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 20,248 as of August 2025, reflecting an increase of 1,495 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 18,753 in Newport. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,973 as of June 2024 and an additional 768 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,290 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Newport's growth rate of 8.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 7.0%, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 61.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA 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 for the area, with an expected increase of 4,489 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 20.7% over the 17 years.

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. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 1544 homes approved over the past five years from FY21 to FY25, and 38 approvals so far in FY26. On average, 0.4 people move to the area per dwelling built annually over these five years. This pace of new construction is matching or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $420,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY26, Newport has recorded $73.3 million in commercial development approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Newport records 73.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers ample choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the location. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity shows a focus on higher-density living, with 12.0% standalone homes and 88.0% townhouses or apartments. This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 63.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 147 people per approval, Newport reflects a developing area with an expected resident growth of 4184 through to 2041 based on current development patterns.

New housing supply is anticipated to readily meet demand, offering 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 identified 45 potential impact projects in total. Notable initiatives include the West Gate Tunnel Project, Newport Village, South Kingsville Place, and Better Places Spotswood & South Kingsville. The following details projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Newport has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate 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, with a workforce participation rate of 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 particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Retail trade, however, shows lower representation at 7.5% compared to the regional average of 9.8%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and May 2025, employment increased by 5.4%, labour force by 5.9%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts indicate employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Newport's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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, with an average income of $91,092. This compares to figures for Greater Melbourne of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% from financial year 2022 to March 2025, current estimates would be approximately $81,629 (median) and $100,301 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Newport rank between the 92nd and 93rd percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 27.9% of the population earns within the $4000+ range, differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 32.8%. The substantial proportion of high earners (43.6% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Newport. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income, while strong earnings rank residents within the 92nd percentile for disposable income. The area'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, with the remaining 36.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Melbourne metro's figures of 68.7% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Newport stood at 27.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.4% and rented ones at 30.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Newport was $460, compared to Melbourne metro's $386. Nationally, Newport's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 73.7 percent of all households, including 38.2 percent couples with children, 24.4 percent couples without children, and 9.8 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.3 percent, with lone person households at 23.1 percent and group households at 3.3 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, 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 significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 46.3% possess university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.0% in the SA4 region. This high level positions Newport well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 30.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 14.9%. Educational participation is notably high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.8% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education. Newport operates a robust network of 7 schools educating approximately 1,834 students, with an ICSEA score of 1116 indicating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement. The educational mix includes 6 primary and 1 K-12 school. School places per 100 residents (9.1) fall below the regional average (15.3), suggesting some students may attend schools in adjacent 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

Newport's public transport analysis indicates 96 operational stops, a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 7 distinct routes, facilitating 6,330 weekly passenger trips in total. Residential accessibility to transport is rated highly, with residents situated an average of 170 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 904 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 65 weekly trips per individual 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 across the area, with younger age groups experiencing particularly low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 67% (13,505 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Melbourne's 60.9%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 8.2% and 7.8% of residents respectively. Notably, 73.4% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.7%. Newport has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.5% (2,533 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 17.8%. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the general 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 cultural diversity surpasses most local markets, with 24.2% of its population born overseas and 19.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Newport, comprising 42.4% of its population. Notably, Islam is overrepresented in Newport compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 3.4% versus 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups in Newport are English (23.4%), Australian (21.3%), and Irish (9.9%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Maltese comprise 1.7% of Newport's population compared to 3.4% regionally, Macedonian 1.2% versus 1.4%, and Polish 1.1% against 1.0%.

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 percentage of 45-54 year-olds (15.8%) but fewer 25-34 year-olds (11.8%). Between 2016 and 2021, the 15-24 age group grew from 8.9% to 11.0%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 13.3% to 11.8%, and the 0-4 group decreased from 7.8% to 6.7%. By 2041, Newport's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 55-64 group is projected to grow by 44%, adding 940 people to reach 3,091. The 0-4 group will experience modest growth of 2%, with an increase of just 21 residents.