Newtown (Toowoomba - Qld)

Newtown is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the population of Newtown (Toowoomba - Qld) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 10,724. This reflects an increase of 685 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,039 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 10,650 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 54 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,935 persons per square kilometer. Newtown's growth rate of 6.8% since census positions it within 2.0 percentage points of the non-metro area's growth rate of 8.8%. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, though all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, over the period, a decline of 155 persons is expected by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 age group are projected to increase by 357 people.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Newtown when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Newtown had approximately 28 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 141 homes were approved, with a further 217 approved in FY-26. On average, about 5 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This high demand outpaces new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $290,000, reflecting more affordable housing options. In FY-26, there have been $23.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Newtown has significantly lower building activity, 51.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, which is also below national averages, suggesting possible planning constraints. Current development consists of 24.0% detached houses and 76.0% townhouses or apartments, a shift from the current housing mix of 71.0% houses. This change reflects reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 358 people per dwelling approval, Newtown indicates a developed market. Population projections showing stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers in the area.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Mission Australia Social and Affordable Housing Development, Hill Street Social and Affordable Housing, Pinnacle of Kearneys, and New Toowoomba Hospital. 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Newtown recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Newtown has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.6%.

As of September 2025, there were 5,359 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation was at par with Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Newtown showed strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while mining was under-represented at 1.0% compared to Rest of Qld's 3.6%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data.

In a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 5.6% alongside labour force increasing by 4.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.2 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Newtown's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Newtown's median income is $47,913 and average income is $58,872. This is lower than the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). The Rest of Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $52,661 (median) and $64,706 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%. According to the 2021 Census, Newtown's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 13th and 26th percentiles nationally. In Newtown, 30.9% of individuals earn between $800 - 1,499, while in the region, 31.7% earn between $1,500 - 2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Newtown, with only 81.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally.

Newtown is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Newtown, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 70.9% houses and 29.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasted with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Newtown stood at 24.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (27.3%) or rented (48.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,254, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Newtown was $289, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Newtown's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Newtown features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 57.3% of all households, including 17.7% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 42.7%, with lone person households at 38.0% and group households comprising 4.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Newtown fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (27.8%). Educational participation is high, with 30.1% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.2% in primary, 9.2% in secondary, and 4.3% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Newtown shows 64 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together offer 822 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these services is rated excellent, with residents being an average of 187 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 117 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Newtown faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of Newtown's total population (~5,418 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.3% and 9.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.7% of Newtown residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 65.3% across the Rest of Queensland. The percentage of seniors aged 65 and over is 16.8% (1,801 people), which is lower than the 18.8% in the Rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors in Newtown generally align with those of the broader population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Newtown records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Newtown's cultural diversity aligns with the broader regional average, with 84.6% citizens, 82.7% born in Australia, and 86.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 51.6% of Newtown residents. The most significant deviation is seen in the 'Other' category, which comprises 5.4% of Newtown's population compared to 2.2% regionally.

For ancestry, the top three groups are English (26.8%), Australian (26.7%), and Irish (9.8%). Notable differences exist in German representation at 7.1% (vs regional 8.0%), Australian Aboriginal at 5.2% (vs 3.3%), and Korean at 0.2% (vs 0.2%).

Newtown's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Newtown is 35 years, which is lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years, and also under the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 18.1% of Newtown's population, compared to Rest of Qld's average, indicating over-representation. Meanwhile, the 45-54 age group is under-represented at 10.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 16.0% to 18.1%, while the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 12.5% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Newtown, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 15%, reaching 2,229 people from 1,941. Conversely, both the 45-54 and 65-74 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.