Yeppoon

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

As of Feb 2026, Yeppoon's population is estimated at around 7,541, reflecting an increase of 504 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.2% rise from the previous population figure of 7,037. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 7,331 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, along with an additional 94 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 783 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Yeppoon's growth exceeded that of its SA4 region (6.8%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 75% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for each age cohort in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Yeppoon expected to increase by 2,803 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 39.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Yeppoon among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Yeppoon had approximately 23 new homes approved annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 116 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved in FY-26 so far. This results in about 7.7 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years.

Demand significantly outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition. The average value of new dwellings is $496,000, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $1.2 million, indicating minimal commercial activity compared to residential. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Yeppoon has 19.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks at the 64th percentile nationally.

Recent construction consists of 85.0% detached houses and 15.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density nature. There are approximately 222 people per dwelling approval in Yeppoon, suggesting room for growth. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Yeppoon will grow by 3,010 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Yeppoon 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 16 projects likely to affect the region. Notable projects include Surf Lakes Yeppoon Wave Resort, Bay Plaza (Keppel Bay Plaza) Redevelopment, Normanby Street Reconstruction Project, and Capricorn Coast Homemaker Centre Stage 2. The following list details those 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 reveals Yeppoon recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Yeppoon has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, and the unemployment rate is 4.7%. Employment stability has been relatively consistent over the past year.

As of September 2025, 3,781 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is 0.6% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Yeppoon is at 63.4%, slightly below the Rest of Qld's rate of 65.7%. According to Census responses, a low 6.3% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

The area has a strong specialization in mining, with an employment share 2.6 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing have limited presence, with only 1.2% employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The predominantly residential area may offer limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.4%, and labour force grew by 1.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, the Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, labour force grow by 2.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Yeppoon's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Yeppoon had a median taxpayer income of $47,471 and an average income of $62,834. These figures are below the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $52,175 (median) and $69,061 (average). Census data indicates Yeppoon's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 14th and 23rd percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $400 - $799 dominates in Yeppoon with 26.2% of residents, compared to 31.7% in the metropolitan region falling within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile.

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

Yeppoon's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.7% houses and 27.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yeppoon was at 32.2%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's level, with the rest either mortgaged (32.2%) or rented (35.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Yeppoon was $1,553, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Yeppoon was $300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Yeppoon's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,553 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Yeppoon features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 63.0% of all households, including 19.8% couples with children, 30.1% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 34.5% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Yeppoon fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 29.9%. Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 11.2% in secondary education, 8.5% in primary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in secondary education, 8.5% in primary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Yeppoon faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is more prevalent than average at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,928 people). The most common conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.8 and 8.9% respectively. Only 60.9% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age population health is particularly challenging due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 26.3% aged 65 and over (1,983 people), compared to 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Senior health outcomes align broadly with national rankings.

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

Yeppoon's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.1% of its population being citizens, 85.9% born in Australia, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Yeppoon, accounting for 55.7% of people, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.6%), Australian (29.3%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, German ancestry is slightly overrepresented in Yeppoon at 4.9%, compared to 4.7% regionally. New Zealand ancestry remains consistent at 0.9%. Scottish ancestry is also slightly higher in Yeppoon at 8.4%, compared to 7.8% regionally.

Yeppoon hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Yeppoon has a median age of 47 years, which is notably higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 85+ cohort is significantly over-represented at 4.5% locally, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 9.9% to 10.7% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 10.7% to 9.2%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 14.9% to 13.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Yeppoon's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 75 to 84 age cohort projected to grow significantly, expanding by 472 people (68%) from 693 to 1,166.