Yass

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

Yass's population is approximately 6,914 as of May 2026. Between the 2021 Census and June 2025, it increased by around 158 validated new addresses to an estimated resident population of 6,812, reflecting a growth rate of 2.2%. This results in a density ratio of 69 persons per square kilometer. Since the census, Yass's population growth has been comparable to its SA3 area, with both showing around 2% increase. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

These projections anticipate lower quartile growth for national regional areas like Yass, expecting an expansion of around 224 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of approximately 1.8% over the 16 years.

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

Yass has recorded approximately 29 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 147 homes. In FY-26 so far, 26 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.3 new residents per year arrive for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing buyers with more options while facilitating population growth.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $416,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In the current financial year, there have been $9.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Yass shows comparable building activity per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

Recent construction comprises 85% detached houses and 15% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The location has approximately 208 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Yass is projected to add 122 residents by 2041. 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Crago Mill Precinct, Hamilton Rise Yass, Yarrah - Yass River Masterplanned Community, and Yarrah at Yass River. The following list details those most relevant.

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 has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.9%. By that date, 3420 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.0% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Yass stands at 62.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 12.6% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Notably, public administration & safety employs 2.3 times the regional level in Yass.

Manufacturing, however, employs only 2.0% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.8%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.4%, while employment declined by 4.1%, resulting in a fall in unemployment 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 rise in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Yass's employment mix indicates potential local employment growth of 6.5% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

The Yass SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $63,883 and an average income of $77,442 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is notably higher than the national median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215 in Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $70,476 (median) and $85,434 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Yass fall around the 55th percentile nationally. Income distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 33.1% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with a total of 2,288 residents in this income bracket. This pattern is similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% of residents fall within this income range. After accounting for housing costs, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses. 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

Yass's latest Census data shows 89.0% houses and 10.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yass was 34.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.9% and rented at 24.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,773, higher than Regional NSW's $1,733. Median weekly rent in Yass was $340, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Yass's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,773 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were less at $340 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 70.9% of all households, consisting of 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 is 2.5 people, which 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

In Yass Trail region, 23.0% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to NSW's 32.2%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common (15.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.4% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 27.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.7% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (11.3%), secondary (7.9%), and tertiary (3.1%).

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

Public transport analysis indicates 147 active transport stops operating within Yass. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 37 individual routes collectively providing 590 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 193 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 5% walking.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 12.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 84 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop. An 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

Yass faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 58% of the total population (around 4,010 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.2% and 10.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,512 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligned with the broader population.

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

Yass has a cultural diversity index below the average, with 90.2% of its population born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Yass, comprising 59.6% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (33.8%), English (30.2%), and Irish (10.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher than the regional average at 3.5%, Scottish representation is similar at 7.9%, and Maltese representation is also similar at 0.4%.

Yass's median age exceeds the national pattern

Yass's median age is 42 years, similar to Regional NSW's average of 43 but older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 are prominent at 12.3%, while the 75-84 group is smaller at 7.3% compared to Regional NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 10.5% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.5%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 12.9% to 11.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Yass. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 79%, adding 161 residents to reach 365. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 56% of population growth, reflecting aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 65-74 age cohorts.