Newstead (Qld)

Newstead lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Newstead's population is estimated at around 9,091 people. This reflects an increase of 1,595 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,496 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 8,889 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 622 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 12,804 persons per square kilometer, placing Newstead in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 21.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and state averages, marking it as a notable growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for Newstead are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year for covered SA2 areas, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 using 2021 data for years post-2032. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in Newstead's top quartile of Australian statistical areas, with an expected rise to 13,092 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 41.1% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Newstead was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Newstead averaged around 154 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 774 homes. So far in FY26, 91 approvals have been recorded. This averages to approximately 2.6 new residents per dwelling over the past five financial years (FY21-FY25), reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $811,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This year alone, $199.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. The development consists of 1% detached houses and 99% attached dwellings, suggesting a trend towards denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. There are approximately 61 people per dwelling approval in the location, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections estimate Newstead will add 3733 residents by 2041 (based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Newstead has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 40 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Waterfront Newstead - Mirvac Masterplan, James Place, Victoria Park Stadium (Brisbane Arena), and 801 Ann Street Twin Towers. 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 Newstead places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Newstead has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 1.9% as of June 2025.

This is lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.1%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 6,978 residents were in work and workforce participation was 76.6%, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 64.5%. Key industries of employment among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance.

The area has a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 2.3 times the regional level. However, education & training employs only 5.2% of local workers, compared to Greater Brisbane's rate of 9.4%. There is one worker for every resident in Newstead, indicating that it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.1% and the labour force grew by 2.8%, resulting in a decrease of unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4%, labour force grow by 4.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Newstead's employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Newstead at $71,474 and average income at $105,776. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Newstead are approximately $81,473 (median) and $120,574 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data ranks Newstead's household, family, and personal incomes highly nationally, between the 84th and 98th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 39.4% of residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,581 people), consistent with broader metropolitan trends at 33.3%. Notably, 36.9% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 18.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 80th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Newstead features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Newstead, as per the latest Census evaluation, 0.2% of dwellings were houses while 99.8% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types, contrasting with Brisbane metropolitan area's 0.0% houses and other dwellings. Home ownership in Newstead stood at 13.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 15.3% and rented ones at 71.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Brisbane metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $490, compared to Brisbane metro's figures of $0 for both. Nationally, Newstead's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Newstead features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a median household size of 1.7 people

Family households account for 47.7 percent of all households, including 6.5 percent that are couples with children, 36.2 percent that are couples without children, and 3.7 percent that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 52.3 percent, with lone person households at 40.8 percent and group households comprising 11.5 percent of the total. The median household size is 1.7 people.

Newstead demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Newstead has a notably higher educational attainment than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 56.7% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 39.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational pathways account for 23.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 12.9%.

A significant portion of the population, 22.5%, is actively pursuing formal education. This includes 13.0% in tertiary education, 1.9% in primary education, and 1.6% in secondary education. Educational facilities seem to be located outside Newstead's immediate boundaries, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Public transport analysis shows nine active transport stops operating within Newstead. These are a mix of bus services, with seven individual routes providing 1621 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 177 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 231 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 180 weekly trips per individual stop.

Newstead's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Newstead's health outcomes show notable results, with younger age groups having a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 69% of Newstead's total population of 6,282 have private health cover, significantly higher than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.5% and 7.2% of residents respectively. A majority, 73.6%, report being completely free from medical ailments compared to none in Greater Brisbane. As of March 2021, 13.9% of Newstead's population are aged 65 and over, totaling 1,263 individuals. While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they require more attention than the broader population.

Newstead 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

Newstead's population showed cultural diversity, with 18.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 35.0% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 38.5%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to none across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (28.2%), Australian (17.5%), and Irish (10.4%). Notably, Spanish (0.9%) and French (0.9%) were overrepresented in Newstead compared to regional averages, as was Russian (0.6%).

Newstead's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Newstead has a median age of 34, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly lower than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Newstead has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (36.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (1.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national figure of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, Newstead's residents have aged on average by 1.3 years, with the median age increasing from 33 to 34. Specifically, the proportion of the population in the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.4% to 5.7%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has decreased from 11.4% to 9.0%, and the 25-34 age group has fallen from 39.1% to 36.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates that Newstead's age profile is expected to change significantly. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase substantially, with an expansion of 583 people (66%) from 881 to 1,465 residents.