Young

An assessment of population growth drivers in Young reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Young's population is around 11,019 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 15 people (0.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,004 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,971 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 21 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 98.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilizes the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 552 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 4.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Young according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Young has seen around 32 new homes approved annually, totalling 160 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 28 approvals have been recorded. With population declining over recent years, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, a positive for buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $429,000—moderately above regional levels—indicating an emphasis on quality construction. Additionally, $39.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Young records about three-quarters of the building activity per person and places in the 54th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though construction activity has intensified recently. This level is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 285 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market.

Population forecasts indicate Young will gain 504 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Young has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 12 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Young Stormwater Infrastructure Upgrades, Apollo Fabrication Group Expansion, Hill Street Subdivision Young, and Burrangong Creek Bridge Duplication, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 Young remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Young has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 4.0%. As of December 2025, 4,803 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is in line with Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (56.9% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 14.5% of Young's workforce compared to 16.9% in Regional NSW. While local employment opportunities exist, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 4.5% combined with employment decreasing by 3.4%, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Young. 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 differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Young's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Young SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $48,207 with the average level standing at $57,520. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $52,478 (median) and $62,616 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Young all fall between the 11th and 21st percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows 27.1% of the population (2,986 individuals) fall within the $800 - 1,499 income range, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. After housing, 85.9% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 14th percentile nationally.

Young is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Young, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.9% houses and 12.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Young was in line with that of Regional NSW, at 39.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.0%) or rented (30.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Young's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Young features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 66.5% of all households, comprising 25.1% couples with children, 27.6% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.

Young faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.1%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (29.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 358 active transport stops operating within Young, comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 30 individual routes, collectively providing 349 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 178 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 8.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 49 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Young is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Young, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~5,245 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW, while the national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 11.0 and 9.4% of residents, respectively, while 62.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 22.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,524 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Young was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.1% of its population being citizens, 91.2% born in Australia, and 92.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Young is Christianity, which makes up 65.4% of people in Young, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Young are Australian, comprising 34.2% of the population, English, comprising 30.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Lebanese is notably overrepresented at 1.9% of Young (vs 0.2% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.9% (vs 4.6%) and Serbian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

Young's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 42 years, Young's median age is similar to the Regional NSW average of 43 while considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 5 - 14 year-olds are particularly prominent (13.4%), while the 65 - 74 group is comparatively smaller (11.5%) than in Regional NSW. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.2% to 12.3% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 11.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Young. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 24%, adding 214 residents to reach 1,117. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 cohorts.