Yass Surrounds

Population growth drivers in Yass Surrounds are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

According to analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Yass Surrounds stands at approximately 13,356 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 643 individuals, or 5.1 percent, compared to the 12,713 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. The adjustment stems from an estimated resident population of 13,346 published by the ABS for June 2025, combined with 391 newly validated addresses added since the Census date. This population distribution results in a density of 2.4 persons per square kilometer, which indicates generous living space per inhabitant. The 5.1 percent growth since the 2021 census outperformed both the SA3 area at 2.5 percent and the broader SA4 region, establishing Yass Surrounds as a leading growth zone within the district. Recent population gains have been largely fueled by interstate migration, accounting for roughly 39.5 percent of the total increase, while natural growth and overseas migration also contributed positively to the overall rise.

AreaSearch relies on ABS and Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. Where such data is unavailable, the organization turns to projections from the NSW State Government at the SA2 level, published in 2022 using 2021 as the reference year. Age-specific growth rates derived from these projections are then applied to all areas for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Future demographic outlooks suggest that regional areas nationwide will experience above median population growth, with Yass Surrounds anticipated to gain 2,147 residents by 2041, reaching a total increase of 16.0 percent over the 16-year span based on the latest annual ERP figures.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Yass Surrounds among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Over the last 5 financial years, Yass Surrounds has seen development approvals for approximately 78 dwellings annually, which amounts to 394 homes in total. For the current financial year, FY-26, a total of 75 approvals have been recorded. The average of 2.3 new residents per dwelling over the period between FY-21 and FY-25 suggests strong demand that is likely to sustain property values. New homes are currently being constructed with an average value of $563,000, which reveals that developers are concentrating on the premium market segment and building higher-end properties.

In addition, $6.8 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, showing a limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the rest of NSW, Yass Surrounds exhibits 50.0% more construction activity per person, giving buyers a wider selection. Building activity in the area consists of 99.0% standalone homes and 1.0% townhouses or apartments, which preserves the region’s traditional low density character and emphasizes family homes for those who want more space. The location has roughly 162 people per dwelling approval, confirming a low density market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Yass Surrounds is projected to increase its population by 2,137 residents by 2041. Given the current development pace, housing supply is expected to adequately meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and possibly enabling growth beyond existing population forecasts.

Yass Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure modifications, significant construction efforts, and planning strategies exert the most profound influence on a region's development. AreaSearch has pinpointed a total of 364 projects that are expected to affect the area. Among the most notable are the North Murrumbateman Masterplan, the Murrumbateman All-Abilities Playground, the Murrumbateman Public School, and the Murrumbateman Sewage Treatment Plant - Irrigation Reuse. The subsequent list outlines those initiatives that are most pertinent.

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.

Employment conditions in Yass Surrounds rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Yass Surrounds features a highly qualified labor force with strong representation in essential services, and an unemployment rate of 0.8%. As of March 2026, 7,701 residents are employed, and the local unemployment rate sits at 3.3%, which is 3.3% below the Regional NSW rate of 4.1%, while workforce participation exceeds standard levels at 71.6% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%. Census data indicates that a moderate 21.4% of residents worked from home, though the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

Employment is concentrated in public administration and safety, agriculture, forestry and fishing, and construction. Public administration and safety shows a particularly high concentration, with employment levels at 2.7 times the regional average. Health care and social assistance displays lower representation at 8.3% versus the regional average of 16.9%. The area seems to offer limited local employment opportunities, as shown by the ratio of Census working population to resident population.

According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to March 2026, labor force levels fell by 2.2%, employment declined by 1.9%, and the unemployment rate dropped by 0.3 percentage points. This differs from Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 0.9%, the labor force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can provide further insight into potential future demand within Yass Surrounds. 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 vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Yass Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the median income among taxpayers in Yass Surrounds SA2 is $63,779, while the average reaches $81,321. This places the area among the highest in Australia when compared to Regional NSW, which records a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates place the median at approximately $70,361 and the average at $89,713 as of March 2026. Income metrics from the 2021 Census show that household, family and personal incomes in Yass Surrounds all rank highly, falling between the 87th and 92nd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile is dominated by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, which accounts for 28.6% of residents (3,819 people), closely matching regional levels where this same cohort represents 29.9%. A substantial share of higher earners exceeds $3,000 weekly, with 43.4% of residents in this category, pointing to strong purchasing power throughout the community. After covering housing costs, residents retain 88.0% of their income, further highlighting robust financial capacity. The area's SEIFA income ranking sits in the 8th decile.

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

According to the most recent Census evaluation, the residential structures in Yass Surrounds were composed of 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings, which includes semi-detached units, apartments, and other types of housing, whereas Regional NSW displayed a distribution of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Yass Surrounds matched that of Regional NSW at 38.6%, leaving the rest of the residences either subject to mortgages at 51.2% or rented at 10.2%. The median monthly mortgage payment in this locality stood well above the Regional NSW mean of $2,275, while the median weekly rent was documented at $400, contrasting with the Regional NSW figures of $1,733 and $330 respectively. On a national scale, mortgage repayments in Yass Surrounds are considerably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rental costs surpass the national benchmark of $375.

Yass Surrounds features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Households that include family members account for 82.3% of all households, which breaks down into 40.8% couples with children, 33.7% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. The remaining 17.7% of households are non-family types, consisting of 16.2% lone person households and 1.5% group households. With a median household size of 2.8 people, this area exceeds the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Yass Surrounds exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Residents aged 15 and older in Yass Surrounds demonstrate a markedly higher level of educational attainment than comparable regions, with 33.6% holding university qualifications compared to 21.3% across the Rest of NSW and 22.7% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees represent the largest share at 20.4%, while postgraduate qualifications account for 8.7% and graduate diplomas make up 4.5%. Vocational training is also well represented, as 34.3% of the adult population possesses trade or technical credentials, including advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 22.4%. The community shows strong engagement with formal schooling, since 31.6% of residents are currently enrolled in education programs.

Of these enrollees, 11.6% study at the primary level, 9.5% are in secondary education, and 4.1% are pursuing tertiary education. This robust educational profile supports the region’s capacity to attract and sustain knowledge-based economic activities.

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

Yass Surrounds features 483 active transport stops that include both train stations and bus stops, collectively supporting 78 individual routes and delivering 909 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with most residents located 290 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with car remaining the dominant mode at 93% and walking accounting for 4%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.3 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 21.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions). Service frequency averages 129 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trips per individual stop.

The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Yass Surrounds's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality figures and chronic disease rates, Yass Surrounds demonstrates robust health indicators, with both younger and older demographics experiencing reduced incidence of typical illnesses and an unusually high proportion of private medical insurance coverage reaching about 60% of the community, which accounts for 8,000 individuals. This figure stands in contrast to the 51.9% coverage rate observed in Regional NSW.

Arthritis and asthma emerge as the leading health concerns, affecting 9.2% and 8.1% of the population respectively, whereas 67.9% of residents report being entirely free of medical issues, surpassing the 63.3% reported in Regional NSW. Adults in the working age bracket exhibit higher than average rates of chronic disease. The locality contains 17.7% of residents aged 65 and older, representing 2,366 individuals, which falls below the 23.4% proportion recorded for Regional NSW. Seniors in the region experience favorable health results, with national rankings generally matching those of the broader population.

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

Yass Surrounds registered below-average cultural diversity, with 88.1% of residents born in Australia, 92.4% holding citizenship, and 95.9% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity emerged as the predominant faith, accounting for 52.6% of the local population, whereas the broader Regional NSW area reported a figure of 55.9%. When examining parental country of birth, Australian ancestry led at 31.1%, followed closely by English heritage at 31.0%, and Irish lineage at 10.0%.

Certain ethnic groups also deviated from regional norms: Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.1% compared to the regional average of 8.0%, Croatian at 0.8% versus 0.3%, and Dutch at 1.5% against a regional baseline of 1.0%.

Yass Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

Yass Surrounds has a median age of 43, matching the Regional NSW value of 43 and sitting well above the national average of 38. The age distribution highlights a particularly large proportion of 45 - 54 year-olds at 15.0%, whereas the 25 - 34 bracket is comparatively smaller at 8.5% compared to Regional NSW. From the 2021 Census onward, the 15 to 24 age group expanded from 11.0% to 13.0% of the total population. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 cohort shrank from 17.0% to 15.0% and the 5 to 14 group fell from 14.6% to 13.5%. Demographic projections for 2041 indicate substantial changes to Yass Surrounds's age structure. The 25 to 34 group is expected to increase by 34% (386 people), rising from 1,135 to 1,522. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to grow only minimally by 4% (74 people).