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

Yass Surrounds' population is approximately 13,589 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 876 people, a 6.9% rise from the 2021 Census total of 12,713. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,197 in June 2024 and an additional 385 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2.4 persons per square kilometer. Yass Surrounds' growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.5%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 45.5% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers such as overseas migration and interstate migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses 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. By 2041, an above median population growth is projected for regional areas nationwide, including Yass Surrounds which is expected to increase by 2,305 persons, reflecting a total increase of 14.1% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Yass Surrounds has received approximately 78 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 394 homes. As of FY26, 43 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling adds about 2.4 new residents per year between FY21 and FY25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $563,000, targeting the premium market segment.

This financial year has seen $6.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. Compared to Rest of NSW, Yass Surrounds shows 51.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. The area predominantly builds standalone homes (99.0%), maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With approximately 159 people per dwelling approval, the market is expanding.

By 2041, Yass Surrounds is projected to grow by 1,913 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Yass Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 367 projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include North Murrumbateman Masterplan (2019-ongoing), Murrumbateman All-Abilities Playground (completed Sep 2021), The Valley at Manton (planned since 2018), and Murrumbateman Public School upgrade (commenced Jan 2020). Below is a list of projects likely most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Yass Surrounds ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Yass Surrounds has an educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 0.9%. As of September 2025, there are 7,643 employed residents, with a jobless rate 2.9% lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 72.1%, exceeding Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census data, 21.4% work from home. Key industries include public administration & safety, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. Public administration & safety is particularly notable with employment levels at 2.7 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance, however, has lower representation at 8.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.1%, alongside a 5.1% employment decline, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, the labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. 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 nationally. Applying these projections to Yass Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

The latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Yass Surrounds SA2's median income among taxpayers is $63,779, with an average of $81,321. This is among the highest in Australia, compared to Rest of NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,430 (median) and $88,526 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data ranks household, family and personal incomes in Yass Surrounds between the 87th and 92nd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 28.6% of residents (3,886 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 29.9%. A substantial presence of higher earners is evident, with 43.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 88.0% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Yass Surrounds' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yass Surrounds was 38.6%, similar to Non-Metro NSW. Mortgaged dwellings were 51.2%, rented ones 10.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,275, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733 and the national figure of $1,863. Median weekly rent was $400, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330 and Australia's $375.

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

Family households account for 82.3% of all households, including 40.8% couples with children, 33.7% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 17.7%, with lone person households at 16.2% and group households making up 1.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

Yass Surrounds has a higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 33.6% have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 22.7% in the SA3 area. This is due to a significant number holding bachelor degrees (20.4%), postgraduate qualifications (8.7%), and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.3% of residents having them; advanced diplomas account for 11.9% and certificates for 22.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.6% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 483 active transport stops operating within Yass Surrounds, comprising a mix of train and bus services. These stops are serviced by 78 individual routes, collectively providing 909 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 290 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 93%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 2.3 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 21.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 129 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip 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

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance across Yass Surrounds, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (8,139 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.2 and 8.1% of residents respectively, while 67.9% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 17.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,361 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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, surveyed in 2016, had a population where 88.1% were born in Australia, 92.4% were citizens, and 95.9% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 52.6%. This is slightly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 55.9%.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (31.1%), English (31.0%), and Irish (10.0%) were the top groups. Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher at 9.1% compared to the regional average of 8.0%, Croatian at 0.8% versus 0.3%, and Dutch at 1.5% against 1.0%.

Yass Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Yass Surrounds is 43 years, matching the Rest of NSW figure and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 45-54 are notably prevalent at 15.0%, while those aged 75-84 comprise a smaller proportion at 5.4% compared to the Rest of NSW figure. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 11.0% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 17.0% to 15.0%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 14.6% to 13.6%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant shifts in Yass Surrounds' age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 32%, adding 381 people and reaching a total of 1,580 from its current figure of 1,198. In contrast, the 15-24 age cohort is expected to show minimal growth of just 2% (42 people).