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

As of November 2025, Yass Surrounds' population is approximately 13,718. This figure represents an increase of 1,005 people from the 2021 Census count of 12,713, indicating a growth rate of 7.9%. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 13,212, with an additional 380 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density of 2.4 persons per square kilometer. Yass Surrounds' growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.9%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth accounted for approximately 45.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, with overseas migration and interstate migration also contributing positively to growth.

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 utilized, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Yass Surrounds is projected to increase by 2,305 persons, reflecting a total increase of 13.0% over the 17-year period.

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, totaling 394 homes. As of FY26, 31 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated 2.4 new residents per year between FY21 and FY25. The average construction cost value for new homes is $720,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment.

This financial year, $6.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited commercial development activity compared to residential. Compared to Rest of NSW, Yass Surrounds has seen 51.0% more construction activity per person. The dwelling approval-to-resident ratio is approximately 159 people per approval, indicating an expanding market. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by 1,784 residents, with current development rates expected to comfortably meet demand.

Looking ahead, Yass Surrounds is expected to grow by 1,784 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 367 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include The Valley at Manton, North Murrumbateman Masterplan, Murrumbateman All-Abilities Playground, and Murrumbateman Public School, with the following list detailing 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 from essential services sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.2%.

In comparison to Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, Yass Surrounds' unemployment rate is 2.5% lower. Workforce participation in Yass Surrounds is high at 69.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Residents are primarily employed in public administration & safety, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction sectors. Public administration & safety shows a notable concentration with employment levels at 2.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 8.3% compared to the regional average of 16.9%. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.6%, and employment declined by 3.9%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a 0.1% employment contraction, a 0.3% labour force growth, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Statewide, NSW had a 0.03% employment contraction (losing 2,260 jobs) as of Nov-25, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's projections indicate 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 employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Yass Surrounds SA2 had a median income of $61,829 and an average income of $79,062. These figures are among the highest in Australia. Comparatively, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $69,626 (median) and $89,032 (average). 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 (3,923 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, 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, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. 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' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yass Surrounds was 38.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 51.2% and rented dwellings at 10.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,275, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,699. Median weekly rent in Yass Surrounds 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 comprise the remaining 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 2.5.

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

Yass Surrounds has a high level of educational attainment, with 33.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to the broader benchmarks of 21.3% in 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 prominent, with 34.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (22.4%). Educational participation is high in the area, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (11.6%), secondary education (9.5%), and tertiary education (4.1%).

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

The analysis of public transport in Yass Surrounds indicates that there are currently 452 operational transport stops. These stops offer a combination of train and bus services, with a total of 85 unique routes serving the area. The collective weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 848.

The accessibility of transport is assessed as moderate, with residents generally residing approximately 405 meters away from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 121 daily trips across all routes, which equates to roughly one 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 align with national benchmarks, with typical health conditions seen across both young and elderly residents. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% (8,148 people), compared to 53.6% across Rest of NSW.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.2 and 8.1% respectively. 67.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.6% in Rest of NSW. As of 2016, 17.4% (2,382 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 21.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, 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 has a lower level of cultural diversity, with 88.1% of its residents born in Australia, 92.4% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English as their primary language at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Yass Surrounds, accounting for 52.6% of the population, compared to 61.3% across the rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (31.1%), English (31.0%), and Irish (10.0%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 9.1%, compared to 8.1% regionally; Croatian ancestry is also higher at 0.8%, versus 0.4%; and Dutch ancestry stands at 1.5%, compared to the regional average of 1.0%.

Yass Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Yass Surrounds is 43 years, matching the figure for the Rest of NSW 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 figure. According to the 2021 Census, 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. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 34%, adding 402 people and reaching a total of 1,580 from its current figure of 1,177. In contrast, the 15-24 age group is projected to show minimal growth of just 1%, with an increase of 16 people.