Young Surrounds

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Young Surrounds's population is around 7,855 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 178 people (2.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,677 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,769 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 50 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.3 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Young Surrounds's 2.3% growth since the census positions it within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 51.4% 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 866 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 9.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Young Surrounds recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Young Surrounds has averaged around 16 new dwelling approvals annually, with 82 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 10 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.8 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $336,000. Additionally, $14.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, Young Surrounds has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 44th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This suggests somewhat limited buyer options and strengthened demand for established homes, although building activity has accelerated in recent years. This rate is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 93.0% standalone homes and 7.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing that attracts space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 391 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Young Surrounds will gain 780 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Young Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 29 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Harden to Boorowa Pipeline, Smart Water Meter Replacement Program, Young Stormwater Infrastructure Upgrades, 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.

The labour market in Young Surrounds demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Young Surrounds possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. As of December 2025, 3,578 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.1% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (57.6% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 19.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 6.2 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 11.0% versus the regional average of 16.9%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.5% while employment declined by 3.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Young Surrounds. 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 Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.3% 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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Young Surrounds SA2's median income among taxpayers is $47,604, with an average of $58,135. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $51,822 (median) and $63,286 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Young Surrounds all fall between the 11th and 18th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 26.9% of locals (2,112 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. While housing costs are modest with 90.3% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 18th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Young Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.6% houses and 4.4% 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 Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 52.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.1%) or rented (18.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $220, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Young Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 66.6% of all households, comprising 23.8% couples with children, 33.7% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 31.2% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Young Surrounds 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 (16.0%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (29.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 445 active transport stops operating within Young Surrounds, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 52 individual routes, collectively providing 1,016 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 261 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 19.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 145 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Young Surrounds 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 Surrounds, 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 (~3,786 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 12.4% and 9.0% of residents, respectively, while 61.4% 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 26.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,064 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Young Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Young Surrounds was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.2% of its population being citizens, 92.6% born in Australia, and 96.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Young Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 71.6% of people in Young Surrounds, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Young Surrounds are Australian, comprising 33.2% of the population, English, comprising 32.9% of the population, and Irish, comprising 12.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 3.6% of Young Surrounds (vs 4.6% regionally), Serbian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%) and Lebanese at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

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

Young Surrounds's median age of 48 years stands materially older than Regional NSW's 43 and is significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.6%), while the 35 - 44 group is comparatively smaller (9.8%) than in Regional NSW. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.4% to 9.3% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 15.5% to 14.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Young Surrounds's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 144 people (76%) from 190 to 335. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts.