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, as of November 2025, is approximately 7,045 people. This figure represents an increase of 282 individuals, a 4.2% growth since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 6,763. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,818 in June 2024 and the addition of 158 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 70 persons per square kilometer. Yass's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.9%), positioning it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.9% to the overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts and the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is anticipated to expand by 256 persons to reach a total population of approximately 7,321 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 0.4% over the 17-year period.

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, 17 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 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 more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $416,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. There have been $9.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity in the area. 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 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 suggest Yass will add 27 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

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

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Employment conditions in Yass demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Yass has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.1%.

In comparison to Rest of NSW's unemployment rate of 3.8%, Yass has a rate of 1.7% lower and a workforce participation rate of 60.9%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Notably, public administration & safety employs 2.3 times the regional level in Yass, while manufacturing employs only 2.0% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.8%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.4%, and employment declined by 5.5%, leaving unemployment broadly flat.

In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a 0.5% employment decline and a 0.1% labour force decline, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. As of 25-Nov-25, NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Yass's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 $61,885 and an average income of $76,422 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is notably higher than the national figures for median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998 in Rest of NSW. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $69,689 (median) and $86,059 (average). As per the 2021 Census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Yass are at the 55th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 33.1% of residents earn between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, reflecting a pattern seen in the surrounding region where 29.9% 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Yass, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.0% houses and 10.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yass was at 34.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (40.9%) or rented (24.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Yass was $1,773, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,699. The median weekly rent in Yass was $340, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $270. Nationally, Yass's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Yass has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households making up 1.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Rest of NSW average.

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

Yass Trail residents aged 15 and above have 23.0% university degree holders, compared to NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.4% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 27.7%. Current educational participation is high, with 28.7% enrolled in formal education: 11.3% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Yass shows that there are 136 active transport stops currently operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. In total, these stops are serviced by 62 individual routes.

Collectively, they provide a total of 681 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents typically located an average distance of 193 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to approximately 97 trips per day. This equates to roughly five weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Yass is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Yass, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is notably high at approximately 58% (~4,072 people), compared to 53.6% in Rest of NSW.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and mental health issues (10.1%). A total of 59.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 63.6% in Rest of NSW. Yass has 21.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,530 people). Health outcomes among seniors present challenges similar to those faced by 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 has a population where 90.2% were born in Australia, 92.5% are citizens, and 95.7% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Yass, with 59.6% of people adhering to it, compared to 61.3% across the rest of NSW. The top three ancestral groups in Yass are Australian (33.8%), English (30.2%), and Irish (10.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 3.5% in Yass than the regional average of 2.9%. Scottish ancestry also has a slightly higher representation in Yass at 7.9%, compared to 8.1% regionally. Maltese ancestry, however, is somewhat lower at 0.4% in Yass, compared to 0.3% regionally.

Yass's median age exceeds the national pattern

Yass's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but older than Australia's average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 5-14 are prominent at 13.2%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 11.2% compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.5% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic changes are projected for Yass. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 65%, adding 146 residents to reach 373. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 60% of population growth. However, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 15 to 24 age groups.