Yarram

An assessment of population growth drivers in Yarram reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Yarram statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,188. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census count of 2,136 people, representing a growth of 52 individuals or approximately 2.4%. The change was inferred by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), which estimated the resident population at 2,108, and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 19.7 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting with 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 Yarram (SA2) is forecasted to experience a significant population increase, with an expected rise of 582 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This represents an overall increase of approximately 25.4% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Yarram according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Yarram averaged around 5 new dwelling approvals each year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 26 homes. So far in FY-2026, 1 approval has been recorded. Between FY-2021 and FY-2025, there was an average of 2.1 people moving to the area per new home constructed, suggesting solid demand supporting property values. New homes were built at an average expected construction cost value of $426,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $375,000 in commercial approvals, demonstrating Yarram's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Yarram shows substantially reduced construction activity, being 60.0% below the regional average per person. Limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, although building activity has accelerated in recent years, reaching levels lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving Yarram's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 332 people per dwelling approval, Yarram shows characteristics of a low density area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Yarram is projected to add 556 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Yarram has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely to impact this region: Yarram Pool Upgrade, scheduled for completion in 2023; Yarram Energy Park, set to commence operations in late 2024. Other notable projects include Star of the South and Gippsland Offshore Wind Transmission Project, though these are less relevant at present.

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The employment landscape in Yarram shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Yarram's workforce comprises diverse sectors with balanced white and blue-collar jobs. The unemployment rate was 4.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.5%.

As of September 2025889 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, 0.7% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Yarram is lower at 44.9%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 2.2 times more residents than the regional average, while construction is under-represented at 7.6% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 10.4%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 4.5%, labour force by 4.0%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Meanwhile, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline by 0.7% and labour force decline by 0.6%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections for Yarram suggest local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Yarram had a median taxpayer income of $38,768 and an average income of $53,504 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below the national average for both metrics. The Rest of Vic region had a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $41,966 (median) and $57,918 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Yarram fall between the 1st and 5th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis shows that the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 35.3% of residents (772 people), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. The concentration of 45.4% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges faced by a significant portion of the community. Despite modest housing costs, with 87.4% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Yarram's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yarram stood at 52.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.1% and rented ones at 24.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Yarram was $225, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $260. Nationally, Yarram's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Yarram features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 58.7% of all households, including 17.4% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.3%, with lone person households at 39.0% and group households at 2.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Yarram faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (29.5%). A total of 24.9% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 9.4% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 1.5% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.9% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates one active public transport stop in Yarram, operating a mix of bus services. This stop is served by one route, offering 40 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 606 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages five trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately forty weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Yarram is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Yarram. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1051 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.7 and 9.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 56.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.7% across Rest of Vic.. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.9%, with 719 people falling into this category, compared to the state average of 23.5%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges despite performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Yarram had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 88.5% being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.6%. Other religions were underrepresented at 0.7%, compared to 0.6% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.4%), Australian (33.0%), and Irish (8.8%). Dutch (2.0%) and Hungarian (0.3%) were overrepresented, while Scottish (8.4%) was slightly underrepresented compared to regional averages.

Yarram ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Yarram's median age is 53, considerably higher than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and substantially exceeding the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of Vic., Yarram has a higher concentration of 65-74 residents at 16.8%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 9.0%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 8.9% to 9.9% of Yarram's population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.0% to 13.5%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 10.9% to 9.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Yarram's age structure. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 52%, adding 107 people and reaching 313 from the current figure of 205. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 5%, adding 15 people.