VIC 3749 Census 2021 + Live DA Data

Yackandandah

With a median age of 50, Yackandandah sits 10 years above the national average, making it one of the more distinctly mature communities in regional Victoria. The 2,008 residents occupy 141 square kilometres at a density of just 14.2 people per km2, and 46.6% own their home outright, well above national norms. The crime rate of 13.9 per 1,000 residents is low, and university qualification rates reach 37.5%, some 7.4 percentage points above the national figure. These signals point to an established, highly educated, owner-occupier community that has aged steadily over the past decade while attracting measured in-migration from interstate.

Yackandandah urban fabric map

Population

2,008

Median Age

50.0

Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)

$1,674/wk

DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year

10

141.25 km²· 14.2 people/km²· Family income $2,099/wk

House prices in Yackandandah peaked at $760,000 in 2023 before retracing 23.7% to $580,000 by 2024, offering buyers who missed the cycle a genuine re-entry point. The long-run record is still strong: the earliest recorded median of $327,500 in 2013 has grown 77.1% over 12 years, a CAGR of 4.9%, which compares favourably to many regional VIC markets. Stock is almost entirely separate houses at 93.4%, with only 0.9% apartments, so buyers have limited alternatives to detached dwellings. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,600, and the mortgage-to-income ratio sits at 22.1%, below the 30% stress threshold. Four-plus bedroom homes account for 38.2% of dwellings, and three-bedroom homes another 42.5%, reflecting a predominantly family-sized housing base.

For Buyers

House prices in Yackandandah peaked at $760,000 in 2023 before retracing 23.7% to $580,000 by 2024, offering buyers who missed the cycle a genuine re-entry point. The long-run record is still strong: the earliest recorded median of $327,500 in 2013 has grown 77.1% over 12 years, a CAGR of 4.9%, which compares favourably to many regional VIC markets. Stock is almost entirely separate houses at 93.4%, with only 0.9% apartments, so buyers have limited alternatives to detached dwellings. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,600, and the mortgage-to-income ratio sits at 22.1%, below the 30% stress threshold. Four-plus bedroom homes account for 38.2% of dwellings, and three-bedroom homes another 42.5%, reflecting a predominantly family-sized housing base.

For Investors

The rental market is small by design: only 17.1% of dwellings are rented, compared to the national average of around 31%, which constrains tenant pool depth. Weekly rent is $306 and the vacancy rate is 10.3%, the latter notably elevated and a caution signal for landlords considering purchase. Net internal migration averaged 48 people a year, with overseas arrivals adding 10, providing modest but positive demand underpinning. Development activity is minimal at 8 applications in 12 months, and recent applications lean toward subdivision rather than new dwelling construction, so supply pressure from new stock is low. The post-peak price correction of 23.7% from the 2023 high may attract investors seeking discounted entry, but the thin rental market and high vacancy rate mean yield expectations should be conservative.

Development Activity

Total DAs

17

Last 12 Months

10

YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements

+150.0%

Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year

N/A

Monthly DA Lodgements

DA Categories

Subdivision
10
Other
3
New Dwelling
1

Schools in Yackandandah iICSEA: school advantage index. 1000 = national avg, higher = more advantaged

Yackandandah Primary School

ICSEA 1092 Primary Government

Prep-6 · 185 students

Demographics

The median age of 50 is 10.0 years above the national figure, and the trajectory is aging: the senior share increased 5.8 percentage points over the decade while the working-age share fell 3.0 points. Overseas-born residents make up just 10.7% of the population, some 10.9 percentage points below the national rate, reflecting a predominantly Australian-born community. Ancestry is strongly Anglo-Celtic: English leads with 899 residents, followed by Irish (323) and Scottish (281). University qualifications reach 37.5%, which is 7.4 points above national, a high figure for a low-density regional town and consistent with the Professionals and Managers who together make up the two largest occupation groups. The volunteering rate of 31.7% is high and signals strong civic engagement relative to typical Australian communities.

Age Distribution

0-14
18.0%
15-24
7.8%
25-44
16.9%
45-64
31.2%
65+
25.6%

Bedrooms

Studio/1br
5.1%
2 bed
14.2%
3 bed
42.5%
4+ bed
38.2%

Dwelling Structure

93.4%

Houses

4.3%

Townhouse

0.9%

Apartment

Tenure

Own 46.6% Mortgage 36.3% Rent 17.1%

Ownership is the defining tenure characteristic: 46.6% own outright and 36.3% carry a mortgage, leaving just 17.1% as renters. Outright owners outnumbering renters by nearly three to one suggests a community of long-term, wealth-holding households rather than transient residents. The stock is overwhelmingly separate houses at 93.4%, with semi-detached homes at 4.3% and apartments at just 0.9%. Prices grew 77.1% from $327,500 in 2013 to $580,000 in 2024, with a peak of $760,000 in 2023 before a 23.7% retreat. Monthly mortgage repayments of $1,600 produce a mortgage-to-income ratio of 22.1%, below stress levels. Rent-to-income sits at 18.3%, also comfortable. The SEIFA IRSD decile of 9 confirms the suburb ranks in the top 10% nationally for low relative disadvantage.

Median House Price Trend

Source: State Valuer-General

Mortgage / mo

$1,600

Rent / wk

$306

HH Size

2.5

Personal Income / wk

$813

Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)

10.3%

Unoccupied

85

Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress

18.3%

Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress

22.1%

Community Profile

Ancestry

English
899
Irish
323
Scottish
281
German
128
Ancestry NS
98
Other
70

Household Composition

35.7%

Couples, no children

1,570

Total families

Economy & Employment

Healthcare leads employment at 18.6% (134 workers), followed closely by Education at 17.0% (122 workers) and Public Administration at 10.7% (77 workers), a pattern typical of well-served regional service centres rather than resource or manufacturing towns. Professionals are the largest occupation group with 278 workers, and Managers follow with 176, together accounting for a substantial share of the 889 employed residents. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, very low by national standards, though the participation rate of 55.1% reflects the older age profile: 577 residents are not in the labour force. SEIFA IEO decile of 7 places the suburb above average nationally for education and occupation standing, while the IRSD and IER deciles of 9 signal high economic resources and low disadvantage. Real income grew 18.5% over the decade.

Unemployment

2.0%

Labour Force

3,003

Unemployed

59

Quarterly Trend

Mar-24 Dec-25

Source: SALM Dec-25

Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)

Overall advantage
7
Disadvantage
9
Economic resources
9
Education & occupation
7

Full-time

56.1%

Part-time

41.9%

Participation

55.1%

Employed

889

Occupations

Professionals 278
Managers 176
Community/Personal 97
Clerical/Admin 95
Labourers 90
Sales 63
Machinery/Drivers 42

Top Industries

Healthcare 18.6%
Education 17.0%
Public Admin 10.7%
Construction 9.0%
Professional/Tech 8.6%

University

37.5%

Postgraduate

9.3%

Born Overseas

10.7%

Dwellings

744

Transport to Work

Transport is almost entirely car-dependent at 85.9% using private vehicles, though 9.1% walk or cycle, a meaningful share for a low-density regional suburb. The crime rate of 13.9 offences per 1,000 residents is low, with just 28 total offences recorded, dominated by crimes against the person (13) and property offences (12). No schools are listed within the suburb boundary in the dataset, so families depend on facilities in nearby towns. The SEIFA IRSAD decile of 7 places Yackandandah above the national median for combined advantage and disadvantage measures, and the IRSD decile of 9 confirms very low relative disadvantage. Housing stress is absent: rent-to-income at 18.3% and mortgage-to-income at 22.1% are both comfortably below stress thresholds. Only 7.3% of residents (139 people) need daily assistance despite the older median age of 50.

Drive

85.9%

Public Transport

N/A

Walk / Cycle

9.1%

Work from Home

N/A

Population Forecast

+1.36%/yr

(+75 people/yr)

Established

Yackandandah's population grew 18.4% over 10 years, and annual growth is tracking at 1.36%, adding roughly 75 people per year. Medium-scenario forecasts project the broader SA2 population reaching 5,909 by 2031, up from 5,498 in 2025, a 7.5% increase over six years. The gentrification score of 23 at the Early signs stage reflects a suburb where population grew 24% since 2011 and gentrification signals accelerated from 3% to 20%. Rent growth was particularly sharp at 47.4% over the period, outpacing the 18.5% real income growth. Migration is balanced: net internal arrivals of 48 per year and overseas arrivals of 10 provide a steady, if modest, base. The aging trajectory and low working-age share suggest growth is driven by lifestyle in-migration rather than family formation.

Historical + Forecast

Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025

Age Cohort Forecast

Primary Driver

Balanced

Net Overseas / yr

+10

Net Internal / yr

+48

23

Gentrification Signal

Early signs

Population +24% since 2011, Accelerating: 3% → 20%

Safety & Crime

Total Offences

28

Year ending June 2024

Rate per 1,000 People

13.9

Offence Categories

Crimes against the person
13
Property and deception offences
12
Justice procedures offences
3

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria / SA Police

National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs

How Yackandandah compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs

Population
Top 22%
Household Income
Top 42%
Rent Level
Top 36%
Apartments
Bottom 19%
Renters
Bottom 40%
Uni Educated
Top 21%
Born Overseas
Bottom 33%
Density
Top 40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Yackandandah a good suburb to live in?

Yackandandah ranks in SEIFA IRSD decile 9, placing it in the top 10% nationally for low disadvantage. The crime rate is just 13.9 per 1,000 residents, unemployment is 2.0%, and university qualifications reach 37.5%, which is 7.4 points above the national figure. The main trade-off is car-dependency at 85.9% and limited local services for a population of 2,008.

What is the median house price in Yackandandah?

The most recent recorded median house price is $580,000 (2024), down 23.7% from the 2023 peak of $760,000. Over the longer term, prices grew 77.1% from $327,500 in 2013, a CAGR of 4.9% across 12 years. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,600, giving a mortgage-to-income ratio of 22.1%.

What schools are in Yackandandah?

No schools are recorded within the Yackandandah suburb boundary in this dataset, so families rely on schools in nearby townships. Despite the absence of local schools, 37.5% of residents hold university qualifications, which is 7.4 percentage points above the national average, reflecting the well-educated adult population.

Is Yackandandah safe?

Yackandandah recorded just 28 total offences, giving a crime rate of 13.9 per 1,000 residents, which is low by Victorian regional standards. The most common categories were crimes against the person (13 incidents) and property and deception offences (12 incidents). The SEIFA IRSD decile of 9 also indicates very low relative disadvantage.

Is Yackandandah good for property investment?

The post-peak correction of 23.7% from the 2023 high of $760,000 to $580,000 in 2024 may represent a discounted entry point. However, the rental market is thin at 17.1% renters and the vacancy rate of 10.3% is elevated. Rent growth over the decade was strong at 47.4%, and the long-run CAGR of 4.9% over 12 years provides historical support for capital growth.

How is Yackandandah's population changing?

The population grew 18.4% over 10 years and is currently tracking 1.36% annual growth, adding about 75 people per year. Net internal migration of 48 people annually is the primary driver. The age profile is aging, with the senior share up 5.8 percentage points and working-age share down 3.0 points, consistent with lifestyle-driven in-migration rather than family formation.

What industries employ residents in Yackandandah?

Healthcare employs 18.6% (134 workers) and Education 17.0% (122 workers), the two largest sectors. Public Administration follows at 10.7% (77 workers) and Construction at 9.0% (65 workers). The occupation mix leans toward Professionals (278) and Managers (176), consistent with the SEIFA IEO decile 7 rating for education and occupation.

How to read these comparisons

Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.

Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.

Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state Valuer-General (house prices), Department of Jobs SALM (unemployment), ACARA (school ICSEA), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.

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