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 November 2025, Newtown's population is estimated at around 10,445 people. This figure reflects no change from the 2021 Census, which also reported a population of 10,445 people. The stability in population is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 10,423, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,797 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, primarily driving growth in the suburb of Newtown (Greater Geelong - Vic.).

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, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projected demographic shifts indicate an above median population growth for locations outside of capital cities, with Newtown expected to grow by 2,106 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Newtown averaged approximately 51 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 257 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved in FY-26 so far. The average construction value is $553,000.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $14.8 million. Compared to Rest of Vic., Newtown has 54.0% fewer construction approvals per person. Recent construction comprises 44.0% standalone homes and 56.0% medium-high density housing. The area's existing housing is 77.0% houses. Newtown is projected to grow by 2,077 residents by 2041, with construction pace maintaining reasonable growth.

Looking ahead, Newtown is expected to grow by 2,077 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects likely to affect this region. Notable initiatives include The Mill Newtown, Marshall Street Social Housing Renewal, Latrobe Boulevard Riverside Development, and The Mill Newtown. Below is a list of the most relevant projects.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Newtown demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Newtown has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.8% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of that date, 5902 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 1.9% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Newtown was higher at 66.0%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Newtown had a particular employment specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share twice the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, comprising only 0.9% of Newtown's workforce compared to 7.5% in Rest of Vic. While local employment opportunities existed, many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.4%, matching the labour force growth rate, keeping unemployment broadly stable at 1.9%. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment decrease by 0.9% and unemployment rise slightly to 3.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for all industries nationally. Applying these projections to Newtown's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2022, Newtown had a median income among taxpayers of $57,846. The average income stood at $93,586. This is among the highest in Australia compared to $48,741 and $60,693 across Rest of Vic. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $64,880 (median) and $104,966 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Newtown, between the 72nd and 78th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 26.9% of the community (2,809 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 30.3% in the same category. A significant 35.3% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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 data, 77.0% of dwellings were houses while 23.0% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. 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 properties making up 32.2% and rented dwellings accounting for 29.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, surpassing Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,712. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Newtown was recorded at $360, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s figure of $335. Nationally, Newtown's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 3.6%. 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

Newtown's educational attainment is notably high, with 44% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares favourably to the broader benchmarks of 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 27.3% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 26.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.6% and certificates for 15.2%. Educational participation is high, 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. As of a certain date, there are 11 schools serving 5,996 students in the area, which demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1112). The educational mix includes 5 primary, 2 secondary, and 4 K-12 schools. As an education hub, Newtown offers 57.4 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 16.7, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note that where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Newtown has 51 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together offer 1,134 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with Newtown residents typically living within 215 meters of the nearest transport stop.

On average, there are 162 daily trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 22 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 superior health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence rates of common health conditions. Approximately 64% (6,651 people) of Newtown's total population has private health cover, which is higher than the Rest of Vic's rate of 52.7%. This figure also exceeds the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in Newtown are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.9% and 7.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 71.3% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Rest of Vic's rate of 65.9%. Newtown has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.6% (1,942 people), compared to the Rest of Vic's rate of 16.8%. Notably, health outcomes among seniors in Newtown are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in various 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, as per the census data from June 2016, had a cultural diversity index below the average. The population was predominantly born in Australia, with 85.0%, and were citizens at 90.8%. English was spoken exclusively at home by 90.9% of residents.

Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 52.2% of Newtown's population. While Judaism had a similar percentage nationally, it was slightly overrepresented in Newtown at 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (28.6%), Australian (23.8%), and Irish (12.9%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Scottish residents were higher at 10.3% compared to the regional average of 8.3%, Croatian residents were lower at 1.2% versus 1.5%, and Dutch residents were also slightly lower at 1.9% compared to the regional 2.0%.

Newtown's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Newtown is 40 years, which is slightly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but higher than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Rest of Vic., Newtown has a notably higher proportion of 15-24 year-olds at 13.2%, while the 75-84 age group is under-represented at 5.8%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 25 to 34 has grown 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 demographic changes for Newtown. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 748 people (58%) from 1,284 to 2,033, while the 55 to 64 cohort is expected to decline by 29 people.