Yarraville
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Yarraville's population, as of Aug 2025, is approximately 16,678 people. This figure represents an increase of 1,215 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 15,463. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,243 in June 2024 and an additional 237 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,967 persons per square kilometer, placing Yarraville in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's population growth of 7.9% since the census is within 0.7 percentage points of the national average (8.6%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, primarily driving Yarraville's population growth.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilizes the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest population numbers, an above median population growth is projected for the area, with an expected expansion of 2,530 persons by 2041, recording a total gain of 12.6% over the 17 years.

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

Yarraville has seen approximately 96 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 483 homes. As of FY-26, 67 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.3 new residents arrive per year for each new home approved between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average construction value of new properties is $607,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalling $13.8 million have been recorded, showing steady investment activity in Yarraville. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Yarraville records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 69th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 38.0% detached dwellings and 62.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from existing housing patterns which are currently 72.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 220 people per dwelling approval, Yarraville shows a developing market with population forecasts indicating an increase of 2,095 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that may impact this region. Notable initiatives include Bradmill Yarraville, 295 Whitehall Street Heritage Redevelopment, West Gate Tunnel Project, and Stockland Haven. 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Yarraville performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Yarraville has an educated workforce with 2.5% unemployment as of June 2025. Employment growth in the past year was 5.5%.

The area's unemployment rate is lower than Greater Melbourne's by 2.1%, at 4.6%. Workforce participation is higher, at 74.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key sectors for employment are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Professional & technical jobs are particularly concentrated, at 1.3 times the regional average.

Construction is under-represented, with 7.1% of Yarraville's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Employment opportunities may be limited locally due to discrepancies between working population and resident population counts. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.5% and labour force by 5.9%, raising unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne's employment growth was 3.5%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Yarraville's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Yarraville's median income among taxpayers was $74,392 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $93,656 during the same period. These figures compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $81,913 (median) and $103,125 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Yarraville rank between the 90th and 93rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 29.1% of locals (4,853 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. Economic strength is evident with 42.3% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 90th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Yarraville's dwelling structure in its latest Census comprised 71.6% houses and 28.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 49.7% houses and 50.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yarraville was at 27.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (39.2%) or rented (33.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,100. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $462, compared to Melbourne metro's $376. Nationally, Yarraville's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Yarraville features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.2% of all households, including 33.1% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 25.5% and group households making up 5.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

Yarraville shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Yarraville's educational attainment significantly surpasses broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 48.7% of its residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.0% in the SA4 region. This gives the area a substantial educational advantage, positioning it strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 31.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.4% and graduate diplomas at 5.0%.

Vocational pathways account for 22.7% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above – advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 13.1%. Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.7% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education. As of the 20XX census, Yarraville's 5 schools had a combined enrollment reaching 2,029 students. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1102. The educational mix includes 4 primary schools and 1 K-12 school.

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

Yarraville has 90 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 11 different routes that collectively facilitate 9,307 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 137 metres to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,329 daily trips across all routes, equating to around 103 weekly trips per individual stop.

Yarraville's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics reveals strong performance throughout Yarraville. Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population and near the nation's average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (11,374 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 9.6 and 8.6% of residents respectively. A total of 71.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.7% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 11.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,852 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population, despite being above average.

Yarraville 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

Yarraville's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 25.5% born overseas and 20.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Yarraville, comprising 36.7% of its population. However, Judaism stands out as overrepresented, making up 0.2% compared to the region's average of 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.4%), Australian (20.6%), and Irish (10.1%). Notably, Macedonian (1.6%) is overrepresented in Yarraville compared to regional averages (1.0%), as are Polish (1.2%, vs 0.9%) and Greek (4.2%, vs 2.4%).

Yarraville's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Yarraville has a median age of 37 years, matching Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 years and closely aligning with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 35-44 age group constitutes 19.1% of Yarraville's population compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 15-24 cohort makes up 10.3%. Between 2021 and present day, the proportion of people aged 15 to 24 has increased from 9.0% to 10.3%, whereas the 5-14 age group has decreased from 12.5% to 11.3% and the 0-4 age group has dropped from 6.7% to 5.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Yarraville's age structure. Notably, the 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 40%, reaching 2,521 people from 1,803. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to see decreased numbers.