Healesville - Yarra Glen
Statistical Area - sa2

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 reported a population of 14,065. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates of 14,043 in June 2024 and 92 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 38 persons per square kilometer. The area'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 during 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 methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the national median by 2041, with the area expected to expand by 791 persons, reflecting a total increase 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 from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 203 homes approved during this period. In FY26 up to date, 8 dwellings have been approved. The population has declined in recent years, suggesting that the new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

The average value for new homes being built is $340,000. This financial year, commercial development approvals totalled $29.3 million, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Healesville-Yarra Glen has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it ranks in the 35th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. 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 with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This represents a notable shift from the existing housing stock (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 is 501 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Looking ahead, Healesville-Yarra Glen is projected to grow by 678 residents by 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nine projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include Yarra Valley Railway Heritage Line Restoration, Maroondah Highway & Don Road Interchange Upgrade, Graceburn Gardens Estate, and The Memo Healesville Redevelopment.

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 notably represented. The unemployment rate was 3.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3%.

As of June 2025, 7,244 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.9% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is at 59.4%, below Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction has particularly high concentration with levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services employ just 5.3% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, labour force grew by 0.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.5% with a rise in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project total employment to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Healesville-Yarra Glen's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Healesville - Yarra Glen 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 was 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. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Healesville - Yarra Glen ranked modestly, between the 36th and 41st percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 33.3% of residents (4,712 people), similar to regional levels where 32.8% fell into this bracket. After housing expenses, 85.8% of income remained for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th 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% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. 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 properties at 44.0% and rented ones at 14.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Melbourne metro's $1,950. The median weekly rent was $350 compared to Melbourne metro's $380. 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 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 2.7.

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 prominent, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (28.4%). Educational participation is high at 26.7%, including 9.6% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

There are seven schools operating within Healesville - Yarra Glen, educating approximately 1,291 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 961). Five primary and two secondary schools serve distinct age groups, with a school place ratio of 9.1 per 100 residents, below the regional average of 15.5. Some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Healesville - Yarra Glen has 48 active public transport stops operating within its area. These are serviced by a mix of bus routes totalling three individual routes. Combined, these routes provide 626 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as moderate with residents located an average of 537 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 89 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 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 with common health conditions prevalent across younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 51% of the total population (~7,161 people) have private health cover. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.4%) and mental health issues (8.9%). About 64.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.9% in Greater Melbourne. As of 2016, 25.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (3,573 people), higher than the 19.4% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present 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 was found to have a cultural diversity below average, with 85.0% of its population born in Australia, 90.8% being citizens, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Healesville-Yarra Glen, comprising 37.2% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (33.2%), Australian (28.4%), and Irish (9.2%). Notably, Dutch (2.8%) and Scottish (8.9%) are also overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of 3.2% and 8.0%, respectively. Hungarian representation is equal to the regional average at 0.3%.

Healesville - Yarra Glen hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 grew from 7.3% to 9.2%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 11.4% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group decreased from 10.7% to 8.7%, and the 55-64 age group dropped from 14.7% to 13.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate 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 and above will account for 87% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 25-34 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in number.