Newtown (Ipswich - Qld)

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

As of Nov 2025, Newtown's population is estimated at around 1,582. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,498 people, representing a rise of 84 individuals (5.6%). AreaSearch validated new addresses and inferred this change using ABS ERP data released in Jun 2024. The population density is estimated at 2,197 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. These state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Moving forward, above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation, with Newtown expected to grow by 292 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 18.1% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Newtown according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Newtown granted around 1 residential property approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 6 homes were approved, with none yet in FY-26.

This results in an average of 3.7 people moving to the area per dwelling built annually over these years. Supply is lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $485,000.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Newtown has significantly less development activity, with only 7% of the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although recent construction activity has increased. However, it remains below national averages, suggesting possible planning constraints. By 2041, Newtown is forecast to gain 286 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Newtown has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to affect this region: Emerald Hill Estate Brassall, Ipswich Hospital Expansion Stage 2, Ipswich Better Bus Network, and Ipswich Smart City Program are key projects, with the following list highlighting 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 employment landscape in Newtown shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Newtown has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.1%.

As of June 2025817 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.4% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation was at par with Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Public administration & safety showed strong specialization with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical had lower representation at 4.1% compared to the regional average of 8.9%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.1%, and labour force increased by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points in Newtown. In Greater Brisbane, employment grew by 4.4%, labour force expanded by 4.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Newtown. These projections estimate that national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Newtown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Newtown had a median taxpayer income of $63,213 and an average income of $69,803. These figures are higher than the national averages of $55,645 and $70,500 in Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median income for Newtown as of September 2025 is approximately $72,056, with average income projected at $79,568. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Newtown cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. The data indicates that 33.1% of residents (523 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, similar to the surrounding region at 33.3%. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains for other expenses.

Newtown is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The latest Census evaluated Newtown's dwelling structure as 92.0% houses and 7.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Newtown was at 23.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.5% and rented dwellings at 32.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, aligning with the Brisbane metro average, while the median weekly rent was $295, compared to Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, Newtown's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 69.9% of all households, including 29.6% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.1%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Newtown places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational qualifications in Newtown, as of 2016 data, show that 23.6% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Greater Brisbane's 30.5%. This indicates a gap highlighting potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 27.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the 2016 census. This includes 10.8% in secondary education, 8.7% in primary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education. Schools appear to be located outside Newtown's immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access them in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates seven active public transport stops operating within Newtown. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes offer 369 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 182 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 52 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 52 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Newtown faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but slightly higher among older cohorts. Approximately 55% (~867 people) of Newtown's total population has private health cover, compared to 49.9% in Greater Brisbane.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 13.3% and 10.3% of residents respectively. 61.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.2% across Greater Brisbane. As of the latest data (20XX), 14.4% (~227 people) of Newtown's population is aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in younger age groups.

Newtown is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Newtown's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.5% of its population born in Australia, 91.4% being citizens, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Newtown is Christianity, comprising 49.9% of the population, compared to 49.5% across Greater Brisbane. Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (30.2%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (10.4%).

Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented in Newtown at 6.6%, compared to 6.4% regionally, while Spanish ethnicity is at 0.7% (vs 0.3%) and Maori ethnicity is at 0.9% (vs 0.9%).

Newtown's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Newtown is 40 years, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and slightly exceeds the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Newtown has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 55-64 (15.6% locally) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (11.3%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 15-24 age group grew from 12.2% to 13.3%, while the 5-14 cohort declined from 13.1% to 11.7% and the 25-34 group dropped from 12.4% to 11.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Newtown, with the 55-64 age group expected to grow by 32%, reaching 325 people from 246. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is projected to decrease by 11 residents.