Newtown (NSW)

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, the estimated population of the Newtown (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is around 15,589, reflecting an increase of 899 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 6.1% change from the previous population count of 14,690. AreaSearch validated this estimate by examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and adding 15 new addresses since the Census date. The resulting population density is 9,804 persons per square kilometer, placing Newtown in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.0% to the area's recent population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data.

These projections indicate an above median population growth for the nation, with the Newtown (NSW) (SA2) expected to grow by 2,479 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.8% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Newtown is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Newtown has recorded around 6 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 34 homes were approved, with an additional 7 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which is positive for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $380,000. This year, $5.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting the area's residential character. New development consists of 22.0% detached dwellings and 78.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

This is a shift from current patterns where only 5.0% of housing at Census was detached. At around 2583 people per approval, Newtown shows signs of being a mature, established area. Future projections show Newtown adding 2,465 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 34 such projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable among these are the NSW Health Infrastructure Program - Inner West, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Redevelopment, University of Sydney Campus Transformation, and Landcom Camperdown Mixed-Use Development. The following list provides more details about those considered 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 highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 5.1% as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 10,260 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is 0.9% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Newtown is 74.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The leading employment industries among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Newtown has a particular specialization in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

However, construction is under-represented, with only 4.1% of Newtown's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.4%, and employment declined by 1.6%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1% and the labour force grow by 2.4%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%, compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Newtown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

In AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Newtown had a median income among taxpayers of $69,045 and an average income of $94,771. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $75,162 (median) and $103,168 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, Newtown's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 84th and 94th percentiles. In Newtown, 29.9% of individuals fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region at 30.9%. Strong earnings are evident with 39.3% of households earning over $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 20.9% of income, but disposable income remains high at the 77th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Newtown displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a predominantly rental market

As evaluated in the latest Census, dwelling structures in Newtown comprised 5.1% houses and 94.9% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. Home ownership in Newtown stood at 17.7%, with 23.9% of dwellings mortgaged and 58.5% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, while the median weekly rent figure was $550. Nationally, Newtown's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, recorded in [insert date]. Similarly, rents in Newtown were substantially above the national figure of $375, also recorded in [insert date].

Newtown features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a median household size of 2.1 people

Family households account for 49.6% of all households, including 15.3% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 5.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 50.4%, with lone person households at 36.5% and group households comprising 14.0%. The median household size is 2.1 people.

Newtown shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Newtown has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 59.8% holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%, indicating a significant educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification held by residents at 38.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 17.7% and graduate diplomas at 4.0%. Vocational pathways account for 18.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 9.1% and certificates 9.4%.

Educational participation is particularly high in Newtown, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.2% pursuing tertiary education, 5.0% primary education, and 3.8% secondary education.

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

Newtown has 50 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 26 individual routes, collectively facilitating 13,600 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 145 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,942 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 272 weekly trips per individual stop.

Newtown's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows strong health performance in Newtown for both young and elderly cohorts, with low prevalence of common conditions. Private health cover is high at approximately 64% of total population (10,023 people), compared to national average of 55.7%.

Common medical conditions include mental health issues (13.4%) and asthma (8.3%). Most residents (69.8%) report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 0%. The area has 8.8% seniors (1,371 people), with health outcomes above average, similar to general population's profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Newtown was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Newtown's cultural diversity was evident with 17.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home, and 32.4% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Newtown, comprising 23.3% of people. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.2%), Australian (18.7%), and Irish (11.4%). Other ethnicities showed notable divergences: French at 1.1%, Spanish at 0.8%, and Welsh at 0.8% in Newtown, compared to none regionally.

Newtown hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Newtown's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Newtown has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (28.8%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.6%). This proportion of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 13.1% to 16.0%, while the population aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 13.5% to 11.7%. By 2041, Newtown's population is projected to undergo significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 51%, adding 2,276 residents and reaching a total of 6,766. Conversely, populations in the 45-54 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decline.