Yass Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

Yass Surrounds lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

AreaSearch's analysis indicates Yass Surrounds' population is approximately 13,718 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,005 individuals (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,713 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,212 in June 2024 and an additional 380 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2.4 persons per square kilometer. Yass Surrounds' growth of 7.9% since the 2021 census exceeds the SA3 area's 3.9%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 45.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Population projections indicate an above median growth for regional areas nationally, with Yass Surrounds expected to increase by 2,305 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 13.0% over the 17 years.

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

Yass Surrounds has received around 78 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 394 homes. As of FY26, 31 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 2.4 new residents per dwelling has been observed between FY21 and FY25. New homes are constructed at an average value of $563,000, targeting the premium market segment.

This financial year, $6.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Rest of NSW, Yass Surrounds shows 51% more construction activity per person. It records 99% standalone homes and 1% townhouses or apartments, maintaining its low-density character. There are approximately 159 people per dwelling approval in the area.

By 2041, Yass Surrounds is projected to grow by 1,784 residents. Current development rates suggest new housing supply should comfortably meet demand.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 367 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include The Valley at Manton, North Murrumbateman Masterplan, Murrumbateman All-Abilities Playground, and Murrumbateman Public School. 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.

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

Yass Surrounds has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.2%.

As of June 2025, there are 7,597 employed residents, with a 2.5% lower unemployment rate than the Rest of NSW's 3.7%. Workforce participation in Yass Surrounds is high at 69.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include public administration & safety, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. Public administration & safety has a notable concentration with levels at 2.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 8.3% versus the regional average of 16.9%. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.6%, employment declined by 3.9%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points in Yass Surrounds. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a 0.1% employment contraction, a 0.3% labour force growth, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Yass Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Yass Surrounds' median income among taxpayers was $61,829, with an average of $79,062. This is one of the highest in Australia, compared to Rest of NSW's median of $49,459 and average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Yass Surrounds would be approximately $69,626 (median) and $89,032 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Yass Surrounds rank highly nationally, between the 87th and 92nd percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket dominates with 28.6% of residents (3,923 people), aligning with regional levels where this cohort also 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 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

The dwelling structure in Yass Surrounds, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yass Surrounds was at 38.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (51.2%) or rented (10.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,275, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,699. The median weekly rent was $400, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $270. Nationally, Yass Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,275 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $400 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 17.7%, with lone person households at 16.2% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which exceeds the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Yass Surrounds is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 33.6% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 22.7% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 11.9% and certificates make up 22.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education. There are 10 schools operating within Yass Surrounds, educating approximately 642 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1016) offering balanced educational opportunities. All these schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 4.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.5, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis indicates 452 operational stops within Yass Surrounds, offering a blend of train and bus services. These stops are supported by 85 distinct routes, facilitating a total of 848 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is classified as moderate, with residents situated on average 405 meters from their nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 121 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 1 weekly trip per individual stop.

Yass Surrounds's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Yass Surrounds' health metrics closely match national benchmarks, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts. Approximately 59% (8,148 people) have private health cover, higher than Rest of NSW's 53.6%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis at 9.2%, asthma at 8.1%, while 67.9% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of NSW's 63.6%. The area has 17.4% (2,382 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of NSW's 21.4%. Health outcomes among seniors exceed average levels, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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 had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 88.1% of its population born in Australia, 92.4% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Yass Surrounds, comprising 52.6% of people, compared to 61.3% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.1%), English (31.0%), and Irish (10.0%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.1%, compared to 8.1% regionally, Croatian at 0.8% versus 0.4%, and Dutch at 1.5% against 1.0%.

Yass Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Yass Surrounds has a median age of 43, 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 prominent, comprising 15.6%, while those aged 25-34 make up a smaller proportion at 8.6% compared to the Rest of NSW. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 11.0% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 17.0% to 15.6%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 14.6% to 13.5%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant shifts in Yass Surrounds' age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 34%, adding 402 people and reaching a total of 1,580 from the current 1,177. In contrast, the 15-24 age cohort shows minimal growth of just 1%, with an increase of 16 people.