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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Newman has an estimated 4,704 residents, up from 4,239 at the 2021 Census — a change of 465 people, or 11.0%. Growth has averaged 1.1% a year over five years. Natural increase accounts for 53.0% of that increase. That puts 276 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to research by AreaSearch, Newman records an estimated population of approximately 4,704 people as of Aug 2026. This represents an expansion of 465 residents (11.0%) above the 4,239 people counted during the 2021 Census. The updated count incorporates an ABS estimated resident population figure of 4,704 from June 2025 alongside 8 validated new addresses registered following the Census. With a population density of 275 persons per square kilometer, the locality offers ample physical space per resident as well as scope for future urban expansion. Outpacing the 9.5% nationwide benchmark, Newman's 11.0% post-2021 Census expansion established it as one of the broader region's standout growth markets.
Natural increase served as the main engine of this demographic expansion, delivering roughly 53.0% of total recent population additions. Projections for each SA2 district rely on ABS/Geoscience Australia models published in 2024 using 2022 baseline figures. Where SA2 coverage is absent, as well as for all projections extending beyond 2032, calculations apply age-bracket growth trajectories from the ABS Greater Capital Region release (published in 2023 utilizing 2022 information). Future demographic modelling points to growth tracking slightly under the median for non-metropolitan locations, with local numbers projected to expand by 321 persons by 2041 according to recent annual ERP statistics, representing a cumulative increase of 6.8% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
20 new dwellings have been approved in Newman over the past five years, an average of 4 a year. That is 0.9 approvals per 1,000 residents. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential construction authorizations in Newman have averaged roughly 4 dwellings annually, accumulating to 20 homes across the preceding 5 financial years. With an inflow averaging 12.1 new residents per annum for each dwelling delivered between FY-22 and FY-26, local demand substantially outstrips fresh residential additions, a dynamic that typically spurs price escalation and heightens buyer competition. Expected building costs for new dwellings average $511,000, sitting above typical regional figures and pointing toward higher-spec construction. Concurrently, commercial building approvals have reached $89.7 million during the ongoing financial year, underscoring solid activity across non-residential developments.
New residential building approvals per capita in Newman track at approximately two-thirds of the benchmark for Rest of WA, placing the district within the 29th percentile across Australia. This constrained development pipeline restricts choice for prospective buyers and channels demand toward the established housing market, even with building volumes picking up in recent times. Approval rates remain below the national standard, reflecting an established locality and potential planning constraints. Furthermore, all recent building activity has been dedicated to detached dwellings, preserving the community's traditional low-density footprint and supplying spacious standalone family homes. The metric of 1285 people for each approved dwelling underlines the calm, low-scale nature of the local building environment. Projections indicate that Newman will add 321 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly calculation from AreaSearch. Should building rates stay at current levels, the delivery of new housing could fall short of resident inflows, likely intensifying competition for available stock and reinforcing upward pressure on local property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Newman
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 10 current infrastructure and development projects inside Newman, worth an estimated $1.28 billion. A further 108 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $105.4 billion. 43 are already under construction and 35 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans energy, transport & logistics and manufacturing. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Community performance and growth are heavily steered by public capital works, major commercial undertakings, and regional planning strategies. AreaSearch has identified 8 specific local initiatives positioned to influence the area's development. Prominent projects include the Newman Horizons Residential Estate, the Western Ridge Iron Ore Project, the Newman Health Campus, and the Newman Road Infrastructure Upgrade, with the most critical works outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Western Ridge Iron Ore Project
BHP's Western Ridge Crusher Project is a major brownfield development located 21km southwest of Newman. It involves the design and construction of a new 30 Mtpa primary crusher and a 12km overland conveyor system to transport ore to the Newman West processing hub. The project serves to sustain production levels by replacing depleting orebodies at the Mount Whaleback site.
Newman Horizons Residential Estate
A residential estate offering quality and diversity of land choice, encouraging excellence in building design and delivering energy and water efficient housing suited to Newman's demanding climate. Features high-quality landscaping, footpath networks, and climate-smart housing principles.
Newman Health Campus
The $61.4 million Newman Health Campus redevelopment project was officially opened in May 2023. The facility operates as a comprehensive one-stop health hub for the East Pilbara region, providing 12 inpatient beds, six emergency department bays, two dental chairs, and six GP consultation spaces. It also includes dedicated rooms for outpatient consultations, therapy, medical imaging, pathology, and telehealth services to connect patients with specialists across Western Australia.
Newman Solar Farm Development
Proposed large-scale solar energy project intended to increase renewable electricity supply for Newman and nearby mining operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuel generation. As of the latest publicly available information, no confirmed construction commencement or development approval could be verified.
Newman Waste Management Facility
New waste management and recycling facility to serve Newman and surrounding communities with modern waste processing and environmental protection measures.
Newman Water Treatment Plant - Drinking Water Storage Capacity Upgrade
Water Corporation and BHP jointly delivered a project to increase reserve drinking water storage capacity at the Newman Water Treatment Plant in the Pilbara. The works, constructed by Downer between January 2024 and June 2025, included three new interim drinking water storage tanks, tank pad earthworks, ring beams and footings, a new transfer pump station, pipework, high voltage power supply, and electrical and instrumentation and control systems. The upgrade manages risk during supply interruption events and improves long-term reliability of drinking water for the Newman community and mining operations, which is drawn from the Ophthalmia and Homestead wellfields.
Newman Recreation Centre Redevelopment
Comprehensive redevelopment of Newman's main recreation centre including new swimming facilities, gymnasium upgrades, and community meeting spaces.
Newman Education Precinct Upgrade
Modernization of Newman's educational facilities including new classrooms, technology upgrades, and specialized learning spaces for mining industry training.
2,858 residents of Newman are employed, from a labour force of 2,936. Unemployment sits at 2.7%, with participation at 83.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 4.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 5,367, about 114% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Newman features a capable local workforce characterized by heavy concentrations in industrial and manufacturing activities, an unemployment rate of merely 2.7%, and an estimated 3.6% gain in jobs throughout the preceding year. Employed residents numbered 2,858 as of March 2026, while the jobless rate sat 0.9% beneath the 3.5% reported for Regional WA. Labor force engagement is exceptionally strong, reaching 83.7% in contrast to 65.4% across Regional WA. According to Census records, just 2.6% of workers operated from home, though pandemic-era conditions at the time should be kept in mind.
The dominant employment sectors for local residents are mining, education & training, along with health care & social assistance. Mining displays an extraordinary footprint in the district, engaging workers at 3.5 times the wider regional proportion. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.3% of local employment, well below the 9.3% seen across the broader region. A Census ratio of 0.9 workers per resident demonstrates an abundance of locally available employment. Analysis conducted by AreaSearch using SALM and ABS figures indicates that from the year leading up to March 2026, employment levels rose by 3.6% while the labour force expanded by 3.5%, which led to a 0.2 percentage point decline in unemployment. This trend differs from the broader Regional WA context, where employment shrank by 0.1%, the labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment climbed by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts for Mar-26 provide additional perspective on anticipated future demand within Newman. These forecasts span five and ten-year intervals and have been overlaid with local employment data to estimate growth trajectories. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, expansion varies considerably across different industry sectors. When these sector-specific forecasts are applied to Newman's employment composition, local employment is expected to rise by 4.6% over five years and 11.1% over ten years, though this calculation represents a basic weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Newman is $2,995 a week (about $156,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,624 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $85,595 a year against an average of $96,950. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to financial year 2023 postcode tax statistics published by AreaSearch, taxpayers across the Newman SA2 generate a median earnings figure of $85,595 alongside an average of $96,950. These results position the area in the highest percentile across the country, comparing favorably with the Regional WA median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Adjusting for a 10.93% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 brings estimated earnings to roughly $94,951 for the median and $107,547 for the average by March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places Newman between the 96th and 98th national percentiles across individual, family, and household earnings metrics.
The largest earning tier encompasses 37.8% of the local population (1,778 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, mirroring the regional trend where the same cohort accounts for 31.1%. Overall affluence is highlighted by the 50.2% of households bringing in more than $3,000 weekly, driving elevated local spending capacity. After meeting accommodation expenses, households retain 96.3% of their earnings, demonstrating substantial discretionary capacity, while the locality falls into the 5th decile on the SEIFA income scale.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Newman had 1,305 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 94% detached houses and 2% apartments. 7% are owned with a mortgage, 87% rented and 7% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $110 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,032 a month. Rent absorbs 3.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 8.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to findings from the most recent Census, the local residential landscape in Newman was dominated by detached houses at 93.8%, with 6.2% comprising other dwellings such as apartments and semi-detached units, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings across Regional WA. Outright home ownership in Newman trailed regional levels at 6.7%, while 6.5% of homes were being purchased under a mortgage and 86.7% were occupied by renters. Typical monthly mortgage payments were recorded at $1,032, substantially under the Regional WA figure of $1,560, while median weekly rent stood at $110 against $265 regionally.
On a nationwide basis, mortgage costs in Newman are considerably lower than the Australian benchmark of $1,863, and weekly rents track far below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Newman counted 1,305 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,448 today, averaging 2.7 people each. 41% are couples with children, more than in 81% of areas nationally, against 24% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the vast majority of local living arrangements at 72.2%, including 40.9% couples with offspring, 23.7% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent households. The remaining 27.8% consists of non-family residences, where single-person households represent 24.4% and group living situations account for 3.0%. The community's median household size sits at 2.7 people, exceeding the 2.5 average recorded across Regional WA.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
16.8% of adults in Newman hold a university qualification, including 12.7% with a bachelor degree and 2.6% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 78% of areas nationally. A further 40.2% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 990 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 899 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment metrics indicate a notable gap in higher education qualifications, with tertiary degree holders making up 16.8% of residents compared to the national rate of 30.4%, creating clear targets for future educational programs. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees represent 12.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Conversely, vocational and technical credentials are exceptionally prevalent, with 50.0% of the population aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, divided between certificates at 40.2% and advanced diplomas at 9.8%. Formal study participation is strong throughout the community, with 35.7% of locals actively enrolled in educational programs.
Breaking down this cohort reveals 16.6% attending primary schools, 8.5% in secondary education, and 2.1% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Newman means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
81.9% of residents in Newman report no long-term health condition. 1.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 69.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators across Newman are favorable, with AreaSearch evaluations of mortality figures and long-term health issues demonstrating minimal prevalence of standard illnesses across both younger and older demographics. Private medical insurance coverage is remarkably widespread, encompassing roughly 70% of all residents (3,278 people), which compares to 56.4% throughout Regional WA and a nationwide benchmark of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health conditions represent the most frequently reported diagnoses in the locality, affecting 7.4 and 6.0% of the population respectively, whereas 81.9% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions compared to 69.3% in Regional WA.
Seniors aged 65 and over make up 3.2% of the local community (150 people), well below the 19.1% share observed across Regional WA. Senior residents demonstrate exceptional wellness measures, ranking even higher nationally than the broader community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
27.7% of Newman residents were born overseas and 16.9% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (24.6%) and English (23.6%). 9.5% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Newman exceeds that of most regional locations, with 16.9% of inhabitants using a non-English language at home and 27.7% born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary declared faith, representing 38.4% of the local population. Buddhism shows the most pronounced relative presence, accounting for 2.2% of residents compared to 1.0% across Regional WA. Regarding reported parental heritage, the three largest ancestry segments in Newman are Australian at 24.6%, English at 23.6% (tracking below the regional level of 31.3%), and Other at 9.8%. Several other cultural groups exhibit significant proportional variations, including Maori backgrounds at 3.4% locally (versus 1.0% regionally), New Zealand ancestry at 1.6% (versus 0.9%), and Australian Aboriginal heritage at 9.5% (versus 6.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Newman is 30, younger than 95% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 32.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Newman displays an unusually pronounced concentration of households in their family-formation years. Updated calculations for August 2026 indicate that 41.6% of the population consists of young to middle-aged adults (25 - 44), compared to 26.6% across Regional WA, while retirement-age residents (65+) account for just 3.2% against 19.1% regionally. The estimated median age stood at 30 as at August 2026, down from 31 at the 2021 Census, and 10 years younger than the Regional WA figure of 40 recorded at that Census, while the nationwide median was 38 at the same Census.
Since the Census, the share of young to middle-aged adults has expanded from 38.5% to an estimated 41.6%. Through to 2041, this 25 - 44 age category is expected to register the largest gain, expanding by 402 residents (21%) to reach 2,359. Over this timeframe, reductions are anticipated among children, young adults, and older retiree demographics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Newman
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 last month all 10 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 8 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (4,239 at the 2021 Census → 4,704 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (510021268). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.