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, stands at approximately 14,150 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 85 individuals (0.6%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,065 people. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 14,040 in June 2024 and the addition of 93 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 38 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 uses 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. By 2041, the area is projected to increase by approximately 791 persons, reflecting a total growth of 4.8% over the 17-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 annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 203 homes approved during this period. In FY26, up until now, 16 dwellings have been approved. The population has declined in recent years, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good options for buyers.

The average construction cost value for 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. Nationally, it ranks at the 34th percentile among areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while demand for established properties strengthens. This activity is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

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 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 population per dwelling approval in the area is 501 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Looking ahead, Healesville-Yarra Glen is expected to grow by 681 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could impact this region. Key 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 those most 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 particularly prominent. The unemployment rate was 3.9% in September 2025, which is 0.7% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.1%.

As of September 2025, 7,122 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 63.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 23.6% of residents worked from home. The leading employment industries among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction employs 1.7 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services employ only 5.3% of local workers, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.1%, while the labour force grew by 0.5%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 the financial year 2023. This is approximately national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $56,792 (median) and $72,928 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Healesville - Yarra Glen, between the 35th and 41st percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 33.3% of residents (4,711 people), similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. 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

In Healesville-Yarra Glen, as per the latest Census, 91.8% of dwellings were houses while 8.2% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Healesville-Yarra Glen stood at 41.4%, with mortgaged properties at 44.0% and rented ones at 14.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Weekly rent in the area averaged $350, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Healesville-Yarra Glen's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 24.2% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne 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'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 held by 41.0% of residents aged 15 and above, with 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that collectively facilitate 389 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically living 537 meters away from the nearest transport stop. Most residents commute outwards due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 23.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 55 trips per day across all routes, equating 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, around 7,442 people, compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.4 and 8.9% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 64.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 26.2% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 3,705 people, which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than those of 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, as per the census data from June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 85.0% of its population born in Australia and 90.8% being Australian citizens. English was spoken at home by 95.8%. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 37.2%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 1.0% in Greater Melbourne. In terms of ancestry, English (33.2%) and Australian (28.4%) were significantly higher than regional averages of 20.1% and 18.4% respectively. Irish ancestry stood at 9.2%. Notable differences existed for Dutch (2.8%, vs regional 1.2%), Scottish (8.9%, vs 5.6%), and Hungarian (0.3%, vs 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, 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 (13.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75-84 grew from 7.3% to 9.7%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 11.4% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group declined from 10.7% to 8.4%, and the 55-64 age group decreased from 14.7% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Healesville - Yarra Glen's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 33%, reaching 1,824 people from 1,372. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 83% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 25-34 and 55-64 age groups are projected to decrease in number.