Yarraville

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

As per ABS population updates for the broader area and validated new addresses by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, Yarraville's estimated population is around 16,509. This shows an increase of 873 people (5.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,636. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 16,437 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 313 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,916 persons per square kilometer, placing Yarraville in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate above median growth, with Yarraville projected to expand by 2,573 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 15.2% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Yarraville when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Yarraville has seen approximately 96 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 483 homes were approved, with an additional 72 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 0.3 new residents arrive per new home each year during this period.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $607,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, there have been $13.8 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to Greater Melbourne. Yarraville shows approximately half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 68th percentile nationally based on areas assessed. Recent construction comprises 38% detached houses and 62% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current housing mix of 72% houses.

This change reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 199 people per dwelling approval, Yarraville exhibits characteristics of a low density area. Future projections estimate Yarraville will add approximately 2,504 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Bradmill Yarraville, Yarraville Green, 295 Whitehall Street Heritage Redevelopment, and Stockland Haven. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

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The labour market strength in Yarraville positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Yarraville has a highly educated workforce. The technology sector is notably represented. The unemployment rate in Yarraville was 2.5% as of September 2024.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.4%. As of September 2025, 11,102 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Yarraville was 83.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 49.4% of residents worked from home as of September 2025.

Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. Yarraville has a high employment specialization in professional & technical services at 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 7.1% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 5.4%, while labour force increased by 5.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Yarraville's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Yarraville's employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The suburb of Yarraville had one of Australia's highest income levels according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $74,130 and average income stood at $93,294. These figures compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $80,246 (median) and $100,991 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Yarraville ranked highly nationally, between the 90th and 93rd percentiles. Income analysis showed that the largest segment comprised 29.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,804 residents), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 32.8% in the same category. A significant 42.3% earned above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consumed 15.4% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 89th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 9th decile.

Yarraville is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Yarraville's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.7% houses and 28.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yarraville was at 27.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.1% and rented ones at 33.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,500, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Yarraville was $462, higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Yarraville's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Yarraville features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.3% of all households, including 33.2% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 25.5% and group households comprising 5.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Yarraville shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Yarraville's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 48.6% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 32.0%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 31.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.4%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Vocational pathways account for 22.8%, with advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 13.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.7% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary, 6.5% in secondary, and 6.5% in tertiary education.

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

Yarraville has 89 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together facilitate 5,868 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 139 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 72%, while trains account for 16% and walking for 4%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.0, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 49.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 838 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 65 weekly trips per stop.

Yarraville's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Yarraville's health data shows positive results, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health conditions are low across all age groups. Private health cover is high at 64% of the total population (10,494), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues affect 9.6% and asthma affects 8.7%, with 71.4% reporting no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. Only 11.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,898), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, mirroring national rankings for the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Yarraville was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Yarraville's population showed significant cultural diversity, with 25.5% born overseas and 20.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Yarraville, accounting for 36.8%. While Judaism comprised only 0.2%, this was higher than Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.5%), Australian (20.6%), and Irish (10.1%). Notably, Polish (1.2% vs regional 0.8%), Macedonian (1.5% vs 0.7%), and Greek (4.1% vs 2.7%) groups were overrepresented in Yarraville compared to the broader region.

Yarraville's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Yarraville has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 35-44 age bracket is notably strong at 19.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 10.6%. Between 2021 and now, the 15-to-24 age group has increased from 9.0% to 10.6% of the population. Conversely, the 5-to-14 cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 11.1%, and the 0-to-4 age group has dropped from 6.7% to 5.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Yarraville's age structure. Notably, the 55-to-64 group is projected to grow by 41%, adding 738 people and reaching a total of 2,554 from its current figure of 1,815. Meanwhile, the 5-to-14 age group is expected to decrease by 95 residents.