Newstead
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Newstead's population, as of Aug 2025, is approximately 5,569 people. This figure represents a growth of 120 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,449. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 5,503 in June 2024 and the addition of 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,509 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Newstead's growth rate of 2.2% since the census is within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.6%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate post-2032 growth by age group, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 and adjusted using a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends anticipate lower quartile growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Newstead expected to grow by 169 persons to 2041, representing an overall gain of 1.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Newstead, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Newstead has seen approximately 12 new homes approved annually. Development approval data, provided by the ABS on a financial year basis, indicates 62 homes over the past five years from FY-21 to FY-25, with none yet recorded in FY-26. Despite recent population decline, development activity has been relatively adequate, benefiting buyers while new properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $390,000. This financial year, $3.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character.

Compared to Rest of Tas., Newstead has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 30th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice, which supports interest in existing dwellings. Building activity shows 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% medium and high-density housing, sustaining Newstead's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 576 people per dwelling approval, Newstead reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Newstead will gain 98 residents by 2041.

Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Newstead has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects potentially impacting this region. Notable ones are Launceston Hospice, 18-20 Ellison Street Social Housing Development, Northern Heart Centre, and Launceston General Hospital Redevelopment. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

The labour market in Newstead shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Newstead has an educated workforce with 2,766 residents employed as of June 2025. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.

Compared to Rest of Tas., Newstead's unemployment rate is 2.0% lower at 3.9%, and workforce participation is similar at 55.7%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 8.4%.

From June 2024 to June 2025, Newstead's labour force decreased by 1.5%, and employment declined by 1.2%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Tasmania's employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year, adding 1,170 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. National forecasts suggest employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.3% over ten years in Newstead, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Newstead's median income was $54,397 and average income was $68,413. This is higher than the national averages of $47,358 (median) and $57,384 (average) for Rest of Tas. Based on an 11.94% increase since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $60,892 (median) and $76,582 (average). Census 2021 data ranks Newstead's household, family, and personal incomes between the 33rd and 45th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 27.4% of Newstead's population, similar to metropolitan regions at 28.5%. Housing costs allow for retention of 86.8%, but disposable income is below average at the 36th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Newstead's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.2% houses and 23.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Tas., which had 82.1% houses and 17.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Newstead stood at 39.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.0% and rented ones at 29.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,408, higher than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Newstead was $310, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $280. Nationally, Newstead's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,408 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $310 compared to the national figure of $375.

Newstead features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 62.9% of all households, including 24.7% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 37.1%, with lone person households at 34.1% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Tas.

The educational profile of Newstead exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Newstead is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 33.8% have university qualifications, compared to 19.3% in the rest of Tasmania and 21.7% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.4% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 18.1%. Educational participation is high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.9% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education. There are eight schools operating within Newstead, educating approximately 2,301 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1052. The educational mix includes four primary schools, one secondary school, and three K-12 schools. Newstead functions as an education hub, with 41.3 school places per 100 residents - significantly above the regional average of 18.4 - attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis indicates 28 operational transport stops in Newstead, consisting solely of bus services. These stops are served by 92 distinct routes, facilitating a total of 7,005 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents positioned on average 199 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,000 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 250 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data shows significant issues affecting Newstead, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 54% (~2,990 people) have private health cover, compared to 50.6% in Rest of Tas.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.2%) and mental health issues (9.2%). 64.3% declare no medical ailments, compared to 63.9% across Rest of Tas. Newstead has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 24.1% (1,341 people), compared to 19.9% in Rest of Tas. Senior health outcomes present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

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

Newstead's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.3% of its population being Australian citizens and 83.3% born in Australia. A majority, 91.3%, speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 42.9% of Newstead's population.

Islam is overrepresented compared to the rest of Tasmania, with 1.9% of Newstead's population identifying as Muslim versus 1.4%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (33.3%), Australian (29.9%), and Scottish (8.7%). Notably, Dutch (1.9%) and Irish (8.4%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.0% and 7.2%, respectively. Korean is also slightly overrepresented at 0.2%.

Newstead hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Newstead has a median age of 43 years, slightly below Rest of Tas.'s 45 but notably higher than Australia's average of 38. Compared to Rest of Tas., Newstead has a higher percentage of 15-24 year-olds (13.5% vs 9%) and a lower percentage of 65-74 year-olds (10.5% vs 13%). Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of 15-24 year-olds has increased from 12.2% to 13.5%, while the proportion of 5-14 year-olds has decreased from 11.8% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Newstead's age profile. The number of people aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 66%, from 242 to 402. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 78% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 45-54 and 15-24 age cohorts.