Young

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, as of May 2026, is around 11,026. This figure reflects an increase of 22 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,004. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,918 in June 2025 and an additional 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 21 persons per square kilometer. Young's growth rate of 0.2% since the census is within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.5%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, Young is expected to grow by 502 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 3.6% in total over the 16-year period.

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

Over the past 5 years from FY18 to FY22, Young has seen approximately 32 new homes approved annually, totalling 160 homes. As of FY26, 32 approvals have been recorded so far. Despite population decline in recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, benefiting buyers. The average construction value for new properties is $429,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction.

This financial year, Young has seen $39.9 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Young records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 54th percentile nationally, suggesting established nature and potential planning limitations, though construction activity has intensified recently. Recent construction comprises 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% attached dwellings, preserving 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.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Young is forecasted to gain 394 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 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 12 projects that may impact the region. Notable initiatives include Young Stormwater Infrastructure Upgrades, Apollo Fabrication Group Expansion, Hill Street Subdivision Young, and Burrangong Creek Bridge Duplication. The following list details those most likely to be 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 conditions in Young remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Young's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 4.0% as of December 2025. In this month, 4,803 residents are employed, aligning with Regional NSW's unemployment rate of 3.9%, but workforce participation is lower at 57.2%. Census data shows that 8.5% of residents work from home.

Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 14.5% compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

In the 12-month period ending in May-25, Young's labour force decreased by 4.5%, and employment decreased by 3.4%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 1.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 12.5% over ten years for Young, based on industry-specific projections applied to its local employment mix.

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 financial year ended June 2023, 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 10.32% from financial year ended June 2023 to March 2026, current estimates would be approximately $53,182 (median) and $63,456 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Young all fall between the 11th and 21st percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows 27.1% of the population (2,988 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 costs, 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

Young's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.9% houses and 12.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Young was at 39.9%, similar to Regional NSW's 40.0%. Mortgaged dwellings were 30.0% and rented ones were 30.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Regional NSW's $1,733. Median weekly rent in Young was $250, below Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Young's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households at 2.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional NSW average.

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%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.5% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 29.5%. Educational participation is high, with 28.9% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (11.7%), secondary (9.0%), and tertiary (1.6%).

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

Young has 358 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 30 routes, providing 349 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 178 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car is the dominant mode of transport at 93%, with 5% walking. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 8.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 49 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop. The map accompanies 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 indicates significant issues in Young, as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (around 5,248 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 11.0% and 9.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.5% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age individuals face substantial health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 23.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,550 people), with senior health outcomes largely aligning with national rankings.

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 have below average 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, comprising 65.4% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.2%), English (30.4%), and Irish (9.9%).

Notably, Lebanese ethnicity is overrepresented at 1.9%, Australian Aboriginal at 3.9%, and Serbian at 0.3%.

Young's median age exceeds the national pattern

Young's median age is 42 years, similar to Regional NSW's average of 43 but considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 5-14 are particularly prominent at 13.3%, while the 25-34 group is comparatively smaller at 10.3% compared to Regional NSW. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.2% to 12.2% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 11.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Young. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 22%, adding 207 residents to reach 1,131. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 51% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. However, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 cohorts.