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 is approximately 14,153 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 88 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,065. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,043 in June 2024 and the addition of 92 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 38 persons per square kilometer. Healesville - Yarra Glen's 0.6% growth since the census places it within 2.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.3%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

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, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the national median, with the area expected to expand by 791 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 4.8% over the 17 years.

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 annually from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 203 homes approved during this period. An additional 10 dwellings have been approved in FY26 so far. The area's population has declined recently, suggesting that the new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good options for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $340,000. In FY26, $29.3 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, 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 in terms of buyer options. This suggests somewhat limited buyer choices while demand for established properties strengthens. Recent construction comprises 76.0% standalone homes and 24.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

This represents a notable shift from the current housing composition of 92.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Healesville - Yarra Glen is 501 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 678 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified nine key projects impacting the area. Major initiatives include Yarra Valley Railway Heritage Line Restoration, Maroondah Highway & Don Road Interchange Upgrade, Graceburn Gardens Estate, and The Memo Healesville Redevelopment. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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

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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 particularly prominent. The unemployment rate was 3.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.1%.

As of September 2025, 7,122 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was 59.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The area had a notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

In contrast, professional & technical services employed only 5.3% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Over the past year, employment increased by 1.1%, while the labour force grew by 0.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Healesville - Yarra Glen's employment mix, local employment is expected to 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 $48,499 and an average income of $61,814 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,396 (median) and $69,331 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census figures rank household, family, and personal incomes in Healesville-Yarra Glen between the 35th and 41st percentiles. Most residents (33.3%, or 4,712 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. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Healesville - Yarra Glen's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. This compares to Melbourne metro's 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Healesville - Yarra Glen stood at 41.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.0% and rented dwellings at 14.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $1,950. Weekly rent in Healesville - Yarra Glen was $350, compared to Melbourne metro's $380. Nationally, mortgage repayments averaged $1,863 and rents were $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 the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 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, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (28.4%). Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.6% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 48 active stops in Healesville - Yarra Glen area. These are served by buses on three routes, offering 626 weekly trips. Residents' average distance to nearest stop is 537 meters.

Services run 89 times daily, about 13 times weekly per 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 with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, which is around 7,161 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.4 and 8.9% of residents respectively. However, 64.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.9% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 25.2% of residents aged 65 and over, which totals 3,573 people, higher than the 19.4% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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, according to the census conducted on 27 June 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. 85.0% of its population were born in Australia, with 90.8% being Australian citizens and 95.8% speaking English at home exclusively. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion, comprising 37.2% of the population in Healesville-Yarra Glen.

However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation compared to Greater Melbourne, with 0.1% of the population identifying as Jewish. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 33.2%, Australian at 28.4%, and Irish at 9.2%. Notably, Dutch ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 2.8%, Scottish at 8.9%, and Hungarian at 0.3% compared to regional averages.

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 proportion of residents aged 65-74 (13.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75-84 increased from 7.3% to 9.2%, while the age group of 35-44 grew from 11.4% to 12.8%. Conversely, the age groups of 25-34 and 55-64 decreased from 10.7% to 8.7% and 14.7% to 13.5%, respectively. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Healesville - Yarra Glen's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 40%, reaching 1,824 people from 1,300. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ will account for 87% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both age groups of 25-34 and 15-24 are projected to decrease in numbers.