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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Yarrabilba is around 13,807, reflecting an increase of 3,567 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 34.8% increase from the previous population count of 10,240. The latest estimate by AreaSearch, following examination of the ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of new addresses, is 12,980 residents. This leads to a density ratio of 1,072 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth since the 2021 Census exceeded both national (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Looking ahead, exceptional population growth is predicted over the period to 2041, with the suburb expected to expand by 11,121 persons, reflecting an increase of 81.7% 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 received approximately 180 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 902 homes were approved, with an additional 97 approved in FY-26. On average, about six people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This high demand has led to increased competition among buyers and price growth. The average construction cost of new homes is $381,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $11.5 million, indicating balanced commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Yarrabilba has around 68% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 90th percentile nationally, suggesting strong developer interest.

The area maintains a traditional suburban character with 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% attached dwellings. There are approximately 76 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. By 2041, Yarrabilba is projected to grow by 11,279 residents according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development is keeping pace with this projected growth, but increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

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

AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact the area, with key ones being Yarrabilba Central, Yarrabilba Dollarbird Drive Intersection, Yarrabilba Second Access & Road Network Upgrades, and The Buzz at Yarrabilba.

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.

The labour market in Yarrabilba demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Yarrabilba has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notably prominent. In the past year, ending September 2025, employment grew by an estimated 5.2%.

There are 7,163 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is 0.5% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. The workforce participation rate in Yarrabilba is 83.5%, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census data, only 9.0% of residents work from home. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Construction jobs account for 1.4 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services have limited presence with only 3.7% employment compared to the regional average of 8.9%. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 5.2%, while labour force grew by 3.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 3.8% and unemployment fell by 0.5%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate that Yarrabilba's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Yarrabilba's median income among taxpayers was $50,488 in financial year 2023. The suburb's average income stood at $56,471 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Brisbane had median and average incomes of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on a 9.91% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes for Yarrabilba are approximately $55,491 (median) and $62,067 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 data, income levels in Yarrabilba rank modestly, between the 40th and 52nd percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated with 42.3% of residents (5,840 people). Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 77.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 33rd 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 Census conducted 28 August 2016, comprised 92.4% houses and 7.6% other dwellings. In Brisbane metro, this was 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yarrabilba stood at 5.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.7% and rented ones at 61.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,700, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,863 and the national average of $1,863 as of August 2021. The median weekly rent figure in Yarrabilba was $375, comparable to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 82.4% of all households, including 38.2% couples with children, 17.4% couples without children, and 25.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 17.6%, with lone person households at 14.4% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. 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 12.5%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 47.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 35.6%. Educational participation is high, with 37.7% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 17.3% in primary education, 8.6% 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 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These provide a total of 123 weekly passenger trips via one route. The area's transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically living 446 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outwards daily, primarily by car (94%). On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, 9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Buses run approximately 17 times a day across all routes, equating to about eight weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Yarrabilba is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Yarrabilba faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, both younger and older age groups have high prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 50% of Yarrabilba's total population (~6,845 people) has private health cover, compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 11.4% and 10.2% of residents respectively. However, 71.8% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents have a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Only 5.6% of Yarrabilba's population is aged 65 and over (773 people), lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Despite this, senior health outcomes present challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 population has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 21.0% born overseas and 12.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 37.0%. The 'Other' religious category is slightly overrepresented at 1.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 1.3%.

For ancestry, Australians make up 28.2%, which is higher than the regional average of 23.2%. English ancestry comprises 27.3% and Other is at 9.7%. Notably, Maori (3.2%) and New Zealand (2.1%) ancestries are overrepresented compared to their respective regional averages of 1.1% and 1.0%. Samoan ancestry is also higher than average at 2.4%, compared to the region's 0.9%.

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

Yarrabilba's median age is 26 years, which is significantly lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Yarrabilba has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (21.3%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (5.3%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.1%. Post the 2021 Census, the population aged 35 to 44 increased from 14.2% to 16.6%, while the 15 to 24 age group rose from 12.8% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 age cohort declined from 13.7% to 10.1%, and the 25 to 34 age group decreased from 21.9% to 18.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Yarrabilba, with the 15 to 24 age cohort projected to grow dramatically by 2,068 people (101%), from 2,043 to 4,112 residents.