2%. This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.5%. Following the Census conducted on August 3, 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.1% to 13.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 8.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Newnham's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 58%, adding 104 residents to reach 286. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 64% of anticipated growth. Population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 65-74 cohorts.