Yatala

An assessment of population growth drivers in Yatala 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, Yatala's population is estimated at around 1,974 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 569 people (40.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,405 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,971, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 112 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 140 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Yatala's 40.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.2%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 43.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 270 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 13.5% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Yatala among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Yatala averaged around 22 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 111 homes. As of FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.4 new residents per year were associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply lagging demand and potential buyer competition, with new properties constructed at an average expected cost of $371,000. This financial year has seen $982,000 in commercial development approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Yatala records 59.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers despite recent easing in construction activity. Nationally, this level reflects strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity consists of 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Yatala's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 141 people per approval, Yatala is a developing area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Yatala will grow by 267 residents through to 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A total of 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Vantage Yatala, Shadowbox Studios Gold Coast Film Production Facility, Yatala Enterprise Area Industry Amendment (Planning Scheme), and Acacia Waters Residential Estate. The following list details those likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Yatala performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Yatala has a skilled workforce with the construction sector prominently represented. The unemployment rate was 1.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 9.7%. As of December 2025, 1,284 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.5%, below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was higher at 78.7% compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 15.9% of residents worked from home. Leading industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction employment is notably concentrated, with levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance, however, is under-represented at 11.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 16.1%. There are 3.4 workers per resident, indicating Yatala functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 9.7% while labour force grew by 9.5%, leading to a unemployment fall of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Yatala's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Yatala suburb shows median taxpayer income at $47,926 and average at $56,212 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, contrasting with Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Using Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $53,370 (median) and $62,598 (average). Census data shows household incomes rank at the 90th percentile ($2,506 weekly), while personal income ranks lower at the 46th percentile. Income analysis reveals 31.8% earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (627 residents), mirroring regional distribution of this bracket. Notably, 39.9% earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating prosperity driving local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and SEIFA income ranking in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Yatala, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership level in Yatala was higher than that of Regional Qld at 35.8%, with the rest being mortgaged (55.6%) or rented (8.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,200, above Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent figure was recorded as $495, compared to Regional Qld's $375. Nationally, Yatala's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Yatala features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 89.7% of all households, including 50.1% couples with children, 34.5% couples without children, and 6.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 10.3%, with lone person households at 6.8% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 3.4 people, which exceeds the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Yatala performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 18.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 12.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (29.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes secondary education (11.6%), primary education (10.2%), and tertiary education (4.3%).

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

Yatala has nine active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together provide 188 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 1701 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Yatala's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.6 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Yatala is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Yatala exhibits above-average health outcomes as per AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 49% of Yatala's total population (~976 people) has private health cover, lower than Regional Qld's 52.5%, but higher than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.4%) and mental health issues (6.2%). A majority of residents (72.3%) report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Health outcomes among working-age individuals in Yatala are broadly typical. The area has 11.6% of residents aged 65 and over (228 people), lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes in Yatala rank nationally higher than the general population.

Yatala ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Yatala, as per the findings, exhibited a lower level of cultural diversity. A majority, 80.3%, were born in Australia, with 89.1% being citizens and 94.3% speaking English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.8%.

Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to the regional average of 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.7%), Australian (27.6%), and Scottish (7.5%). Some ethnicities showed significant differences: Maori at 2.4% in Yatala versus 0.8% regionally, New Zealanders at 1.4% versus 0.9%, and Hungarians at 0.5% versus 0.2%.

Yatala hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Yatala is 42, close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 and well above Australia's median of 38. The 45-54 age group is notably over-represented in Yatala at 20.1%, compared to the Regional Queensland average, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 3.3%. This concentration of the 45-54 cohort is significantly higher than the national average of 12.0%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.5% to 15.7%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 8.0% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.5% to 12.6% and the 15 to 24 group dropped from 15.2% to 12.4%. Population forecasts for Yatala indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 77 people (33%) from 232 to 310, while the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 10 people.