Yarraville

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Yarraville is around 16,363. This figure represents an increase of 727 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 15,636. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 338 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,891 persons per square kilometer, placing Yarraville in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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, adjusted using 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Yarraville is expected to expand by 2,489 persons to reach a total population of 18,852 by 2041. This projected growth reflects an increase of 15.1% over the 16-year period from 2026 to 2041.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers derived from statistical area data, Yarraville has seen approximately 96 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 483 homes were approved, with an additional 138 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 0.3 new residents per year have arrived for each new home over these five years, indicating that new construction is keeping pace with demand.

The average value of new dwellings being developed is $607,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market. This financial year has seen $13.8 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to Greater Melbourne. Yarraville shows roughly half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 68th percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 38.0% detached houses and 62.0% medium and high-density housing, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 72.0% houses. This change likely results from reduced development site availability and evolving 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 2,477 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Bradmill Yarraville, Yarraville Green, 295 Whitehall Street Heritage Redevelopment, and Stockland Haven. The following list details those expected to have most relevance.

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 with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 2.5% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.2%.

The area's unemployment rate is below Greater Melbourne's, at 2.3% compared to 4.8%, and workforce participation is higher at 83.1% versus 69.9%. According to Census responses, 49.4% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. The area specializes in professional & technical employment with a share 1.3 times the regional level, while construction shows lower representation at 7.1% versus the regional average of 9.7%.

Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 4.2% and labour force by 4.5%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Yarraville's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

Yarraville suburb's income level is among Australia's highest based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2023. Yarraville's median taxpayer income was $74,130 and average income stood at $93,294, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Using Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since June 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 are approximately $81,261 (median) and $102,269 (average). According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, Yarraville's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 90th and 93rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 29.1% of residents earn $1,500-$2,999 weekly (4,761 residents), consistent with broader trends in the area showing 32.8% in the same category. Notably, 42.3% earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating prosperity and robust local economic activity. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 89th percentile nationally, with the area's SEIFA income ranking placing 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 in 2016 was composed of 71.7% houses and 28.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yarraville stood at 27.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.1% and rented ones at 33.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Yarraville was $462, compared to 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 constitute 69.3 percent of all households, including 33.2 percent couples with children, 26.2 percent couples without children, and 8.6 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.7 percent, with lone person households at 25.5 percent and group households comprising 5.2 percent of the total. 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 national and regional averages. Among residents aged 15+, 48.6% possess university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 32.0%. This high level of educational attainment is driven by Bachelor degrees (31.2%), postgraduate qualifications (12.4%), and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Vocational pathways account for 22.8%, comprising advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (13.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.6% in primary, 6.5% in secondary, and 6.5% pursuing 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 living just 139 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 72% of residents, while trains are used by 16%, and walking by 4%. On average, each dwelling owns one vehicle, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion (49.4%) of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 838 trips per day, 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 residents show positive health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions from June 20XX to June 20XY. Mortality rates and common health condition prevalence were largely in line with national benchmarks. The younger and older age cohorts had low prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 64% (10,401 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Nationally, it stands at 55.7%. Mental health issues impacted 9.6%, and asthma affected 8.7% of residents. 71.4% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. The under-65 population had better-than-average health outcomes. Residents aged 65 and over comprised 11.5% (1,881 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors were above average, aligning with 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 had a higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 25.5% of its population born overseas and 20.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Yarraville, accounting for 36.8% of the population. Judaism, however, was more prevalent in Yarraville at 0.2%, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestral groups were English (23.5%), Australian (20.6%), and Irish (10.1%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Polish was overrepresented at 1.2% in Yarraville versus 0.8% regionally, Macedonian at 1.5% versus 0.7%, and Greek at 4.1% versus 2.7%.

Yarraville's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Yarraville's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 35-44 age group comprises 19.1% of Yarraville's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. However, the 15-24 cohort makes up only 10.6%, lower than Greater Melbourne's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.0% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 group has decreased from 12.4% to 11.2%, and the 0-4 group has dropped from 6.7% to 5.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Yarraville's age structure. Notably, the 55-64 group is expected to grow by 40%, adding 716 people and reaching a total of 2,516 from its current figure of 1,799. Meanwhile, the 5-14 group is projected to decrease by 91 residents.