Young

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of November 2025, Young's estimated population is around 10,626. This reflects an increase of 16 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,610. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 10,582 in June 2024 and 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 28 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 99.0% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in June 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of regional areas nationally, with Young expected to grow by 532 persons to 2041, reflecting a 4.5% total increase over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Young has seen around 31 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 158 homes. So far in the financial year 2026 (FY-26), 22 approvals have been recorded as of the latest data. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which is positive for buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $528,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. In FY-26, $39.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, showing strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of NSW and nationally, Young records about three-quarters the building activity per person and places among the 55th percentile of areas assessed. This indicates the area's established nature and suggests potential planning limitations.

Recent construction comprises 83.0% detached houses and 17.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 282 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts indicate Young will gain 479 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate (as of June 2021). Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Young Stormwater Infrastructure Upgrades, Apollo Fabrication Group Expansion, Burrangong Creek Bridge Duplication, and Hill Street Subdivision Young. The following list details those expected to have the most relevance.

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 performance in Young lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Young's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate stands at 4.5%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, Young has 4,610 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8% above Rest of NSW's rate. Workforce participation is lower than the regional average (53.7% vs 56.4%). Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Young shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (1.8 times the regional level).

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented with 14.5% of workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, Young's labour force decreased by 5.5%, with employment declining by 5.1%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Young's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ended 2023, Young suburb had median income among taxpayers of $46,309 and average level at $55,877. This is lower than national averages, which were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ended 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $50,412 and average at $60,828. Census data from 2021 shows Young's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 10th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals largest segment in Young comprises 27.1% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly, with 2,879 residents, unlike regional trend where 29.9% fall within $1,500 - $2,999 range. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains in Young, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Young, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.5% houses and 12.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Young was 39.4%, similar to Non-Metro NSW's figure. Mortgaged dwellings were at 29.7% and rented dwellings at 30.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,699. Median weekly rent in Young was $250, compared to $270 in Non-Metro NSW. Nationally, Young's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 66.2% of all households, including 24.9% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.8%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

Young faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.7%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (29.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 329 active transport stops in Young, including train and bus services. These stops are served by 30 routes offering 349 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 172 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 49 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Young. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~5,215 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of NSW's 53.8%, but close to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and asthma (9.4%). 62.3% report no medical ailments, similar to Rest of NSW's 63.6%. Young has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.8% (2,422 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 21.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Young was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 90.1% of its population being citizens, 91.1% born in Australia, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Young is Christianity, comprising 65.1% of the population, compared to 61.3% across Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (34.2%), English (30.6%), and Irish (9.8%).

Notably, Lebanese (1.9%) and Australian Aboriginal (3.9%) populations are overrepresented in Young compared to regional averages of 0.7% and 2.9%, respectively. Additionally, Serbians comprise 0.3% of Young's population, slightly higher than the regional average of 0.2%.

Young's median age exceeds the national pattern

Young's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group constitutes 13.7% of Young's population compared to Rest of NSW, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 10.6%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 11.3% to 11.9%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 12.1% to 11.5%. Demographic projections suggest Young's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 26%, adding 219 residents to reach 1,070. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 cohorts.