Yeppoon

Yeppoon lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Yeppoon's population was around 22,604 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 2,360 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,244. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 22,522 in June 2025 and an additional 559 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 287 persons per square kilometer. Yeppoon's growth rate of 11.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 area (7.0%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 75.0% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort. By 2041, a significant population increase is forecast in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Yeppoon expected to expand by 7,266 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 31.8% over the 16 years.

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

Yeppoon has recorded approximately 194 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25971 homes were approved, with an additional 92 approved so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling built over this period attracted 2.5 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $307,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $47.2 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating robust commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Yeppoon has 141% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. The new building activity comprises 84% detached houses and 16% 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 132 people per dwelling approval, Yeppoon exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Yeppoon will gain 7,184 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 22 such projects that could potentially affect this area. Notable ones include Surf Lakes Yeppoon Wave Resort, Bay Plaza (Keppel Bay Plaza) Redevelopment, Normanby Street Reconstruction Project, and Nautica Breeze. The following list provides more details on these projects.

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.

AreaSearch analysis places Yeppoon well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Yeppoon has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.3% as of December 2025. There were 11,790 residents employed at that time, with an unemployment rate 1.7% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was on par with Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 7.8% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and mining. Mining has a particularly high employment share, at 3.0 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.4%.

Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.3%, alongside a 2.7% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Yeppoon's employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Yeppoon SA2 has a high national median income of $57,554 and an average income of $74,570. This contrasts with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $64,092 (median) and $83,041 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Yeppoon, between the 44th and 46th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 29.9% of the community (6,758 individuals), similar to the metropolitan region at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Yeppoon's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.4% houses and 16.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yeppoon was at 33.6%, similar to Regional Qld's level, with the rest being mortgaged (37.8%) or rented (28.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Yeppoon was $1,733, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, slightly higher than Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Yeppoon's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also less than the national figure of $375.

Yeppoon has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 72.3% of all households, including 28.0% couples with children, 32.8% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 25.1% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Regional Queensland average.

Yeppoon shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 19.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 31.4%. Educational participation is high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.8% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Yeppoon are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Yeppoon's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~12,680 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.5% and 7.9% of residents respectively. 67.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 22.1% of residents aged 65 and over (4,993 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Yeppoon is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Yeppoon's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.4% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (87.0%), and speaking English only at home (96.2%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Yeppoon, accounting for 56.2%, compared to 52.2% across Regional Queensland. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.2%), Australian (29.8%), and Irish (9.6%).

Notably, German ancestry is slightly overrepresented in Yeppoon at 4.9% (regional average: 4.7%), New Zealand ancestry remains the same at 0.9%, and Maori ancestry is slightly lower at 0.7% (regional average: 0.8%).

Yeppoon's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Yeppoon is 42 years, close to the Regional Queensland average of 41 and above the Australian median of 38. Compared to Regional Queensland, Yeppoon has a notably higher proportion of people aged 65-74 (12.5% vs 10%) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (11.3% vs 12%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Yeppoon's 65-74 age group grew from 11.4% to 12.5%, while the 5-14 cohort declined from 13.3% to 11.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant changes in Yeppoon's demographics. The 25-34 age group is projected to expand by 1,164 people (46%), reaching 3,719 residents from the current 2,554. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is expected to grow more modestly, adding 225 residents at a rate of 9%.