Yea

Yea lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area surrounding the suburb of Yea, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the 2021 Census, the estimated population is around 1,986 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 197 people (11.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,789 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,986, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 88 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 11.2 persons per square kilometer. The suburb of Yea's 11.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (2.9%), along with the Rest of Vic., marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. As we examine future population trends, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing the suburb of Yea in the top 10 percent of locations outside of capital cities. The area is expected to expand by 1,036 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 52.2% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Yea when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Yea has received approximately 22 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 111 homes. As of FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 new residents arrive per new home each year between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting balanced supply and demand. The average construction value for new properties is $556,000, indicating a focus on premium market segment homes.

This financial year has seen $934,000 in commercial development approvals, reflecting minimal commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Yea's construction levels are 46.0% higher per person over five years, offering good buyer choice and supporting property values. Recent construction has consisted solely of detached houses, preserving Yea's low-density character with a focus on family homes. With around 131 people per approval, Yea reflects an area experiencing development.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Yea is projected to grow by 1,036 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and driving price increases.

Yea has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to nearby infrastructure, large-scale projects, or planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed 0 projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury, Regional Housing Fund Projects, North East Rail Line Upgrade, and Telstra InfraCo Intercity Fibre Network, with the following list highlighting those most relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in Yea lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Yea has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs, particularly in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.7% according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 821 residents employed while the unemployment rate stands at 2.0%, which is above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Yea lags behind Regional Vic., with a rate of 49.7% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. Census responses indicate that 18.2% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries employing residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Yea has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

In contrast, health care & social assistance employs only 13.9% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s rate of 16.8%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.6%, alongside a 3.9% decline in employment, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where employment contracted by 0.6%, the labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Yea. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, indicate that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Yea's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Yea had a median income among taxpayers of $39,392. The average income stood at $49,936. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Regional Vic. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $43,182 (median) and $54,740 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Yea all fall between the 5th and 9th percentiles nationally. The data shows 28.1% of the population (558 individuals) fall within the $400 - 799 income range, differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.3%. After housing costs, 86.1% of income remains, ranking at only the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Yea, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 27 August 2016, comprised 97.1% houses and 2.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Victoria had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yea was 54.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.5% and rented dwellings at 17.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,408, while the median weekly rent was $300. In Regional Victoria, these figures were $1,430 and $285 respectively. Nationally, Yea's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Yea features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 59.6% of all households, including 18.0% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.4%, with lone person households at 36.9% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Yea fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.7%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (29.6%). A total of 23.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.7% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows one active transport stop operating within Yea. This stop is serviced by two individual routes, collectively providing 32 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 701 meters from the nearest transport stop. The area is primarily residential and most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 92%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 18.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Yea is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Yea faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (around 926 people).

This compares to 50.5% in Regional Victoria, with a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 13.2% and 9.6% of residents respectively. However, 57.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Victoria. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 35.7% of residents aged 65 and over (709 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Victoria, and national rankings are even higher than the general population.

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

Yea had below average cultural diversity, with 89.9% citizens, 88.7% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, at 48.2%, compared to 47.3% regionally. Top ancestry groups were English (35.2%), Australian (29.1%), and Irish (10.6%).

Scottish representation was notably higher in Yea at 10.6% versus 8.8% regionally, while Dutch was slightly lower at 1.6% versus 1.7%. Macedonian representation was similar at 0.2%.

Yea ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Yea is 56 years, notably exceeding Regional Vic.'s average of 43 years and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group shows strong representation at 18.5%, compared to Regional Vic., while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.9%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 6.7% to 7.9%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 18.0% to 16.1% and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 10.0% to 8.8%. Looking ahead, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Yea's age structure by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 70%, adding 146 residents to reach a total of 357.