Yarram

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

The population of the suburb of Yarram is estimated at around 2,191 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 55 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,136 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,108 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 19.8 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the 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 from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the suburb is forecast, with an expected increase of 580 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 25.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Yarram shows an average of around 5 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 26 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded so far. Between FY-21 and FY-25, there were approximately 2.1 people moving to the area per new home constructed on average. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $426,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY-26, there have been $375,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Yarram has shown substantially reduced construction activity, with 59.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, although building activity has accelerated in recent years. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 332 people per dwelling approval, Yarram exhibits characteristics of a low density area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Yarram is projected to add 552 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. Two AreaSearch-identified projects are expected to impact the area. Key projects include Yarram Pool Upgrade, Yarram Energy Park, Star of the South, and Gippsland Offshore Wind Transmission Project. Most relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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

Yarram has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 4.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.3%. As of September 2025880 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.6% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 51.2%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 10.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Yarram shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level.

However, construction is under-represented at 7.6% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 10.4%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 4.3%, while labour force rose by 3.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment and labour force decline by 0.7% and 0.6% respectively. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Yarram's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not consider localized population projections.

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 was below the national average for that year. The Rest of Vic., on the other hand, had a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Yarram would be approximately $41,966 (median) and $57,918 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Yarram fell between the 1st and 5th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis showed that the $400 - 799 bracket dominated with 35.3% of residents (773 people), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket led at 30.3%. The concentration of 45.4% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlighted economic challenges faced by a significant portion of the community. While housing costs were modest with 87.4% of income retained, the total disposable income ranked at just the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

In Yarram, as per the latest Census evaluation, 85.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 14.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Non-Metro Vic., where 90.1% of dwellings were houses and 9.9% were other types. Yarram's home ownership rate was higher at 52.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (23.1%) or rented (24.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Yarram was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Yarram was $225, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. 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 account for the remaining 41.3%, with lone person households at 39.0% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic average of 2.4.

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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 8.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (29.5%).

A significant 24.9% of the population is actively engaged in 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

Yarram has one active public transport stop operating within its boundaries. This stop is served by one route which collectively provides 40 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Yarram is rated as limited, with residents typically located 606 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport among residents is car at 84%, followed by walking at 11% and cycling at 2%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages five trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately forty weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Yarram. AreaSearch's assessment shows high mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 1,053 people), compared to 50.5% in the rest of Victoria and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.7% and 9.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 56.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in the rest of Victoria. Working-age population health is notably challenged by elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors at 32.9% (720 people) than the rest of Victoria at 23.9%. Senior health outcomes present additional challenges, ranking worse than the general population nationally.

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

Yarram's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.5% of its population being citizens and 88.4% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 96.7%. Christianity was the dominant religion, making up 47.6%.

The 'Other' category comprised 0.7%, compared to 0.8% regionally. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.4%), Australian (33.0%), and Irish (8.8%). Notably, Dutch was overrepresented at 2.0% (vs regional 1.7%), Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%), and Scottish at 8.4% (vs 8.8%).

Yarram ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Yarram is 52 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and well above the national norm of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is notably over-represented in Yarram at 16.8%, compared to the Rest of Vic. average, while the 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented at 8.9%. This concentration of the 65 - 74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.2%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 8.5% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.0% to 13.2% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 10.9% to 9.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Yarram, with the 25 to 34 cohort projected to grow by 49%, adding 102 residents to reach 313. The 55 to 64 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 8% (22 people).