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

Young Surrounds' population is approximately 7,875 as of November 2025. This figure shows an increase of 198 people from the 2021 Census total of 7,677, representing a growth rate of 2.6%. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data for June 2024 (7,779) and validated new addresses since the Census date (48). This results in a population density of 1.3 persons per square kilometer. Young Surrounds' growth rate since the census (2.6%) is within 1.3 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth (3.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.4% 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 utilizes 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. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below Australia's regional median, with Young Surrounds expected to gain 866 persons by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total growth of 9.7% 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 averaged approximately 16 new dwelling approvals annually over the past six years. Between financial year 2021 (FY-21) and FY-25, a total of 82 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved in FY-26 as of the current date. Over these five years, there was an average of 2.8 new residents per dwelling, indicating steady demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new dwellings during this period was $351,000, which is lower than regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, there have been $14.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW and nationally, Young Surrounds shows approximately half the construction activity per person, placing it among the 44th percentile of areas assessed. This results in relatively constrained buyer choice, which supports interest in existing homes.

However, there has been a pickup in development activity recently. Recent construction in Young Surrounds comprises 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 391 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Young Surrounds is projected to gain 760 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 29 projects that could impact the region. Notable initiatives include Harden to Boorowa Pipeline, Smart Water Meter Replacement Program, Young Stormwater Infrastructure Upgrades, and Burrangong Creek Bridge Duplication. The following list details projects likely most relevant.

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

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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 with white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 3.2%. As of June 2025, it has 3,617 employed residents, with an unemployment rate at 0.4% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, but workforce participation is lower at 53.3%.

Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (6.2 times regional level), health care & social assistance (11.0%), and education & training. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.6% and employment declined by 3.7%, while unemployment remained unchanged. In contrast, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%. State-level data to Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with a state unemployment rate of 3.9% compared to the national rate of 4.3%.

Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between sectors. Applying these projections to Young Surrounds' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.3% over ten years.

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 SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $46,362 and an average of $56,462. This is below the national average. Rest of NSW's median was $49,459 with an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Young Surrounds would be approximately $52,208 (median) and $63,582 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Young Surrounds fall between the 11th and 18th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 26.9% of locals (2,118 people) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to metropolitan regions where 29.9% fall into this category. Housing costs are modest, with 90.3% of income retained, placing total disposable income at the 18th percentile nationally.

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

Young Surrounds' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Young Surrounds was at 52.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.1% and rented dwellings at 18.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,699. The median weekly rent figure in Young Surrounds was $220, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $270. Nationally, Young Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 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%. 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 NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (29.0%). Educational participation is high at 27.3%, with 11.3% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Young Surrounds shows that there are currently 415 active transport stops operating. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. In total, these stops are serviced by 64 individual routes which collectively provide 686 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates the accessibility of transport as good, with residents typically located approximately 257 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes is around 98 trips per day, equating to roughly 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 indicates significant health challenges in Young Surrounds, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% (around 3,780 people), compared to 53.6% in the rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.4%) and asthma (9.0%).

Sixty-one point four percent of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 63.6% in the rest of NSW. Twenty-six point three percent of residents are aged 65 and over (around 2,072 people), higher than the 21.4% in the rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health 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 was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 89.2% of its population being citizens, 92.6% born in Australia, and 96.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Young Surrounds, comprising 71.6% of people, compared to 61.3% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (33.2%), English (32.9%), and Irish (12.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 3.6%, Serbian at 0.3%, and Lebanese at 0.3%.

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

Young Surrounds has a median age of 49, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Young Surrounds at 15.7%, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 9.2%. Between 2021 and the present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 9.0% to 9.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.7% to 11.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Young Surrounds' age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to increase markedly by 138 people (70%), from 196 to 335. In contrast, the numbers in the 55-64 age range are expected to fall by 27.