Yarraville

Population growth drivers in Yarraville are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Yarraville's population is estimated at around 16,901, reflecting an increase of 1,265 people since the 2021 Census. The suburb had a population of 15,636 during the Census. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 16,436 following examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 249 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,986 persons per square kilometer, placing Yarraville in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 8.1% growth since the Census is within 0.8 percentage points of the national average (8.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Yarraville.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia's projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them employing a method of weighted aggregation 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 is expected to expand by 2,572 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 12.5% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Yarraville when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates approximately 98 new homes approved annually in Yarraville. Between FY-21 and FY-25, roughly 490 homes were approved, with an additional 69 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 0.3 new residents per year has been recorded for each new home approved.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations. The average value of new dwellings developed is $607,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. In FY-26, there have been approximately $13.8 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development in the area. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Yarraville shows roughly half the construction activity per person while ranking among the 69th percentile nationally based on areas assessed. Recent construction comprises 38.0% detached houses and 62.0% medium and high-density housing.

This shift towards higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, marking a significant change from the current housing mix of 72.0% houses. With around 191 people per dwelling approval, Yarraville exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the suburb is projected to add approximately 2,110 residents by 2041. Based on 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 in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Bradmill Yarraville, Yarraville Green, 295 Whitehall Street Heritage Redevelopment, and Stockland Haven. The following list details those likely to be 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 particularly prominent.

The unemployment rate was 2.5% as of June 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.5%. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 11,205 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%.

Workforce participation in Yarraville was 74.0%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical employment, with a share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 7.1% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 5.5%, while labour force increased by 5.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights into potential future demand within Yarraville. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Yarraville's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

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

Yarraville's median income among taxpayers was $74,133 in financial year 2022, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $93,299 during the same period. This compares with figures for Greater Melbourne of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $83,148 (median) and $104,644 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Yarraville rank highly nationally, between the 90th and 93rd percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 29.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,918 residents), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 32.8% in the same category. A significant 42.3% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 89th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

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 49.7% houses and 50.3% 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, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent in Yarraville was $462, higher than Melbourne metro's $376. 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 higher-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, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

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

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

Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education. Yarraville's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 2,029 students. The area shows significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1102. The educational mix includes 4 primary schools and 1 K-12 school.

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

Yarraville has 90 active public transport stops, consisting of both train and bus services. These stops are served by 11 different routes, collectively facilitating 9,307 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 138 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency is high, averaging 1,329 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 103 weekly trips per individual stop.

Yarraville's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Yarraville. Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, near the nation's average for older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (10,743 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues impact 9.6% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.7%. A total of 71.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.7% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 11.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,876 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population, despite being above average.

Yarraville was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Yarraville's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.5% born overseas and 20.8% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Yarraville, accounting for 36.8%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.2% of Yarraville's population.

The top three ancestral groups were English (23.5%), Australian (20.6%), and Irish (10.1%). Notably, Polish (1.2%) and Macedonian (1.5%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages, while Greek was also higher at 4.1%.

Yarraville's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Yarraville's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and closely aligning with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 35-44 age group is notably strong at 19.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 10.3%. Between January 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.0% to 10.3% of Yarraville's population. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 12.4% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Yarraville's age structure. Notably, the 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 40%, reaching 2,554 people from its current total of 1,825. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.