Yarra Glen

Yarra Glen has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Yarra Glen is around 3,094, reflecting an increase of 82 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,012. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,068 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density ratio is 87 persons per square kilometer. Yarra Glen's growth of 2.7% since the census positions it within 1.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.0%). Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods. 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 utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth, with the area expected to increase by 108 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 0.7% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Yarra Glen is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Yarra Glen has experienced around 7 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 39 homes. In FY-26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $634,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $2.8 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Yarra Glen shows approximately 64% of the construction activity per person and places among the 28th percentile of areas assessed nationally, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This level is similarly under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated count of 605 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Yarra Glen will gain 22 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Yarra Glen has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major undertakings, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed 0 projects that could significantly impact this area. Notable projects encompass Yarra Valley Railway Heritage Line Restoration, North East Link - Connections, North East Link - Tolling Services Package, and North East Link - Early Works, with the following list highlighting those most pertinent.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The labour market in Yarra Glen shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Yarra Glen has a skilled labour force with the construction sector being notably represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year (AreaSearch). As of September 2025, 1,631 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is lower at 67.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 23.4% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in construction (1.9 times the regional average), retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Professional & technical employment is limited at 5.3%, compared to 10.1% regionally.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 1.3% while labour force grew by 0.9%, leading to a unemployment reduction of 0.4 percentage points (AreaSearch). Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Yarra Glen's employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, the suburb of Yarra Glen had a median income among taxpayers of $55,211 with the average level standing at $70,368. This is higher than the national average and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,766 (median) and $76,173 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Yarra Glen cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 35.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,101 residents), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. After housing costs, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the sixth decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Yarra Glen, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.5% houses and 7.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yarra Glen stood at 39.1%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (48.4%) or rented (12.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while median weekly rent was $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Yarra Glen's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 79.5% of all households, including 37.7% couples with children, 31.4% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 20.5%, with lone person households at 18.9% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Yarra Glen aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate, at 19.6%, is significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 13.4% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ possessing them.

Advanced diplomas account for 12.8%, while certificates make up 29.7%. Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Yarra Glen has four operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two distinct routes that collectively facilitate 174 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is assessed as moderate, with residents typically residing 446 meters away from the nearest transport stop. The area is predominantly residential, and most residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 96% of residents. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 23.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 24 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 43 weekly trips per individual stop.

Yarra Glen's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Yarra Glen. AreaSearch's assessment indicates low prevalence of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 55% of the total population (around 1,690 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.8 and 8.5% of residents respectively. 67.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 24.6% of residents aged 65 and over (761 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Yarra Glen is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Yarra Glen's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.3% of its population born in Australia, 92.6% being citizens, and 97.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Yarra Glen, comprising 41.0% of people. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.2% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (35.0%), Australian (29.7%), and Irish (9.0%), all substantially higher than regional averages. Notably, Dutch (2.9%) Scottish (8.9%), and Italian (3.0%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.2%, 5.6%, and 5.2% respectively.

Yarra Glen's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Yarra Glen is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 13.9% of the population in Yarra Glen, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Melbourne. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up 9.4% of the population in Yarra Glen, which is less than the percentage in Greater Melbourne. According to data from the post-2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.1% to 8.6%, while the 35 to 44 age group has risen from 11.4% to 12.8%. However, the 25 to 34 age group has declined from 11.6% to 9.4%, and the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 12.7% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Yarra Glen, with the 75 to 84 age group projected to grow by 30%, reaching 345 people from 266. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 25 to 34 and 55 to 64 age cohorts are predicted to experience population declines.