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 around the suburb of Yea, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the 2021 Census, the estimated population as of Feb 2026 is around 2,051. This reflects an increase of 262 people (14.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,789 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,842, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 88 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 11.6 persons per square kilometer. Yea's 14.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.9%), 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, contributing approximately 87.0% of overall 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. As we examine future population trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of locations outside of capital cities, is predicted over the period with the area expected to expand by 987 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 37.9% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Yea when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Yea has received around 22 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 111 homes. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. This averages to approximately 1.7 new residents arriving per new home annually between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction value is $556,000, indicating a focus on premium market properties.

In FY-26, $934,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Yea's construction activity is 48.0% higher per person over the past five years, supporting buyer choice and property values. All recent developments have been detached houses, maintaining the area's low density character. Yea has a population of around 132 people per approval, reflecting its developing status.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Yea is projected to grow by 778 residents by 2041. Construction pace is keeping up with growth projections, but increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population rises.

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 local infrastructure, major undertakings, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to 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 outlining those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Yea face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Yea has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs, particularly in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 751 residents employed while the unemployment rate stands at 2.2% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Yea is significantly lower at 49.4%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Based on Census responses, 18.2% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction employment is particularly high in Yea, with a share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance employs only 13.9% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s 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 3.9%, with a concomitant 5.1% decline in employment, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 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. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Yea's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for 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 ended June 2023, the suburb of Yea had a median income among taxpayers of $39,392. The average income stood at $49,936. Both figures were below the national averages of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively for Regional Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates suggest approximately $42,642 (median) and $54,056 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 indicates that incomes in Yea fall between the 5th and 9th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. In Yea, 28.1% of the population, equating to 576 individuals, have incomes within the $400 - $799 range, differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 range dominates with 30.3%. After accounting for housing costs, 86.1% of income remains in Yea, ranking at 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, consisted of 97.1% houses and 2.9% other dwellings including semi-detached dwellings, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yea stood at 54.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (28.5%) or rented (17.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Yea was $1,408, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Yea was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Yea's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 prevalent at 11.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.4%). Vocational credentials are common, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 12.8% and certificates for 29.6%.

A total of 23.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 8.7% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 1.9% in 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. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 92%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, some 18.2% of residents work from home, potentially reflecting 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, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~957 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.

and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (13.2%) and asthma (9.6%). 57.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 34.4% of residents aged 65 and over (705 people), higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic., with national rankings 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 a lower cultural diversity, with 89.9% of its population being citizens, 88.7% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 48.2% of Yea's population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic. The top three ancestry groups were English (35.2%), Australian (29.1%), and Irish (10.6%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 10.6%, compared to 8.8% regionally. Dutch ancestry was at 1.6%, similar to the regional average of 1.7%. Macedonian ancestry was also present but not significantly different from the regional average of 0.2%.

Yea ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Yea is 56 years, which is notably higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 years and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 17.7% of Yea's population, compared to Regional Vic., and this percentage is well above the national average of 9.5%. Following the Census conducted in 2021, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 6.7% to 8.7%, while the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 18.0% to 16.3%. According to demographic projections for Yea, the 25 to 34 age cohort is expected to show significant growth by 2041, with an increase of 74%, adding 131 residents to reach a total of 310 in this age group.