Yarram

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Yarram's population is estimated at around 2,191 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 55 people (2.6%) 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 SA2 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 also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's regional areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to increase by 569 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 22.2% 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 indicates Yarram averaged approximately 5 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling around 25 homes. As of FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. This averages to about 2.4 people moving to the area annually for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting solid demand supporting property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $426,000, indicating focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

There have been $375,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Yarram shows significantly reduced construction activity, being 61.0% below regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, despite recent acceleration in building activity. Recent activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 331 people per dwelling approval, Yarram exhibits characteristics of a low density area.

Latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects Yarram to add approximately 486 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

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified two projects that are likely to impact this particular area. Notable projects include Yarram Pool Upgrade, Yarram Energy Park, Star of the South, and Gippsland Offshore Wind Transmission Project. The following list outlines those projects most relevant to the area.

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 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. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 6.0% over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of that date, 886 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.6% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Yarram lagged significantly at 50.7%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Based on Census responses, only 10.7% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment among residents were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Yarram showed strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level, while construction was under-represented at 7.6% compared to Regional Vic.'s 10.4%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 6.0% alongside labour force increasing by 5.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced employment decline of 0.6% and labour force decline of 0.7%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Yarram. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Yarram's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

The median taxpayer income in Yarram is $38,768 and the average is $53,504 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures are below the national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) in Regional Vic. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $41,966 (median) and $57,918 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Yarram fall between the 1st and 5th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 35.3% of residents (773 people) earn within the $400 - 799 bracket, 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. While housing costs are modest, 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

In Yarram, as per the latest Census evaluation, 85.1% of dwellings were houses while 14.9% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Regional Vic.'s figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yarram stood at 52.7%, with mortgaged properties at 23.1% and rented ones at 24.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Yarram was $225, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Yarram's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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 constitute 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, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 12.8%, significantly lower than the Victorian average of 33.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 8.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (29.5%).

A substantial 24.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 9.4% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 1.5% in 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. This stop is served by one route, offering a total of 40 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility 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 is car at 84%, followed by walking at 11% and cycling at 2%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, 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. Service frequency averages five trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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

Yarram faces significant health challenges, as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial 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 Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.7%) and mental health issues (9.1%). Approximately 56.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, lower than Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Yarram has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.4%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even higher 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 born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 47.6% of Yarram's population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, comprising 0.7% compared to Regional Vic.'s 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 33.4%, Australian at 33.0%, and Irish at 8.8%. Notably, Dutch representation was higher than regional averages at 2.0% versus 1.7%, Hungarian at 0.3% versus 0.2%, and Scottish at 8.4% versus 8.8%.

Yarram ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Yarram is 52 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and well above the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Yarram at 17.0%, compared to Regional Vic.'s average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.1%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.5% to 9.8%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.9% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.0% to 13.4%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 10.9% to 9.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Yarram, with the 25 to 34 cohort projected to grow by 45%, adding 96 residents to reach 311, while the 55 to 64 cohort grows by a modest 5% (15 people).