Yarrabilba

Yarrabilba lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Yarrabilba's population was approximately 16,926 as of May 2026. This figure represents a growth of 6,220 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,706. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,803 in June 2025 and an additional 2,236 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 433 persons per square kilometer. Yarrabilba's growth rate of 58.1% since the 2021 Census exceeded both national (9.3%) and state averages, making it a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 73.0% to 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Future demographic trends predict exceptional growth, with the area expected to increase by 10,981 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 58.2% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Yarrabilba was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Yarrabilba averaged approximately 405 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 2,027 homes. As of FY-26260 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 2.8 new residents are gained per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost for new homes is $275,000, aligning with broader regional development trends.

This financial year, there have been $19.6 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Yarrabilba records elevated construction activity, with 42.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This level is also well above the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes.

With around 31 people per dwelling approval, Yarrabilba exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Yarrabilba is expected to grow by approximately 9,858 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Yarrabilba has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are Yarrabilba Dollarbird Drive Intersection, Yarrabilba Central, Yarrabilba Second Access & Road Network Upgrades, and The Buzz at Yarrabilba. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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

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Yarrabilba has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Yarrabilba's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with construction being a prominent sector. The unemployment rate was 4.6% in December 2025, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Brisbane at 69.6%.

Only 9.4% of residents worked from home based on Census responses. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.0%, compared to the regional average of 8.9%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparison between working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Yarrabilba's labour force decreased by 1.0% while employment declined by 0.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Yarrabilba's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Yarrabilba SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $53,842 and an average of $60,704 in the 2023 financial year, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Brisbane having a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. By March 2026, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $59,958 and the average will be around $67,600, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Yarrabilba rank modestly, between the 41st and 52nd percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 42.2% of the community (7,142 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 77.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 35th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in Yarrabilba, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 2016, comprised 92.8% houses and 7.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Brisbane metropolitan area's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yarrabilba stood at 7.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (33.4%) or rented (59.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,703, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $375, comparable to Brisbane metro's $380 and the national average of $375.

Yarrabilba features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 82.5% of all households, including 38.7% couples with children, 18.1% couples without children, and 24.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 17.5%, with lone person households at 14.5% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Yarrabilba fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 12.8%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 47.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (35.6%). Educational participation is high at 37.4%, comprising 17.1% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 37.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 17.1% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Yarrabilba has 14 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by one route, offering a total of 123 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited, with residents typically living 671 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.4% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 17 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

Yarrabilba's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Yarrabilba's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 49% of the total population (around 8,327 people), which is lower than Greater Brisbane's 55.8% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 11.2% of residents and asthma impacting 10.1%, while 71.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 5.7% of residents aged 65 and over (958 people), lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Yarrabilba records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Yarrabilba's cultural diversity is above average, with 20.8% of its population born overseas and 11.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Yarrabilba, accounting for 37.3% of people. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 1.5%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 1.3%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians make up 28.1%, English 27.6%, and Other 9.4% of Yarrabilba's population. Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Maori at 3.2% (regional average is 1.1%), New Zealand at 2.1% (1.0%), and Samoan at 2.3% (0.9%).

Yarrabilba hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Yarrabilba is 27 years, which is notably lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and considerably younger than Australia's median of 38. Compared to the Greater Brisbane average, the 5-14 cohort is notably over-represented at 20.3% locally, while the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 3.5%. This concentration of the 5-14 age group is well above the national average of 12.0%. Post-Census data from 2021 shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.1% to 16.6%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 12.8% to 14.9%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 9.4%, and the 25 to 34 age group has dropped from 21.4% to 18.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Yarrabilba's age structure, with the strongest projected growth in the 15 to 24 cohort at 75%, adding 1,891 residents to reach a total of 4,420.