Yarra Glen

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Yarra Glen's population is estimated at around 3027 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 15 people (0.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3012 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3009, estimated by AreaSearch 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. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 86 persons per square kilometer. Yarra Glen's 0.5% growth since census positions it within 2.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the 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 from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, lower quartile growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is anticipated, with the suburb expected to expand by 97 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 2.7% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Yarra Glen has seen approximately 6 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 32 homes were approved, with 1 more approved in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline over recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average value of new dwellings is $634,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. This year, $9.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Yarra Glen records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 21st percentile nationally, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. Recent development has consisted entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 756 people. Future projections indicate Yarra Glen adding 83 residents by 2041, with current development rates suggesting new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Yarra Glen has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed 0 projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable projects include 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 providing details on those most pertinent.

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Yarra Glen well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Yarra Glen has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being notably prominent. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% in the past year, showing an employment growth of 1.4%.

As of June 2025, 1,653 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The leading industries for employment among residents were construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Construction had a particularly high share of employment at 1.9 times the regional level, while professional & technical services employed only 5.3% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison. In the 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 1.4% and labour force grew by 1.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. For context, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Yarra Glen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, although this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Yarra Glen had a median taxpayer income of $55,211 and an average income of $70,368 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This was higher than Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,925 (median) and $78,925 (average). Census 2021 income data showed household, family, and personal incomes in Yarra Glen clustered around the 55th percentile nationally. Income analysis revealed that the predominant cohort was 35.6% of locals (1,077 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to regional levels where 32.8% fell into this range. After housing costs, 85.1% of income remained for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 compared to Melbourne metro's 92.8% houses and 7.2% 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, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,950. Median weekly rent in Yarra Glen was $380, matching Melbourne metro's figure. Nationally, Yarra Glen's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were above the national figure of $375.

Yarra Glen features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 20.5%, with lone person households at 18.9% and group households comprising 1.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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 prominent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (29.7%). Educational participation is high at 27.0%, including 10.0% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Yarra Glen Primary School serves the area with an enrollment of 143 students. It offers balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1007) focusing on primary education only. Secondary options are available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 4.7 places per 100 residents, compared to the regional average of 15.5, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis indicates four active public transport stops in Yarra Glen, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two distinct routes, offering a total of 285 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is assessed as moderate, with residents on average situated 446 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 40 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 71 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Yarra Glen are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators show below-average outcomes in Yarra Glen. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~1,653 people), compared to 52.4% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.8 and 8.5% of residents respectively. 67.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.9% across Greater Melbourne. As of 2016 data, 23.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (711 people), which is higher than the 19.4% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors in Yarra Glen are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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, as per the census data from June 2016, showed a low level of cultural diversity with 87.3% of its population born in Australia and 92.6% being citizens. English was spoken exclusively at home by 97.8% of residents. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 41.0%.

Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Yarra Glen at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across Greater Melbourne. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (35.0%), Australian (29.7%), and Irish (9.0%). There were also notable differences in the representation of Dutch (2.9% vs regional 3.2%), Scottish (8.9% vs 8.0%), and Italian (3.0% vs 3.4%) groups.

Yarra Glen hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Yarra Glen is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years, and older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 13.7% of the population in Yarra Glen, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Melbourne. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort represents 9.8%, which is less prevalent than in Greater Melbourne. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.1% to 8.0% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.4% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 9.8%, and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 13.7% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Yarra Glen, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 41% (99 people), reaching 342 from 242. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 83% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 25 to 34 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.