Newtown (Vic.)

Newtown has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Newtown's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 10,445 people. This figure shows no change from the 2021 Census, which also reported a population of 10,445. The stability in population is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,423 as of June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,797 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

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 utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends anticipate an above median population growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the area is projected to increase by 2,106 persons, reflecting a total increase of 19.9% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Newtown recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Newtown has granted approximately 51 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 257 homes. As of FY-26, seven approvals have been recorded so far. The population has decreased slightly during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $595,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

In FY-26, commercial development approvals amounting to $14.8 million have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Newtown records significantly lower building activity, which is 54.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. However, construction activity has recently intensified. Currently, 44.0% of new developments consist of standalone homes, while 56.0% are townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 77.0% houses. This trend may indicate diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

Newtown has around 182 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Newtown is projected to gain approximately 2,077 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, but buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Newtown has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects that may affect the region. Notable initiatives include The Mill Newtown, Marshall Street Social Housing Renewal, Latrobe Boulevard Riverside Development, and The Mill Newtown. Relevant projects are listed below.

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 significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Newtown has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.9% as of September 2025, which is below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

The workforce participation rate in Newtown is 66.0%, higher than Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Newtown has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.9% of Newtown's workforce compared to 7.5% in Rest of Vic..

While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.5% and employment decreased by 0.4%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%, with unemployment rising marginally. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%, and the national average employment growth is 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Newtown's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Newtown SA2 has an exceptionally high national income level based on the latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended 30 June 2022. The median income among taxpayers in Newtown SA2 was $57,846, with an average income of $93,586. For comparison, Rest of Vic.'s figures were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Using the Wage Price Index growth rate of 12.16% from financial year ended 30 June 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $64,880 (median) and $104,966 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, Newtown's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 72nd and 78th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 26.9% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, aligning with the broader area where this cohort represents 30.3%. Notably, 35.3% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. Newtown SA2's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Newtown's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.0% houses and 23.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Newtown was at 38.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.2% and rented ones at 29.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,712. The median weekly rent figure in Newtown was $360, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $335. Nationally, Newtown's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $360 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 68.0% of all households, consisting of 32.3% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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

In Newtown, a significant proportion of residents aged 15 and above have attained university qualifications, with 44.0% surpassing the broader benchmarks of 21.7% in the Rest of Vic. and 27.3% in the SA3 area. This educational advantage is reflected in the high number of Bachelor degrees held by residents at 28.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.3% and graduate diplomas at 5.1%. Vocational credentials are also prominently featured, with 26.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 15.2%. Educational participation is notably high in Newtown, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.4% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 51 active public transport stops in Newtown. These are served by a mix of buses along four routes. The total weekly passenger trips across these routes is 1,134.

Residential accessibility to transport is rated good, with residents typically located 215 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 162 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Newtown is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Newtown shows above-average health outcomes for both young and old age groups. Common health conditions have low prevalence in this area. Approximately 68% of Newtown's total population (7,123 people) has private health cover, compared to 52.7% across the rest of Victoria and a national average of 55.3%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.9% and 7.9% of residents respectively. 71.3% of Newtown residents report no medical ailments, compared to 65.9% across the rest of Victoria. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,945 people), higher than the 16.8% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors in Newtown are particularly strong, outperforming general population health metrics.

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

Newtown was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 85.0% of its population born in Australia, 90.8% being citizens, and 90.9% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Newtown is Christianity, comprising 52.2% of the population, compared to 47.4% across Rest of Vic.. The top three represented ancestry groups are English (28.6%), Australian (23.8%), and Irish (12.9%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented in Newtown at 10.3%, compared to 8.3% regionally, while Croatian ancestry is underrepresented at 1.2% (vs 1.5%) and Dutch ancestry is slightly lower than the regional average at 1.9%.

Newtown's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Newtown is 40 years, which is slightly below Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The 15-24 age group comprises 13.2% of Newtown's population, higher than Rest of Vic.'s average, while the 75-84 age group makes up 5.8%, lower than the average. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.0% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 14.0% to 12.7%, and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 12.9% to 11.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Newtown. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 744 people (58%), reaching 2,034 individuals. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 age group is expected to decline by 25 people.