South Yarra (Vic.)

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According to evaluations of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of South Yarra has a population estimated at 28,534 as of May 2026. This indicates a rise of 3,506 residents (14.0%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 25,028 people. This shift is calculated from the resident population of 28,534, determined by Districts following analysis of the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and an additional 748 validated new addresses since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 8,037 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality within the top 10% of national areas analyzed by Districts, making local land a highly coveted asset. The 14.0% expansion in the suburb of South Yarra since the 2021 census outpaced the state average of 9.3% as well as the national rate, establishing it as a regional growth frontrunner. Growth in this locality was primarily fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately of the overall population rise in recent times.

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The suburb of South Yarra has a highly qualified workforce, with the technology sector being especially well represented, alongside an unemployment rate of just 3.4% and an estimated annual job growth rate of 4.0%, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area statistics. As of March 2026, 21,140 local residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.4% lower than Greater Melbourne's figure of 4.8%, while participation in the labour force is exceptionally high (81.4% relative to 70.2% in Greater Melbourne). Census returns indicate a high proportion of residents (51.8%) worked from home, though the influence of COVID-19 restrictions must be taken into account.

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According to Districts' compilation of postcode-level ATO records released for financial year 2023, the suburb of South Yarra registered a median taxpayer income of $70,666, alongside an average taxpayer income of $127,210. These figures are extremely high on a national scale and compare to median and average levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Accounting for a Wage Price Index rise of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current projections estimate these figures at approximately $77,464 (median) and $139,448 (average) as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, individual weekly earnings are in the 96th percentile nationally ($1,395 weekly), whereas household incomes are lower at the 69th percentile. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - weekly bracket is the most common, accounting for of residents ( people), which align with regional trends of in the same category. Financial strength is demonstrated by of households earning weekly incomes above which supports high consumer expenditure. Substantial housing outlays take up of income, yet strong earnings keep disposable income in the th percentile, and the area is situated in the th decile on the SEIFA income index.

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The mix of housing in the suburb of South Yarra at the time of the last Census consisted of 7.4% detached houses and 92.6% other properties (such as apartments, townhouses, and semi-detached options), compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% other properties across metropolitan Melbourne. Home ownership levels in the suburb of South Yarra were lower than metropolitan Melbourne benchmarks at 18.3%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (18.2%) or rented (63.5%). The median monthly home loan payment in the area was higher than the Melbourne metropolitan average at $2,100, and the median weekly rent stood at $415, compared to metropolitan averages of $2,000 and $390. Nationally, mortgage costs in the suburb of South Yarra are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are above the national average of $375.

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Family units account for 42.3% of all households, consisting of 8.9% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 4.5% single parents. Non-family households make up the other 57.7% of homes, with lone person households representing 49.3% and group housing making up 8.4%. The median household size of 1.7 residents is smaller than the Greater Melbourne median of 2.6.

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Educational qualifications in the suburb of South Yarra are substantially higher than wider averages, with 64.3% of residents aged 15 and over possessing university degrees, compared to 30.4% across Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This educational advantage positions the area well for knowledge-intensive sectors. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 40.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees (19.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational training accounts for 16.9% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and over, split between advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (7.5%).

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Public transport networks include 76 active stops in the suburb of South Yarra, consisting of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 13 distinct routes, which accommodate 11,389 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 147 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the main transport mode at 46%, followed by trains at 21% and walking at 16%. Car ownership averages 0.4 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. A high proportion of residents (51.8%) work from home (based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 circumstances).

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Health indicators show excellent results in the suburb of South Yarra, based on Districts assessments of mortality statistics and chronic condition prevalence, which reveal very low levels of common health conditions across all age groups. Furthermore, the level of private medical insurance is exceptionally high, covering approximately 77% of the population (21,911 people). This compares to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of South Yarra exhibits notable cultural diversity, with 26.3% of residents using a non-English language at home and 40.3% born in other countries. Christianity is the main religious affiliation, representing 33.4% of the population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 2.2% of residents compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

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With a median age of 32 years, the suburb of South Yarra is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the suburb of South Yarra has a higher proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 (36.2%) but fewer children aged 5 to 14 (3.7%). The concentration of residents aged 25 to 34 is higher than the national rate of 14.6%. Post-2021 Census data indicates younger residents have reduced the median age by 1.2 years to 32. Significant shifts include the 25 to 34 age bracket increasing from 34.1% to 36.2% of the population, whereas the 45 to group dropped from to . Demographic projections suggest the age profile in the suburb of South Yarra will change by with the to group expected to grow by , adding residents to reach .

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South Yarra currently has an estimated 770 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 445 children aged 0-2 and 296 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 10% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 22% by 2041 (to approximately 938 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 804. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 6.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.