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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Yeppoon's population is around 22,645 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,401 people (11.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,244 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 22,120 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 549 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 288 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Yeppoon's 11.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.8%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 75.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, 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, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 7,567 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 31.1% in total over the 17 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 experienced around 194 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with 971 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 39 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.5 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $307,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. There have also been $47.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Yeppoon has 143.0% more building activity (per person), offering buyers greater choice. New building activity shows 84.0% detached houses and 16.0% 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 132 people per dwelling approval, Yeppoon shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Yeppoon will gain 7,042 residents through to 2041 (from 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 22 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Surf Lakes Yeppoon Wave Resort, Bay Plaza (Keppel Bay Plaza) Redevelopment, Normanby Street Reconstruction Project, and Nautica Breeze, 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.

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 features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. As of December 2025, 11,790 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is on par with Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 7.8% 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, education & training, and mining. The area has a particular employment specialization in mining, with an employment share 3.0 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.4% versus the regional average of 4.5%. 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, over the 12 months 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%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Yeppoon. 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 Yeppoon's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23 reveals that income in the Yeppoon SA2 is very high nationally, with the median assessed at $57,554 while the average income stands at $74,570. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $63,258 (median) and $81,960 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Yeppoon, between the 44th and 46th percentiles. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.9% of the community (6,770 individuals), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 46th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Yeppoon, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 83.4% houses and 16.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Yeppoon was in line with that of Regional Qld, at 33.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.8%) or rented (28.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Yeppoon's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 72.3% of all households, comprising 28.0% couples with children, 32.8% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 25.1% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional Qld average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.3%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (31.4%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Yeppoon, 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, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~12,703 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, while 67.0% declared themselves as 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 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (4,966 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.4% of its population being citizens, 87.0% born in Australia, and 96.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Yeppoon is Christianity, which makes up 56.2% of people in Yeppoon, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Yeppoon are English, comprising 31.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 29.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 4.9% of Yeppoon (vs 4.7% regionally), New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 0.9%) and Maori at 0.7% (vs 0.8%).

Yeppoon's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in Yeppoon is close to Regional Qld's average of 41 and similarly well above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (12.5% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (11.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 11.4% to 12.5% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 11.6% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 14.4% to 13.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Yeppoon. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 1,173 people (45%) from 2,615 to 3,789. The 15 to 24 group displays more modest growth at 8%, adding only 221 residents.