South Yarra

Population growth drivers in South Yarra are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of South Yarra is around 29,493. This reflects a growth of 4,465 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 25,028. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 28,418 residents following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and an additional 730 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 8,307 persons per square kilometer, placing South Yarra in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth rate of 17.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and state averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is forecasted to grow by 9,548 persons, reflecting an increase of 28.8% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions South Yarra among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data shows South Yarra had approximately 397 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 1,985 homes. As of FY-26194 approvals have been recorded. The average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 was zero. This indicates that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth above projections.

Developers focus on the premium segment with new properties constructed at an average cost of $736,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $72.1 million, reflecting high local commercial activity. New building activity comprises 2.0% detached houses and 98.0% medium to high-density housing.

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. South Yarra's population growth is estimated at around 62 people per approval. By 2041, South Yarra is projected to gain approximately 8,482 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

South Yarra has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 89 projects that could impact the area, with major ones including 671 Chapel Street, The Jam Factory, One Toorak Place (Orchard Piper Carters Avenue), and Holckner Family Senior Living and Community Precinct - St Kilda Road Stage 2. These key projects are detailed below for their potential relevance.

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

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Employment conditions in South Yarra demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

South Yarra has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate is 3.6%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.5%.

As of September 2025, there are 20,731 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 1.1% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in South Yarra is high at 80.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 51.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

South Yarra has a particular specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. Meanwhile, construction has limited presence with 4.9% employment compared to 9.7% regionally. The ratio of workers to residents is substantial at 0.9. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.5%, while labour force increased by 4.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.8% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Yarra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The latest postcode level ATO data from AreaSearch, released for the financial year ending June 2023, indicates that South Yarra's median income among taxpayers is $70,666, with an average of $127,210. This places South Yarra exceptionally high nationally compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth data from June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $76,496 (median) and $137,705 (average). According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings in South Yarra rank at the 96th percentile nationally ($1,395 weekly), while household income ranks lower at the 69th percentile. Income distribution data shows that 33.5% of locals (9,880 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly earnings category, similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this range. Economic strength is evident with 31.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 17.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 67th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

South Yarra features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

South Yarra's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 7.4% houses and 92.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Yarra was at 18.3%, with the rest either mortgaged (18.2%) or rented (63.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent was $415, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, South Yarra's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,100 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

South Yarra features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 42.3% of all households, including 8.9% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 4.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 57.7%, with lone person households at 49.3% and group households comprising 8.4%. The median household size is 1.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

South Yarra demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

South Yarra's educational attainment exceeds national averages significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 64.3% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. University graduates comprise the largest group at 40.8%, followed by postgraduates (19.0%) and graduate diploma holders (4.5%). Vocational pathways account for 16.9%, with advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 7.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.9% currently enrolled in formal education: tertiary (12.9%), primary (3.6%), and secondary (3.4%).

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

South Yarra has 76 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 13 different routes, collectively carrying out 11,389 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 147 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 46%, followed by train at 21% and walking at 16%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 51.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,627 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 149 weekly trips per individual stop.

South Yarra's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

South Yarra's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 77% of the total population (22,647 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.6 and 8.1% respectively, while 74.0% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne.

Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. South Yarra has 12.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,539 people), lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings higher than the general population.

South Yarra was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

South Yarra has high cultural diversity, with 26.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 40.3% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 33.4%. Judaism is overrepresented at 2.2%, compared to 1.0% in Greater Melbourne.

Top ancestry groups are English (23.6%), Australian (15.5%), and Other (12.2%). French (1.1% vs regional 0.5%), Russian (0.8% vs 0.4%), and Polish (1.2% vs 0.8%) are notably overrepresented.

South Yarra's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

South Yarra's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, South Yarra has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (34.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (3.6%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.7% to 13.2%, while the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 9.8% to 8.4%. Demographic modeling suggests South Yarra's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 25 to 34 cohort, which is expected to grow by 24%, adding 2,497 residents and reaching a total of 12,791.