Yass

An assessment of population growth drivers in Yass reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Yass's population is around 7,039 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 276 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,763 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,816 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 159 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 70 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Yass's 4.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.5%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 70.9% of overall 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, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of national regional areas is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 256 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 0.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Yass has recorded around 29 residential properties granted approval annually, totalling 147 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. At an average of just 0.3 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $416,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. There have also been $9.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Yass shows comparable building activity (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. Recent construction comprises 85.0% detached houses and 15.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 208 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market.

Future projections show Yass adding 33 residents by 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.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Crago Mill Precinct, Hamilton Rise Yass, Yarrah - Yass River Masterplanned Community, and Yarrah at Yass River, 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.

Yass ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Yass features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. As of December 2025, 3,420 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.0% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Based on Census responses, a low 12.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level. In contrast, manufacturing employs just 2.0% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.8%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.4% while employment declined by 4.1%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Yass. 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 Yass's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The Yass SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $63,883 and an average of $77,442 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is very high nationally, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $69,543 (median) and $84,303 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Yass cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 33.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,329 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Yass is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Yass, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.0% houses and 10.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Yass was lagging that of Regional NSW, at 34.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.9%) or rented (24.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional NSW average at $1,773, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $340, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Yass's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 70.9% of all households, comprising 31.0% couples with children, 27.6% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Yass aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Yass trail regional benchmarks, with 23.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 32.2% in NSW. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (27.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 147 active transport stops operating within Yass, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 37 individual routes, collectively providing 590 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 193 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 12.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 84 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Yass is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Yass, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~4,082 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.2% and 10.1% of residents, respectively, while 59.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,535 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Yass is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Yass was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.2% of its population born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Yass is Christianity, which makes up 59.6% of people in Yass, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Yass are Australian, comprising 33.8% of the population, English, comprising 30.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 3.5% of Yass (vs 4.6% regionally), Scottish at 7.9% (vs 8.0%) and Maltese at 0.4% (vs 0.4%).

Yass's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 42 years, Yass's median age is similar to the Regional NSW average of 43 while considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 5 - 14 year-olds are particularly prominent (12.6%), while the 75 - 84 group is comparatively smaller (7.2%) than in Regional NSW. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.5% to 12.1% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.6% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.9% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Yass. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 76%, adding 161 residents to reach 373. Senior residents (65+) will drive 59% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 35 to 44 cohorts.