Yarra Glen

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

The population of Yarra Glen is estimated at around 3,135 as of May 2026, reflecting an increase of 123 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 4.1% rise from the previous population figure of 3,012 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,131 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 89 persons per square kilometer. Yarra Glen's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.5%) and SA4 region, marking it as a leader in regional growth. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this population increase.

AreaSearch is using 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 from 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth in statistical areas, with the suburb expected to expand by 118 persons to reach a total population of approximately 3,253 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 3.6% over the 16-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Yarra Glen had approximately 7 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 39 homes were approved, with another 9 in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline, housing supply has been adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $634,000, indicating focus on the premium market. This financial year saw $2.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting Yarra Glen's residential character. Comparatively, Yarra Glen records about 65% of Greater Melbourne's building activity per person and ranks at the 26th percentile nationally for areas assessed, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing dwellings. This reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent construction comprises 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Yarra Glen's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 614 people. Future projections estimate Yarra Glen will add 114 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.

Yarra Glen has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

No factor impacts a region's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to influence this area. Notable projects include Yarra Valley Railway Heritage Line Restoration, North East Link - Tolling Services Package, North East Link - Early Works, and North East Link. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

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Employment performance in Yarra Glen exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Yarra Glen has a skilled workforce, with the construction sector being particularly prominent. Its unemployment rate is 3.4%, and it experienced an estimated employment growth of 2.4% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,676 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's at 69.9%. A moderate 23.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents are construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Construction shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 5.3% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 2.4%, while labour force also grew by 2.4%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Yarra Glen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 indicates that income in Yarra Glen is above the national average. The median income was $55,211 while the average income stood at $70,368. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from July 1, 2023 to March 2026, current estimates would be approximately $60,522 (median) and $77,137 (average). According to the Census conducted on August 10, 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Yarra Glen cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that 35.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week (1,116 individuals), reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. After housing expenses, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Yarra Glen's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.5% houses and 7.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yarra Glen stood at 39.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.4% and rented ones at 12.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 20.5%, with lone person households at 18.9% and group households making up 1.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne 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 is 19.6%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (29.7%). Educational participation is high at 27.0%, with 10.0% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 together facilitate 174 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in the area is considered moderate, with residents generally residing 446 meters away from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential region, most inhabitants commute outward, primarily using cars (96%). On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 23.4% of residents work from home, which may be partly due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 24 trips per day across all routes, amounting 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 shows strong health performance in Yarra Glen based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover was found to be high at approximately 55% of the total population (~1,712 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common conditions were arthritis (8.8%) and asthma (8.5%). 67.3% of residents declared no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. The area has 23.8% of residents aged 65 and over (746 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for 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 was the dominant religion, comprising 41.0% of people in Yarra Glen. Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.2% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (35.0%), Australian (29.7%), and Irish (9.0%), all substantially higher than regional averages of 20.1%, 18.4%, respectively. Dutch, Scottish, and Italian ethnicities were notably overrepresented in Yarra Glen compared to the region, at 2.9% versus 1.2%, 8.9% versus 5.6%, and 3.0% versus 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 median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 13.7% of the population in Yarra Glen, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Melbourne. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up only 10.0% of the population in Yarra Glen. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.1% to 8.2%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.4% to 12.8%. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 age group has declined from 11.6% to 10.0%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.7% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Yarra Glen, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 36% (92 people), reaching a total of 350 from 257. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 80% of the total population growth in Yarra Glen, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.