Newport

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 (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 18,753. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population 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 across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Newport's growth rate of 7.9% since the 2021 census surpassed the SA3 area's growth of 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 this growth.

AreaSearch adopts 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 uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using 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 for national areas, with Newport expected to grow by 4,489 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP 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 each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 1,544 homes were approved, with an additional 57 approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, 0.4 new residents arrived per new home.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average development value of new dwellings was $314,000, consistent 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 buyers ample choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This higher rate of approvals suggests strong developer confidence in the location, substantially exceeding national averages. Regarding housing types, Newport shows 12.0% standalone homes and 88.0% townhouses or apartments.

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, benefiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 63.0% houses. With around 147 people per approval, Newport reflects a developing area. By 2041, Newport is expected to grow by approximately 4,190 residents, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Newport has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

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

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

Newport has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.4% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 5.2%.

As of September 2025, 12,846 residents are employed at a rate of 2.2% lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%, and participation is high at 72.7%. Key industries include professional & technical services, healthcare & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in public administration & safety, with employment share 1.5 times the regional average, but retail trade shows lower representation at 7.5% versus 9.8%. Limited local opportunities are indicated by Census data.

Over one year to September 2025, Newport's employment grew by 5.2%, labour force by 5.8%, increasing unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts from May-25 project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Newport's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The Newport SA2's median income among taxpayers was $74,134 and average income stood at $91,092 in financial year 2022, according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Newport SA2 would be approximately $83,149 (median) and $102,169 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Newport rank highly nationally, between the 91st and 92nd percentiles. Income distribution reveals that 27.9% of the population fall within the $4000+ income range, differing from patterns across regional levels 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 91st percentile for disposable income and 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

Newport's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 63.4% houses and 36.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 68.7% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Newport was at 27.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.4% and rented ones at 30.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Newport was $2,500, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Newport was $460, higher than Melbourne metro's $386. Nationally, Newport's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than 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% of all households, including 38.2% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.3%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households comprising 3.3%. 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 residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion with university qualifications (46.3%) compared to Australia's average (30.4%) and the SA4 region's average (32.0%). The area has a strong educational advantage, led by bachelor degrees held by 30.1% of residents. Postgraduate qualifications are held by 11.1%, and graduate diplomas by 5.1%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 25.7% of residents holding such qualifications: advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (14.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Newport's public transport system operates 96 active stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by seven individual routes, collectively facilitating 6,330 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 170 meters to 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 cohorts having a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 67% of Newport's total population (13,501 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 60.9%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Newport, affecting 8.2% and 7.8% of residents respectively. A total of 73.4% of residents report being completely free of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.7%. Newport has 12.5% (2,532 people) of its population aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 17.8%. While health outcomes among seniors in Newport are above average, they require more attention than the broader population.

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

Newport's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 24.2% born overseas and 19.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Newport, accounting for 42.4%. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (23.4%), Australian (21.3%), and Irish (9.9%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Maltese were overrepresented at 1.7% in Newport versus 3.4% regionally, Macedonian at 1.2% versus 1.4%, and Polish at 1.1% versus 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. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Newport has a higher concentration of 45-54 year-olds (15.8%) but fewer 25-34 year-olds (11.8%). Between the 2016 and 2021 Census, 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 dropped from 7.8% to 6.7%. By 2041, Newport is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 55-64 group is projected to grow by 44%, adding 941 people to reach 3,091 from 2,149. The 0-4 group displays more modest growth at 2%, adding only 21 residents.