Newport
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Newport are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Newport's population was approximately 20,242 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,489 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,753. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 19,969 in June 2024 and an additional 767 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,289 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Newport's growth rate of 7.9% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (7.1%), indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 61.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends project an above median growth rate, with the area expected to grow by 4,489 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, reflecting a total increase of 20.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Newport among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Newport has seen approximately 308 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 1544 homes were approved. In the current financial year FY26, 49 homes have been approved so far.

On average, over these five years, 0.4 new residents arrived per new home, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $314,000, aligning with regional patterns. In FY26, Newport has registered $73.3 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Newport records 73.0% more new home approvals per person, offering ample buyer choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the location. The current building activity consists of 12.0% standalone homes and 88.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift towards higher-density living to provide more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift is notable as it differs from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 63.0% houses. This change reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and evolving lifestyles that require diverse and affordable housing options.

Newport's population density is around 147 people per approval, indicating a developing area. Looking ahead, Newport is projected to grow by 4190 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 40 projects likely to impact the region. Notable initiatives include the West Gate Tunnel Project, Newport Village, South Kingsville Place, and Better Places Spotswood & South Kingsville. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Newport rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Newport has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate in Newport is 2.3%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.4%. As of June 2025, 12,868 residents are employed. Workforce participation in Newport is 72.7%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment sectors include professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Newport has a strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Retail trade shows lower representation at 7.5% compared to the regional average of 9.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Over the past year, employment increased by 5.4%, while labour force grew by 5.9%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment (0.4 percentage points). In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that Newport's local employment could grow by approximately 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Newport's median income among taxpayers was $74,134 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $91,092 during the same period. For Greater Melbourne, these figures were $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. As of September 2025, estimated median and average incomes are approximately $83,149 and $102,169, accounting for a Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. Census data shows Newport's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 92nd and 93rd percentiles nationally. In income distribution, 27.9% of Newport's population falls within the $4000+ range, with a substantial proportion (43.6%) earning above $3,000 per week. This indicates strong economic capacity in the area. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income, and residents rank within the 92nd percentile for disposable income. Newport's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Newport displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Newport, as per the latest Census evaluation, 63.4% of dwellings were houses while 36.6% consisted of other types such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Melbourne metropolitan area's dwelling structure which comprised 68.7% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Newport stood at 27.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (41.4%) or rented (30.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Newport was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. Weekly rent median was recorded at $460 compared to Melbourne metro's $386. Nationally, Newport's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 against the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Newport has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.7% of all households, including 38.2% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.3%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Newport demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Newport's educational attainment exceeds national and regional averages. 46.3% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 32.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 30.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.7% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 14.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 5.7% in tertiary education. Seven schools operate within Newport, educating approximately 1,834 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1116). The educational mix includes six primary and one K-12 school. School places per 100 residents are lower than the regional average at 9.1, with some students likely attending schools in nearby areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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

Transport analysis indicates 96 active transport stops operating within Newport. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. Seven individual routes service these stops, collectively facilitating 6,330 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 170 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 904 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 65 weekly trips per stop.

Newport's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Newport's health outcomes data shows excellent results, with younger age groups having a very low prevalence of common health conditions. As of [date], approximately 67% (13,501 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Melbourne's 60.9%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.2 and 7.8% of residents respectively. Notably, 73.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.7%. Newport has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 12.5% (2,532 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 17.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Newport was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Newport's population shows higher cultural diversity compared to most nearby areas, with 24.2% born overseas and 19.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Newport, accounting for 42.4%. Islam is overrepresented in Newport at 3.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.4%), Australian (21.3%), and Irish (9.9%). Notably, Maltese (1.7%) and Macedonian (1.2%) are overrepresented in Newport compared to regional averages of 3.4% and 1.4%, respectively, while Polish is slightly overrepresented at 1.1%.

Newport's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Newport is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and equivalent to the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Newport has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (15.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 8.9% to 11.0% of the population. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 13.3% to 11.8%, and the 0-4 age group has dropped from 7.8% to 6.7%. By the year 2041, Newport is expected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. Notably, the 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 44%, adding 941 people and reaching a total of 3,091 from 2,149. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow more modestly at 2%, with an increase of just 21 residents.