Yass

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Yass is around 7,039. This figure reflects an increase of 276 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,763. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 6,816 as of June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 159 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 70 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate of 4.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.5%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Yass.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated for locations outside capital cities. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Yass is expected to grow by 256 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 0.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Yass has seen approximately 29 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 147 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.3 new residents per year have been arriving for each new home over the past five financial years.

This indicates that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction cost value of new properties is $517,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $9.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Relative to Rest of NSW, Yass has similar development levels per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. New development consists of 84.0% detached houses and 16.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 195 people per approval, Yass reflects a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Yass is forecasted to gain 33 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Yass has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 13 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Crago Mill Precinct, Hamilton Rise Yass, Yarrah - Yass River Masterplanned Community, and Yarrah at Yass River. The following list details those projects considered most relevant.

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 labour market in Yass shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Yass has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of September 2025. In this month, 3,428 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.7% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Yass is similar to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census responses indicate that a low 12.6% of residents work from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Yass has particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

In contrast, manufacturing employs only 2.0% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.8%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as shown by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period, labour force decreased by 5.4% and employment by 5.5%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Yass. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, indicate that national employment is forecast to 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 Yass's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Yass has a high national income level according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Yass is $61,885 and the average income stands at $76,422. This compares with figures for Rest of NSW which are $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $67,368 (median) and $83,193 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows household, family and personal incomes in Yass cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 33.1% of residents (2,329 people), mirroring the regional trend where 29.9% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Yass is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Yass, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.0% houses and 10.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yass stood at 34.7%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (40.9%) or rented (24.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,773, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Yass was $340, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Yass's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Yass has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 70.9% of all households, including 31.0% couples with children, 27.6% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Yass aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

In Yass trail region, 23.0% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to NSW's 32.2%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (27.7%).

Educational participation is high at 28.7%, with 11.3% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Yass indicates that there are 147 operational transport stops, consisting of a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 37 unique routes, collectively facilitating 590 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing within 193 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, primarily using cars (92%), while walking accounts for 5% of journeys. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, only 12.6% of residents work from home.

The service frequency averages 84 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map illustrates the locations of the 100 nearest stops to the area's central point.

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

Health data shows significant health challenges in Yass, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 57% (~4020 people) have private health cover, compared to 51.9% in the Rest of NSW. The most common conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and mental health issues (10.1%). Around 60% declare no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in the Rest of NSW. Working-age residents face notable chronic condition challenges. Yass has 21.7% (1527 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 23.4% in the Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings.

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

Yass, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 90.2% of its population born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 59.6%, slightly higher than the Rest of NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.8%), English (30.2%), and Irish (10.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 3.5% in Yass compared to 4.6% regionally. Maltese and Macedonian groups showed similar representation to the regional average, with 0.4% and 0.1% respectively.

Yass's median age exceeds the national pattern

Yass's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but older than Australia's average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 5-14 are prominent at 12.6%, while those aged 75-84 are smaller at 7.1% compared to the Rest of NSW figure. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 10.5% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 13.8% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate significant changes in Yass's population. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 77%, adding 161 residents to reach a total of 373. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 59% of the population growth, highlighting aging trends. Conversely, population declines are forecast for those aged 65-74 and 35-44.