Newstead (Tas.)

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Newstead (Tas.) is around 5,731, reflecting an increase of 114 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 2.0% change from the previous population count of 5,617. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,656 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 45 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,520 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Newstead's 2.0% growth since census positions it within 1.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. The primary driver for population growth in the area was overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth by age group post-2032, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 161 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of 1.5% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Newstead 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, indicates Newstead has seen approximately 12 new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 62 homes were approved, with no approvals yet recorded in FY-26. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering buyers good choice, while new properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $390,000.

This financial year, $3.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Tas., Newstead has significantly less development activity, 51.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Nationally, development activity is also lower than the national average, indicating market maturity and potential development constraints. The current building activity shows 91.0% detached houses and 9.0% medium and high-density housing, sustaining Newstead's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

With around 568 people per dwelling approval, Newstead reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Newstead will gain 88 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Newstead has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Launceston Hospice, Launceston General Hospital Northern Integrated Mental Health Precinct, 18-20 Ellison Street Social Housing Development, and Peacehaven Aged Care Redevelopment. The following list details those 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 labour market in Newstead shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Newstead's workforce is highly educated with significant representation from essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 1.9%.

According to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data, 2,850 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.0% lower than Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance had a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 8.4%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the year to June 2025, labour force decreased by 1.5%, employment declined by 1.2%, and unemployment rate fell by 0.2 percentage points based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data for the wider area. By comparison, Rest of Tas. recorded an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggested potential future demand within Newstead. These projections estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Newstead's employment mix indicated local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Newstead has a median income of $54,674 and an average income of $68,762. This is higher than the national averages of $47,358 (median) and $57,384 (average) for Rest of Tas. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $62,235 (median) and $78,272 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks Newstead's household, family, and personal incomes modestly between the 34th and 46th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 captures 27.6% of Newstead's community (1,581 individuals), similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 28.5%. Housing costs allow for 87.0% retention, but disposable income is below average at the 37th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Newstead is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Newstead, as per the latest Census evaluation, 76.2% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 23.8% being semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Tas., where 82.1% of dwellings are houses and 17.9% are other types. Home ownership in Newstead stands at 39.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.6% and rented ones at 28.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area is $1,417, higher than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,300. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Newstead is $310 compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $280. Nationally, Newstead's mortgage repayments are lower at $1,417 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents are also lower at $310 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 63.1% of all households, including 25.2% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.9%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Tas.

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

Educational attainment in Newstead is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 34.3% hold university qualifications, compared to 19.3% in the Rest of Tas. and 21.7% in the SA4 region. This gives the area a substantial educational advantage. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.0% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (17.8%). Educational participation is high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education. There are eight schools operating within Newstead, educating approximately 2,301 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1052). The educational mix includes four primary, one secondary, and three K-12 schools. Newstead functions as an education hub with 40.1 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 18.3 – attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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

The analysis shows 29 active transport stops in Newstead. These are served by buses on 96 routes, offering 7,163 weekly passenger trips collectively. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 198 meters to the nearest stop.

There are 1,023 daily trips across all routes, equating to around 247 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Newstead is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Newstead, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 54% (~3,118 people) have private health cover, compared to 50.6% in Rest of Tas.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.2%) and mental health issues (9.2%). Around 64.5% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the 63.9% across Rest of Tas. Newstead has a larger proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.8% (1,363 people), compared to 19.9% in Rest of Tas. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are generally positive.

Newstead ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Newstead's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.2% of its population being Australian citizens and 83.0% born in Australia. English was spoken as the only language at home by 91.0% of residents. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 42.9% of Newstead's population.

However, Judaism was overrepresented compared to regional averages, with 0.4% of Newstead's population identifying as Jewish, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Tas.. In terms of ancestry, English (33.3%), Australian (29.9%), and Scottish (8.7%) were the top three represented groups in Newstead. Notably, Dutch (1.8% vs regional 2.0%), Korean (0.2% vs 0.1%), and Welsh (0.5% vs 0.4%) ethnicities showed divergences in representation compared to regional averages.

Newstead hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Newstead has a median age of 43 years, which is slightly below Rest of Tas.'s 45 but notably higher than Australia's average of 38. Compared to the Rest of Tasmania average, Newstead has an over-representation of the 15-24 age group (13.5% locally) and an under-representation of the 65-74 year-olds (10.4%). Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 12.1% to 13.5%, while the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 12.0% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Newstead's age profile. The number of people aged 85 and over is expected to grow by 67%, from 240 to 401. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are projected to account for 79% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 45 to 54 and 15 to 24 years old.