Young
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Young's population was approximately 11,026 as of November 2025. This represented an increase of 22 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,004. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,971 in June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 21 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 98.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections were used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations were applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest population numbers, the area was expected to grow by approximately 552 persons by 2041, recording a gain of about 4.5% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Young has seen approximately 32 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 160 homes. As of FY-26, 15 approvals have been recorded so far. With population decline in recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, benefiting buyers while new properties are constructed at an average cost of $429,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating emphasis on quality construction. This financial year, $39.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, Young records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 55th percentile nationally, though construction activity has intensified recently. This level is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 83% detached dwellings and 17% attached dwellings, preserving Young's low density nature with 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 around 497 residents by 2041. 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Burrangong Creek Bridge Duplication, Hill Street Subdivision Young, Thornhill Street Pavement Upgrades, and Young Stormwater Infrastructure Upgrades. 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.

The labour market performance in Young lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Young has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 5.3% as of June 2025. There are 4,841 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 1.6% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation is lower at 54.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 14.5% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 3.6% and employment by 4.8%, raising unemployment by 1.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Young's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data shows Young had a median taxpayer income of $46,662 and an average income of $56,303 in financial year 2022. These figures are lower than the national averages of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on a 12.61% growth since FY2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,546 (median) and $63,403 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Young fall between the 11th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 27.1% of Young's population earns between $800 and $1,499 annually, contrasting with regional levels where earnings between $1,500 and $2,999 are most common at 29.9%. After housing costs, 85.9% of income remains in Young, ranking at the 14th percentile nationally.

Young is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Young's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.9% houses and 12.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 87.9% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Young was at 39.9%, similar to Non-Metro NSW, with the rest being mortgaged (30.0%) or rented (30.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Young was $1,300, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,699 and Australia's national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Young was $250, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $270 and Australia's national figure of $375.

Young features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.5% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.1%, substantially below NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 29.5%. Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: primary (11.7%), secondary (9.0%), and tertiary (1.6%).

Six schools operate within Young, educating approximately 2,082 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 954) and balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 18.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 12.5, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Young has 370 active public transport stops, consisting of both train and bus services. These stops are served by 30 different routes, offering a total of 324 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 178 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 46 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Young, with common conditions such as arthritis and asthma prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 48% (~5,292 people) have private health cover, compared to 53.6% in the rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. Arthritis affects 11.0% of residents, while asthma impacts 9.4%.

However, 62.5% claim to be free from medical ailments, similar to the 63.6% in the rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.7% (2,504 people), compared to 21.4% in the rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

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 61.3% across the Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups in Young are Australian (34.2%), English (30.4%), and Irish (9.9%).

Notably, Lebanese is overrepresented at 1.9% in Young versus 0.7% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 3.9% versus 2.9%, and Serbian at 0.3% versus 0.2%.

Young hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Young's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 5-14 are prominent at 13.8%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 10.6% compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.2% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 12.1% to 11.4%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecast for Young. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 26%, adding 229 residents to reach 1,117. However, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts.