South Yarra - South

South Yarra - South has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, South Yarra - South's population is around 10,563 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 624 people (6.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,939 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,558 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 56 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 7,824 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 89.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, AreaSearch is utilizing the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analyzed by AreaSearch is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 2,591 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 24.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions South Yarra - South among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

South Yarra - South has recorded around 236 residential properties granted approval each year, with 1,181 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 4 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, a positive for buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $555,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have also been $39.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, South Yarra - South has 90.0% more construction activity (per person), creating greater choice for buyers. This activity is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 2.0% detached houses and 98.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 758 people per dwelling approval, South Yarra - South reflects a highly mature market.

Looking ahead, South Yarra - South is expected to grow by 2,586 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

South Yarra - South has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 41 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Jam Factory, One Toorak Place (Orchard Piper Carters Avenue), 177 Toorak Road Mixed-Use Development, and 671 Chapel Street, with the list below detailing those likely to be of 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.

South Yarra - South has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

South Yarra - South possesses a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 5.5%, and 4.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,154 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.8% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 52.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. In contrast, construction employs just 5.1% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.2% and labour force increased by 4.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within South Yarra - South. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to South Yarra - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The South Yarra - South SA2's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The South Yarra - South SA2's median income among taxpayers is $68,549 and the average income stands at $116,120, which compares to figures for Greater Melbourne's of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $74,204 (median) and $125,700 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, individual earnings stand out at the 95th percentile nationally ($1,329 weekly), though household income ranks lower at the 65th percentile. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.6% of residents (3,126 people), mirroring the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 32.1% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 17.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 64th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

South Yarra - South features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within South Yarra - South, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 12.6% houses and 87.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within South Yarra - South was lagging that of Melbourne metro, at 18.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (20.0%) or rented (61.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,200, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $395, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, South Yarra - South's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

South Yarra - South features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 44.2% of all households, comprising 10.8% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 6.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 55.8%, with lone person households at 46.9% and group households comprising 8.9% of the total. The median household size of 1.8 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in South Yarra - South significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 60.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 39.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational pathways account for 17.7% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (8.4%).

A substantial 24.1% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 10.7% in tertiary education, 4.4% in primary education, and 3.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 32 active transport stops operating within South Yarra - South, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 7,791 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 162 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 49%, with 20% by train and 15% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.5 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 52.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,113 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 243 weekly trips per individual stop.

South Yarra - South's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across South Yarra - South, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 78% of the total population (8,291 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.1 and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 71.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 13.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,453 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

South Yarra - South was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

South Yarra - South scores highly on cultural diversity, with 26.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 38.5% born overseas. The main religion in South Yarra - South is Christianity, which makes up 33.7% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 2.7% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in South Yarra - South are English, comprising 24.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 15.7% of the population, and Other, comprising 12.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Russian is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of South Yarra - South (vs 0.4% regionally), French at 1.1% (vs 0.5%) and Polish at 1.2% (vs 0.8%).

South Yarra - South's population is younger than the national pattern

At 34 years, South Yarra - South's median age is somewhat lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and similarly lower than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, South Yarra - South has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (33.6%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (3.9%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the area has become younger, with the median age dropping 1.2 years to 34 from 35. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 31.2% to 33.6% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.4% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.7% to 8.7% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 5.2% to 3.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for South Yarra - South. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 23%, adding 821 residents to reach 4,374.