Healesville - Yarra Glen

An assessment of population growth drivers in Healesville - Yarra Glen reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Healesville-Yarra Glen's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was around 14,143 by May 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 78 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,065. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 14,116 in June 2025 and an additional 96 validated new addresses post-census. This results in a density ratio of 38 persons per square kilometer. The area's 0.6% growth since the census places it within 2.9 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 3.5%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.6% of recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, it employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends indicate a population increase just below the national median, with an expected expansion of 713 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 4.8% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Healesville - Yarra Glen, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Healesville - Yarra Glen averaged approximately 40 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25203 homes were approved, with an additional 32 approved in FY26 as of the current date. The population has been declining recently, suggesting that new supply is keeping pace with demand, offering good options for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $340,000. This financial year has seen $29.3 million in commercial development approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Healesville - Yarra Glen has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 34th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established properties. Recent construction comprises 76.0% standalone homes and 24.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This represents a notable shift from the existing housing stock, which is currently 92.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

The estimated count of 501 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Healesville - Yarra Glen is expected to grow by 686 residents through to 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.

Healesville - Yarra Glen has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could significantly impact this area's performance. Key projects include the Yarra Valley Railway Heritage Line Restoration, Maroondah Highway & Don Road Interchange Upgrade, Graceburn Gardens Estate, and The Memo Healesville Redevelopment. Below is a list detailing those most likely to be relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Healesville - Yarra Glen remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Healesville - Yarra Glen has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being notably represented. The unemployment rate in the area was 4.3% as of December 2025. This is 0.5% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.5%. As of December 2025, there were 7,129 residents in work. The workforce participation rate was 63.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 23.6% of residents worked from home.

Leading employment industries among residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction employs 1.7 times the regional average. In contrast, professional & technical services employ only 5.3% of local workers, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area appears to offer 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 1.5%, while labour force grew by 1.4%. This resulted in unemployment remaining broadly flat. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Healesville - Yarra Glen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Healesville-Yarra Glen SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $52,464 and an average of $67,370 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is roughly national average, differing from Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By March 2026, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% suggest median taxpayer income will be approximately $57,511 and average income around $73,851. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Healesville-Yarra Glen rank modestly, between the 35th and 41st percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The data shows that 33.3% of residents (4,709 people) fall into the $1,500-$2,999 income bracket, similar to regional levels at 32.8%. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains for other expenses, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Healesville-Yarra Glen, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Healesville-Yarra Glen stood at 41.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (44.0%) or rented (14.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $350, less than Melbourne metro's $390 and the national figure of $375.

Healesville - Yarra Glen has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 73.8% of all households, including 30.9% couples with children, 31.0% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 24.2% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Healesville - Yarra Glen fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has university qualification rates of 21.9%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 28.4%. Educational participation is high, with 26.7% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.6% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Healesville - Yarra Glen has 48 operational public transport stops, offering mixed bus services. These are covered by three routes, collectively facilitating 389 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated moderate, with residents typically situated 537 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most residents commute outward, with car being the primary mode at 92%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 1.8, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 23.6% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 55 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately eight weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Healesville-Yarra Glen faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment 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 approximately 53% of the total population (~7,439 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis (10.4%) and mental health issues (8.9%). 64.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 25.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,634 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Healesville-Yarra Glen's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.0% of its population born in Australia, 90.8% being citizens, and 95.8% speaking English only at home as of the 2016 Census. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 37.2%. Judaism's representation was notably higher than Greater Melbourne's average, with 0.1% compared to 1.0%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.2%, regional average: 20.1%), Australian (28.4%, regional average: 18.4%), and Irish (9.2%). Dutch (2.8% vs 1.2%) and Scottish (8.9% vs 5.6%) were overrepresented, while Hungarian representation was similar to the regional average at 0.3%.

Healesville - Yarra Glen hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Healesville - Yarra Glen is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Healesville - Yarra Glen has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (13.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group 75 to 84 grew from 7.3% to 9.3%, and the age group 35 to 44 increased from 11.4% to 12.6%. Conversely, the age groups 25 to 34 declined from 10.7% to 8.8%, and 45 to 54 dropped from 13.3% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Healesville - Yarra Glen's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 33%, reaching 1,761 people from 1,322. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 82% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to decrease in number.