Young Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Young Surrounds' population was around 7,862 as of August 2025. This figure shows an increase of 185 people from the 2021 Census total of 7,677, reflecting a growth rate of 2.4%. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 7,775 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.3 persons per square kilometer. Young Surrounds' 2.4% growth rate since the census places it within 0.8 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 3.2%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.4% of overall population gains in recent periods for this area.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. 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 years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics suggest that Young Surrounds will experience an increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas, with projections indicating a growth of 866 persons by 2041. This represents a total gain of 9.8% over the 17-year period based on the latest population numbers.

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 approximately 13 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data from the ABS shows 69 dwellings approved over the past five financial years, from FY-20 to FY-25, and 3 so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling has attracted 2.8 new residents per year over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are constructed at an average cost of $351,000, which is below regional levels, offering more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen $14.7 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Young Surrounds exhibits roughly half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 45th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively limited buyer choices and supporting interest in existing homes. Recent development activity has been lower than national averages, suggesting market maturity and potential development constraints. The recent construction breakdown shows 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes.

With an estimated 391 people per dwelling approval, Young Surrounds has a quiet, low-activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate that by 2041, the area will gain approximately 773 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Harden to Boorowa Pipeline, Smart Water Meter Replacement Program, Hill Street Subdivision Young, and Burrangong Creek Bridge Duplication, with further details provided for those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, Young Surrounds has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Young Surrounds has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar jobs, with diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 3.2% as of June 2025. It has 3,617 residents in work, which is 0.4% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation stands at 53.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (6.2 times the regional level), health care & social assistance (11.0%), and education & training. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.6%, while employment declined by 3.7%. Conversely, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%.

As of Sep-25, NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Young Surrounds's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.1% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Young Surrounds' median income among taxpayers is $46,362. The average income in the area was $56,462 during this period. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998 for the same year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Young Surrounds' median income would be approximately $51,276 by March 2025. The average income estimate for this period is around $62,447. The 2021 Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Young Surrounds fall between the 11th and 19th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 26.9% of locals (2,114 people) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 category. Housing costs are modest in Young Surrounds, with 90.3% of income retained after expenses. However, this results in a total disposable income that 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

The dwelling structure in Young Surrounds, as per the latest Census, was 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Young Surrounds was 52.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (29.1%) or rented (18.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,699. The median weekly rent was $220, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $270. Nationally, Young Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $220.

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

Family households constitute 66.6% of all households, including 23.8% couples with children, 33.7% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 31.2% and group households making up 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (29.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.3% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education. Eleven schools serve 836 students, with Young Surrounds having typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 952) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes nine primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school.

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

Transport analysis indicates 415 active transport stops in Young Surrounds, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are supported by 64 individual routes, collectively facilitating 686 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically situated 257 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 98 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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 shows significant issues affecting Young Shire, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 48% (3,773 people), compared to 53.6% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. Arthritis and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 12.4% and 9.0% respectively.

However, 61.4% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of NSW's 63.6%. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over (26.3%, or 2,069 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 21.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in certain metrics.

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, surveyed in 2016, had a culturally diverse population that was below average. Its demographic breakdown showed 89.2% were citizens, 92.6% born in Australia, and 96.8% spoke English only at home. Christianity dominated as the main religion, with 71.6%, compared to 61.3% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestral groups were Australian (33.2%), English (32.9%), and Irish (12.1%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were overrepresented at 3.6% (vs regional 2.9%), while Serbian (0.3%) and Lebanese (0.3%) populations were also higher than the regional averages of 0.2% and 0.7%, respectively.

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

The median age of Young Surrounds is 49, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure at 43 and Australia's average of 38 years. The 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Young Surrounds at 15.7%, while those aged 15-24 are under-represented at 9.2%. From 2021 to present, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 9.0% to 9.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 12.7% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Young Surrounds' age structure. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 138 individuals (70%), from 196 to 335. Meanwhile, the numbers in the 55-64 age range are expected to decrease by 25.