Newtown (Greater Geelong - Vic.)

Newtown has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of 1 Nov 2025, the population of Newtown (Greater Geelong - Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 10,443 people. This figure reflects a decrease of 2 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,445 people. The current estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of resident population data, which was 10,416 based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,797 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed about 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, the Newtown (Greater Geelong - Vic.) area is projected to experience above median population growth compared to national regional areas. By 2041, it is expected to grow by approximately 2,106 persons, reflecting a total gain of about 19.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Newtown recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Newtown has experienced approximately 51 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY2021 and FY2025, around 257 homes were approved, with a further 8 approved so far in FY2026. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $553,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $14.8 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Newtown has significantly less development activity, at 54.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although construction activity has recently intensified. Current building activity shows 44.0% detached dwellings and 56.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the existing housing pattern of 77.0% houses. This change may indicate diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

Newtown has approximately 144 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Newtown is expected to grow by 2,079 residents through to 2041. Construction activity is maintaining pace with projected growth, but buyers may face growing competition as population increases.

Newtown 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 30 projects that could impact the region. Notable initiatives include Marshall Street Social Housing Renewal, Latrobe Boulevard Riverside Development, and The Mill Newtown project. The following list details those expected to have the most influence.

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 Newtown significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Newtown has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.9%, as of September 2025, which is below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Employment stability has been relatively consistent over the past year. There are 5,807 residents currently employed, with a workforce participation rate of 66.0%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, professional & technical services have an employment level that is twice the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 0.9% of employment compared to the region's 7.5%. While there are local employment opportunities, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the wider area over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.5%, and employment declined by 0.4%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. By comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%, with unemployment rising marginally. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Newtown's employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Newtown's current employment mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that median assessed income in Newtown is $57,846 with average income at $93,586. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $62,618 (median) and $101,307 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Newtown rank highly nationally, between 72nd and 78th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income analysis shows that 26.9% of locals (2,809 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income category, similar to the surrounding region where 30.3% occupy this bracket. A substantial proportion of high earners, 35.3%, have incomes above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the area. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

In Newtown, as per the latest Census evaluation, 77.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 23.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Newtown stood at 38.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.2% and rented ones at 29.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, exceeding Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,712. The median weekly rent in Newtown was $360, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $335. Nationally, Newtown's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Newtown has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.0% of all households, including 32.3% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.0%, comprising 28.4% lone person households and 3.6% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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

Educational attainment in Newtown is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 44.0% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the Rest of Vic. and 27.3% in the SA3 area. This educational advantage positions Newtown strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%).

Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 26.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (15.2%). Educational participation is notably high in Newtown, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Newtown shows 51 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes, offering a total of 748 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is considered good, with residents living an average of 215 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 106 trips per day across all routes, which equates to around 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Newtown exhibits above-average health outcomes with both young and elderly cohorts showing low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 64% of the total population (6,650 people), compared to 53.3% across Rest of Vic., and 55.7% nationally. Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.9% and 7.9% of residents respectively, while 71.3% report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 65.9% across Rest of Vic..

The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,942 people), higher than the 16.8% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming those of the general population in health metrics.

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

Newtown's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.0% of its population born in Australia, 90.8% being citizens, and 90.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Newtown, comprising 52.2% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to the rest of Victoria's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.6%), Australian (23.8%), and Irish (12.9%). Other ethnic groups also showed notable differences: Scottish was overrepresented at 10.3%, Croatian was underrepresented at 1.2% compared to regional figures, and Dutch was slightly underrepresented at 1.9%.

Newtown's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Newtown is 40 years, which is slightly below Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The percentage of individuals aged 15-24 in Newtown is notably higher at 13.2% compared to the Rest of Vic.'s average, while those aged 75-84 are under-represented at 5.8%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 11.0% to 12.3%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 12.7% and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 12.9% to 11.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant changes in Newtown's demographics. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 748 people (58%), reaching 2,033 individuals, while the 55 to 64 cohort is expected to decline by 29 people.