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 13,718 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,005 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,713. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,212 in June 2024 and an additional 380 validated new addresses after the Census date. This results in a population density of 2.4 persons per square kilometer. Yass Surrounds' population growth rate of 7.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 area (3.9%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 45.5% to overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where data is not available, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to population projections, Yass Surrounds is expected to increase by 2,305 persons by 2041, 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 development approval for approximately 78 dwellings each year on average over the past five financial years. This totals 394 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. By June 2026, 38 approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling has accommodated about 2.4 new residents annually over these five years.

The average construction cost value of new homes is around $563,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, commercial approvals have reached $6.8 million, suggesting limited commercial development activity compared to residential. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Yass Surrounds has seen 51.0% more construction activity per capita. The area's new building activity is predominantly standalone homes at 99.0%, with only 1.0% being townhouses or apartments, maintaining its low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes.

There are approximately 159 people per dwelling approval in the location. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Yass Surrounds is projected to grow by 1,784 residents by 2041. With current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current 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 to impact the area. Notable projects include The Valley at Manton, North Murrumbateman Masterplan, Murrumbateman All-Abilities Playground, and Murrumbateman Public School. Below is a list of projects most relevant to the area.

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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 0.9% as of September 2025.

There are 7,643 employed residents, with a 2.9% lower unemployment rate compared to Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 69.0%, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety (2.7 times regional average), agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. Health care & social assistance has lower representation at 8.3% versus regional average of 16.9%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, with a decrease of 5.1% in labour force levels and employment over the year to September 2025. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Statewide, NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Yass Surrounds' industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.9% in five years and 12.3% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 indicates that Yass Surrounds SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $61,829 and an average of $79,062. These figures are among 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 would be approximately $69,626 (median) and $89,032 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Yass Surrounds rank highly nationally, between the 87th and 92nd percentiles. 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 represents 29.9%. A substantial presence is seen among higher earners, 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

In Yass Surrounds, as per the latest Census, 99.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 0.8% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yass Surrounds stood at 38.6%, with mortgaged properties at 51.2% and rented ones at 10.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,275, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,699. The 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 Australia's 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 comprising 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 notable educational advantage with 33.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 22.7% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 34.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.9% and certificates for 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.

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

Transport analysis shows 452 active transport stops within Yass Surrounds, consisting of a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 85 individual routes, collectively offering 848 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 405 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 121 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per 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, showing common health conditions across both young and old age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% (8,148 people), compared to 53.6% across Rest of NSW.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.2 and 8.1% of residents respectively. 67.9% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 63.6% in Rest of NSW. As of 2021, 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 cultural diversity, with 88.1% born in Australia, 92.4% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 52.6%, compared to 61.3% regionally. The top three ancestral groups are Australian (31.1%), English (31.0%), and Irish (10.0%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry is higher at 9.1% (vs regional 8.1%), Croatian at 0.8% (vs 0.4%), and Dutch at 1.5% (vs 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 those aged 45-54 are notably prevalent at 15.6%, while the 25-34 age group is relatively smaller at 8.6% compared to the Rest of NSW figure. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 11.0% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 17.0% to 15.6%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 14.6% to 13.5%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Yass Surrounds' age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 34%, increasing from 1,177 to 1,580 people. In contrast, the 15-24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 1%, adding 16 people to its current total.