Yackandandah

Yackandandah lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Yackandandah's population is around 5,767 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 546 people (10.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,221 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,485 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 122 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 8.1 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Yackandandah's 10.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.9%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 78.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas 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, AreaSearch is utilising 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 non-metropolitan areas nationally is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 2,269 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 34.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Yackandandah has experienced around 34 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with 173 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 6 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 3.4 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $266,000. Additionally, $1.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Relative to the Rest of Vic., Yackandandah shows comparable new home approvals (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 319 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Population forecasts indicate Yackandandah will gain 1,987 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Yackandandah has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the 92 Martins Road Leneva Residential Development, Baranduda Fields Sporting Complex, Baranduda Electrical Energy Reserve (BESS), and the Leneva-Baranduda Precinct Structure Plan, 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.

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Yackandandah ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Yackandandah possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.0%. As of December 2025, 2,944 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (68.2% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 20.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care and social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry and fishing. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry and fishing, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Meanwhile, retail trade has a limited presence with 7.3% employment compared to 9.9% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.5% while employment declined by 4.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6%, a labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Yackandandah. 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 Yackandandah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Yackandandah SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Yackandandah SA2's median income among taxpayers is $53,330 and the average income stands at $64,151, which compares to figures for Regional Vic.'s of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,730 (median) and $69,443 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Yackandandah cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 35.5% of the community (2,047 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 30.3% in the same category. After housing costs, residents retain 88.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Yackandandah, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.1% houses and 2.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Yackandandah was higher than that of Regional Vic., at 43.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.9%) or rented (13.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Vic. average at $1,690, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Yackandandah's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 79.6% of all households, comprising 35.5% couples with children, 36.4% couples without children, and 7.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.4%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households comprising 1.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (27.6% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA4 region average of 19.8% and that of the SA3 area (21.1%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (29.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 7 active transport stops operating within Yackandandah. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 76 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 575 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 2.1 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 20.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 10 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Yackandandah's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Yackandandah residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,952 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.5 and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 69.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,148 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

The latest Census data sees Yackandandah placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Yackandandah was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.7% of its population being citizens, 92.2% born in Australia, and 98.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Yackandandah is Christianity, which makes up 47.4% of the population. This compares to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Yackandandah are Australian, comprising 33.7% of the population, English, comprising 31.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.2% of Yackandandah (vs 8.8% regionally), Dutch at 1.8% (vs 1.7%) and German at 4.7% (vs 3.5%).

Yackandandah hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Yackandandah's median age of 44 years is similar to Regional Vic.'s 43 and well above the 38-year national average. Relative to Regional Vic., Yackandandah has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (13.8%) but fewer 75 - 84 year-olds (6.0%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.1% to 9.8% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.4% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.2% to 14.5% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.1% to 12.9%. By 2041, Yackandandah is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 68% (383 people), reaching 952 from 568.