Newtown (Vic.)
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Newtown Vic's population was 10,445 at the 2021 Census. As of Aug 2025, it is around 10,440, a decrease of 5 people (0.0%). This change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 10,418 in June 2024 and 37 new addresses since the Census date. Population density is 1,796 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.2% of recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation method to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics project an above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 2,106 persons, a total increase of 19.9%.

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 recorded approximately 37 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 186 dwellings approved over the past five financial years between FY20 and FY25. One dwelling has been approved so far in FY26. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $553,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $14.8 million, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Newtown shows substantially reduced construction, with 57.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. Current new development consists of 44.0% standalone homes and 56.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 77.0% houses). With around 182 people per dwelling approval, Newtown shows characteristics of a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Newtown will gain 2,082 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Thirty projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the local area. These include key projects such as The Mill Newtown, Marshall Street Social Housing Renewal, Arc Latrobe Townhomes, and Latrobe Boulevard Riverside Development.

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

The labour market strength in Newtown positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Newtown Vic has an educated workforce with 1.8% unemployment rate and 2.4% employment growth in the past year as of June 2025. There are 5,902 residents employed, with a 1.9% lower unemployment rate compared to Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation is high at 66.0%, above Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Newtown specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share twice the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.9% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work.

In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4%, labour force also rose by 2.4%, keeping unemployment stable. Meanwhile, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline by 0.9% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows VIC's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts project employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local growth patterns may differ based on Newtown's industry mix. Estimates suggest approximately 7.2%% growth over five years and 14.6% over ten years for Newtown.

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

Newtown's median income among taxpayers was $57,846 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $93,586 during the same period. These figures compare to $48,741 and $60,693 respectively for Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $63,694 as of March 2025, with average income at around $103,048 during the same period. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Newtown rank between the 72nd and 79th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 26.9% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, aligning with the broader area where this cohort represents 30.3%. Notably, 35.3% earn above $3,000 weekly in Newtown. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of their income. The area'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

In Newtown, as per the latest Census, 77.0% of dwellings were houses while 23.0% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Newtown's home ownership rate was 38.2%, with mortgaged properties at 32.2% and rented dwellings at 29.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, exceeding Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,712. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure stood at $360, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $335. Nationally, Newtown's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $375.

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

Family households comprise 68.0% of all households, including 32.3% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households making up 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

Educational attainment in Newtown is notably higher than broader averages. 44% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 27.3% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.3% and graduate diplomas at 5.1%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 26.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (15.2%). Educational participation is high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.4%), secondary education (9.5%), and tertiary education (6.1%). There are 11 schools serving 5,996 students in Newtown, which has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1112). The educational mix includes five primary, two secondary, and four K-12 schools. Newtown functions as an education hub with 57.4 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 16.8, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Newtown has 51 active public transport stops operating currently. These stops service a mix of bus routes, with four individual routes in total. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 1,134.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located approximately 215 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 162 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 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 elderly populations, with low prevalence rates for common conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% (7,120 people), compared to 52.7% across Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.9% and 7.9% respectively, while 71.3% declare no medical ailments, compared to 65.9% across Rest of Vic..

The area has 18.6% (1,944 people) aged 65 and over, higher than the 16.8% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, exceeding general population metrics.

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

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

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 10.3%, compared to 8.3% regionally. Similarly, Croatian ancestry was lower at 1.2%, against the regional average of 1.5%. Dutch ancestry also showed a slight variation, being 1.9% in Newtown versus 2.0% regionally.

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. In comparison to Rest of Vic., the 15-24 age group is notably higher at 13.2% locally while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 5.8%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.0% to 12.3%, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 14.0% to 12.7% and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 12.9% to 11.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Newtown. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 744 people (58%), reaching 2,034 from the current 1,289. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort is expected to decline by 24 people.