York

York is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Analyzing population updates from the ABS for the surrounding region alongside newly validated addresses recorded by AreaSearch following the census, the suburb of York is calculated to have approximately 2,659 residents as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 266 individuals (11.1%) from the 2021 Census, when the count stood at 2,393 people. This trend is derived from a resident count of 2,655 determined by AreaSearch through the ABS ERP release from June 2025, combined with an additional 17 validated new addresses identified since the census date. The resulting population density is 153 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and potential capacity for future residential growth. The 11.1% expansion rate of the suburb of York since the 2021 census outperformed the national growth rate of 9.3% and the broader SA4 territory, placing the community among the fastest growing in the district. Most of this growth was fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 94.0% of the population increase over recent timeframes.

For projected trends, AreaSearch utilizes the 2024 projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 regions using 2022 as the base year. In instances where SA2 data is unavailable, or to model population dynamics beyond 2032, growth rates adjusted for age brackets from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 data) are applied. Long-term forecasting suggests the suburb of York will experience growth just under the median rate observed in regional communities across Australia, with projections showing a rise of 172 residents by 2041, representing a total increase of 6.3% over the 16 years.

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

Based on statistical area data mapping building approvals from the ABS, York has averaged approximately 10 new home approvals annually. This includes a total of 52 approved dwellings over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, and 32 approvals registered during FY-26 so far. Because the average influx of new residents per constructed dwelling stood at 3.5 per year over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, demand is outstripping new supply, a scenario that typically drives up prices and intensifies buyer competition. The average construction cost of these new properties is $248,000, aligning with regional standards. Additionally, commercial projects valued at $1.0 million were approved this financial year, highlighting the primary residential profile of the locality.

In comparison to the Rest of WA, construction volume per capita in York stands at approximately 69%, placing the district in the 66th percentile of all analyzed locations across the country. Single-family detached homes represent 83.0% of new construction, while multi-unit or attached dwellings make up 17.0%, sustaining a traditional low-density profile suited to households wanting extra room. With one building approval for every 210 people, York shows signs of ongoing expansion.

Projections indicate that York's resident count will expand by 168 individuals by 2041, starting from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch. If the current pace of development persists, the incoming supply of housing is expected to satisfy demand, creating favorable buying opportunities and potentially supporting population growth beyond the baseline forecasts.

York has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and major works are critical drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified no projects that are expected to influence this specific area. Broad regional projects of note include the Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements, the South West Interconnected System Transformation, the WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade, and the Goldfields Pipeline Renewal (Stage 1).

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.

Employment conditions in York face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Workforce analysis shows a balanced mix of professional and industrial occupations in York, with a strong presence in vital service industries. The unemployment rate is 6.2%, based on localized statistical area information. By March 2026, there were 1,053 employed residents, while the unemployment rate exceeds the 3.5% rate of Regional WA by 2.6%. Participation in the labor market is also notably lower, at 49.0% compared to the 65.6% benchmark for Regional WA. Census data indicates that a small proportion of workers (7.6%) operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic lockdowns.

The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Health care & social assistance is exceptionally prominent, with a local employment share 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, the mining sector accounts for only 6.3% of the local workforce, compared to 11.7% in Regional WA. Comparing the resident workforce count to the local jobs database suggests the suburb has restricted local employment options, functioning mostly as a commuter suburb.

According to AreaSearch analytics using SALM and ABS sources, the labor force declined by 4.4% over a 12-month period, while total employment fell by 7.7%, resulting in a 3.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. This diverges from Regional WA, where employment dropped by 0.1%, the labor force increased by 0.3%, and the unemployment rate rose by 0.4 percentage points. Future labor trends can be assessed through Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment projections released in May-25. These five- and ten-year forecasts, when applied to the local workforce composition, suggest local employment could rise by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, assuming national industry growth rates apply directly to the local mix without factoring in local population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

ATO records for the 2023 financial year show that taxpayers in the suburb of York have a median income of $45,568 and an average income of $60,806. These figures are below the national average and lower than the Regional WA median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, estimated incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $50,549 for the median and $67,452 for the average. According to the 2021 Census, individual, family, and household incomes in York fall within the 3rd to 7th national percentiles. The weekly earnings distribution indicates that 30.7% of residents (816 individuals) fall into the $400 - 799 bracket, contrasting with metropolitan areas where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common at 31.1%. With 40.6% of residents earning under $800/week, a significant portion of the population operates on limited budgets. After meeting housing costs, residents retain 85.0% of their income, a figure that ranks in the 5th percentile nationally.

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

The local housing stock at the time of the last Census consisted of 94.6% detached houses and 5.4% other dwelling types (such as townhouses, apartments, or alternative accommodation), compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings in Regional WA. Home ownership is high, with 48.0% of dwellings owned outright, while the remaining properties are either held under a mortgage (32.3%) or rented (19.7%). Monthly mortgage payments are relatively low, with a median of $1,348 compared to the Regional WA median of $1,560, and the median weekly rent is $260, compared to $265 in Regional WA. Nationally, these figures are well below the Australian median mortgage payment of $1,863 and the median rent of $375.

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

Families make up 63.0% of local households, consisting of couples with children at 16.6%, couples without children at 35.4%, and single-parent households at 10.2%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 37.0%, with lone-person households comprising 34.9% and group homes representing 2.3% of all households. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

The educational profile of York exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational profiles indicate room for development, with university degree attainment at 15.0%, which is lower than the national figure of 30.4%. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.5% and postgraduate qualifications at 2.1%. Practical and technical skills are highly represented, with vocational qualifications held by 40.1% of residents aged 15 and over, comprising advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificate-level training at 28.4%.

A total of 23.3% of the resident population is enrolled in some form of study. Within this group, primary school students account for 10.9% of the population, secondary students make up 7.9%, and tertiary students represent 1.0%.

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

Public transit options within York consist of 2 active stops serviced by buses. These stops accommodate 2 separate routes that combine to offer 9 passenger services weekly. Accessibility is limited, with residents living an average of 1652 meters away from their nearest transport connection. The area is largely residential, leading to high rates of outward commuting, with 92% of workers traveling by private car. Average vehicle ownership is 1.4 per household, which is lower than the regional standard. Only 7.6% of the workforce worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, a figure likely influenced by the pandemic.

Transit services average 1 daily trip across the active routes, which translates to approximately 4 weekly services for each transport stop.

Health performance in York is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health assessments indicate that York faces notable challenges regarding mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic health issues across various age groups. Private health insurance coverage is relatively low, held by approximately 51% of the population (~1,365 people), compared to 56.4% across Regional WA.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues in the area, affecting 12.0% and 7.7% of the population respectively. Meanwhile, 57.5% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. The working-age cohort experiences elevated rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over represent 34.6% of the population (920 people), which is significantly higher than the Regional WA average of 19.2%. Despite this, health outcomes and national rankings for senior citizens in the area are higher than those of the general population.

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

The suburb of York exhibits lower cultural diversity relative to wider averages, with 78.8% of residents born in Australia, 87.4% holding citizenship, and 96.5% using only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, representing 50.6% of the population, compared to 44.6% in Regional WA.

Regarding parent birthplace, the three main ancestries represented are English at 36.1%, Australian at 31.0%, and Scottish at 7.8%. There are also distinct concentrations of other backgrounds: Dutch residents account for 1.7% of the population (compared to 1.5% in the wider region), New Zealanders represent 0.9% (matching the regional 0.9%), and Maori residents make up 0.8% (compared to 1.0% regionally).

York ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age of 55 years in York is much older than the Regional WA average of 40 and the national figure of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is particularly large, making up 18.5% of the local population compared to 9.4% nationally. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 8.4% to 9.9%, and the 15 to 24 cohort grew from 6.5% to 7.9%. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 group fell from 20.8% to 18.5%. Population projections for 2041 forecast significant shifts, with the 25 to 34 age bracket expected to grow by 34%, adding 65 residents to reach a total of 257, while declines are projected for the 85+ and 5 to 14 age groups.