Yarralumla

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Yarralumla's population is around 3,238 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 118 people (3.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,120 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,102 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 449 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Yarralumla's 3.8% growth since the census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the state (6.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 324 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 5.8% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Yarralumla according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Yarralumla has recorded around 11 residential properties granted approval annually, with 57 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 1 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.2 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $525,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $31.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Yarralumla has significantly less development activity (59.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (65.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 208 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

Population forecasts indicate Yarralumla will gain 188 residents through to 2041 (from 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.

Yarralumla has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Yarralumla Apartments, 2 Schlich Street Public Housing, Canberra Brickworks Precinct, and Forestry Place, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The labour market in Yarralumla shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Yarralumla has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and 1.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,570 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (60.3% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 27.0% versus the regional average of 30.4%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of the Census working population relative to the local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4% and the labour force increased by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Yarralumla. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Yarralumla's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Yarralumla SA2's median income among taxpayers is $89,958, with an average of $130,157. This is exceptionally high nationally, and compares to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $98,288 (median) and $142,210 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Yarralumla, between the 98th and 98th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 43.3% earning $4000+ weekly (1,402 residents), contrasting with the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 34.3%. The substantial proportion of high earners (55.6% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout this suburb. After housing costs, residents retain 89.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Yarralumla displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Yarralumla, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 65.2% houses and 34.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Yarralumla was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 49.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.8%) or rented (23.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Australian Capital Territory average at $3,425, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $547, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Yarralumla's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Yarralumla has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 71.5% of all households, comprising 29.7% couples with children, 34.9% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.5%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Yarralumla shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Yarralumla significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 62.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 46.8% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 33.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.9%) and graduate diplomas (6.4%). Vocational pathways account for 15.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (6.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 7.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 20 active transport stops operating within Yarralumla, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 71 individual routes, collectively providing 4,395 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 215 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 5% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. Some 18.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 627 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 219 weekly trips per individual stop.

Yarralumla's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Yarralumla, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 80% of the total population (2,603 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.8% and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 67.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 30.4% of residents aged 65 and over (983 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Yarralumla was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 17.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 29.5% born overseas. The main religion in Yarralumla is Christianity, which makes up 47.2% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.6% of the population, compared to 0.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Yarralumla are English, comprising 25.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Yarralumla (vs 0.6% regionally), Croatian at 1.1% (vs 0.9%) and South Australian at 0.8% (vs 0.3%).

Yarralumla ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

At 50 years, Yarralumla's median age is significantly above the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 75 - 84 year-olds are particularly prominent (13.4%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (5.5%) than in the Australian Capital Territory. This 75 - 84 concentration is well above the national 6.1%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.6% to 13.4% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.4% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 17.0% to 13.2% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 6.7% to 5.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Yarralumla. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 78%, adding 93 residents to reach 215. Senior residents (65+) will drive 53% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts.