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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Yarrabilba's population is around 15,611 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 4,905 people (45.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,706 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,641 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1,912 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 399 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Yarrabilba's 45.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 73.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to increase by 11,756 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 69.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Yarrabilba has averaged around 405 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 2,027 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26175 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.8 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built 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 $275,000, aligned with broader regional development. There have also been $19.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Yarrabilba records somewhat elevated construction (48.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. This level is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 31 people per dwelling approval, Yarrabilba shows characteristics of a growth area.

Looking ahead, Yarrabilba is expected to grow by 10,786 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Yarrabilba has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Yarrabilba Dollarbird Drive Intersection, Yarrabilba Central, Yarrabilba Second Access & Road Network Upgrades, and The Buzz at Yarrabilba, 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.

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

Yarrabilba has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 4.6%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,219 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (74.2% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.0% versus the regional average of 8.9%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.0% while employment declined by 0.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, labour force growth of 3.0%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Yarrabilba. 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 Yarrabilba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Yarrabilba SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $53,842 and an average of $60,704 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,178 (median) and $66,720 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Yarrabilba, between the 41st and 52nd percentiles. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 42.2% of the community (6,587 individuals), 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, 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 within Yarrabilba, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.8% houses and 7.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Yarrabilba lagged that of Brisbane metro, at 7.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.4%) or rented (59.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Brisbane metro average at $1,703, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $375, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Yarrabilba's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are comparable to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 82.5% of all households, comprising 38.7% couples with children, 18.1% couples without children, and 24.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 17.5%, with lone person households at 14.5% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size of 3.1 people is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.8%) substantially below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 47.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (35.6%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 14 active transport stops operating within Yarrabilba, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 123 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 671 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 9.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 17 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 sit 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, though higher than the national average among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~7,680 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.2% and 10.1% of residents, respectively, while 71.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 6.2% of residents aged 65 and over (963 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank 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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 20.8% of its population born overseas and 11.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Yarrabilba is Christianity, which makes up 37.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.5% of the population, compared to 1.3% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Yarrabilba are Australian, comprising 28.1% of the population, English, comprising 27.6% of the population, and Other, comprising 9.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 3.2% of Yarrabilba (vs 1.1% regionally), New Zealand at 2.1% (vs 1.0%) and Samoan at 2.3% (vs 0.9%).

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

The 27-year median age in Yarrabilba is notably under Greater Brisbane's average of 36 as well as considerably younger than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Greater Brisbane average, the 5 - 14 cohort is notably over-represented (20.8% locally), while 55 - 64 year-olds are under-represented (5.7%). This 5 - 14 concentration is well above the national 12.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.1% to 16.4% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.8% to 14.7%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 9.6% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 21.4% to 17.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Yarrabilba's age structure. The 15 to 24 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 87%, adding 1,990 residents to reach 4,279.