Following the 2017 City of Birmingham ward revisions South Yardley covers a much smaller area.

According to the 2001 UK Census, there were 27,620 people living in 10,907 households within the then ward boundaries of South Yardley.

30.3% (8,375) of the ward's population consists of ethnic minorities compared with 29.6% for Birmingham in general.

Through Neighbourhood Renewal Funding, South Yardley has established the a scheme which involved street cleaning projects and training courses to improve the physical image of the area.

The Swan Shopping Centre was demolished in 2009 after a prolonged period of falling trade.