Yarra Valley
Statistical Area - sa2

Yarra Valley is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Yarra Valley's population is around 17,151 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 352 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,799 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,059 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 103 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 23 persons per square kilometer. Yarra Valley's growth rate of 2.1% since census positions it within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.3%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 64.6% 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 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Examining future trends, lower quartile growth is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 219 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, recording a gain of 0.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Yarra Valley averaged approximately 39 new dwelling approvals annually between FY-21 and FY-25. Over this period, 199 homes were approved, with an additional 14 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, around 0.5 new residents arrived per new home constructed each year during these five financial years.

This pace of construction has matched or exceeded demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections. The average expected construction cost value of new properties was $307,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $16.9 million, indicating balanced commercial development activity in the area. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Yarra Valley had around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person as of recent data.

Nationally, it ranked at approximately the 26th percentile for areas assessed, suggesting more limited housing choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This lower level of activity reflects market maturity and potential development constraints. New building activity in Yarra Valley comprised 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population density, based on dwelling approvals, was approximately 644 people per dwelling. Looking ahead, Yarra Valley is projected to grow by 127 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Yarra Valley has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Six projects identified by AreaSearch could impact the area significantly. These include Healesville Sanctuary Precinct Redevelopment (Stage 2), Graceburn Gardens Estate, Maroondah Highway & Don Road Interchange Upgrade, and The Memo Healesville Redevelopment. Details below focus on those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Yarra Valley has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Yarra Valley's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector stands out with a significant representation, an unemployment rate of 5.2%, and estimated employment growth of 2.0% over the past year.

As of June 2025, there are 8,554 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is 1.2 percentage points higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Yarra Valley lags behind Greater Melbourne at 58.6% compared to 64.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Notably, construction is strongly specialized with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 4.4% of Yarra Valley's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0%, while the labour force grew by 0.8%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with an increase in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Yarra Valley's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Yarra Valley's median income among taxpayers is $47,576, with an average of $57,366. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median of $54,892 and an average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,361 (median) and $64,342 (average). Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Yarra Valley rank modestly, between the 25th and 32nd percentiles. Income distribution shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.7% of the community (5,779 individuals), similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 31st percentile.

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

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Yarra Valley as 95.6% houses and 4.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yarra Valley was 37.6%, with the remainder being mortgaged (50.0%) or rented (12.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,690, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,950. Median weekly rent in Yarra Valley was $315, compared to Melbourne metro's $380. Nationally, Yarra Valley's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 70.9% of all households, including 30.0% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

Yarra Valley shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 16.5%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 32.2%. Educational participation is high at 28.2%, including 10.5% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

The area has 18 schools serving 2,105 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 984) and balanced educational opportunities. It includes 11 primary, 5 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents are 12.3, below the regional average of 15.5, indicating some students may attend adjacent areas' schools. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, refer to their parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 79 active transport stops in Yarra Valley, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two routes, together offering 266 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 705 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 38 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Yarra Valley faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population, which consists of around 8,283 people. This compares to a rate of 52.4% in Greater Melbourne, and the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.3% and 9.6% of residents respectively. A total of 64.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.9% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 21.2% of residents aged 65 and over, which consists of around 3,630 people, a figure higher than the 19.4% in Greater Melbourne.

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

Yarra Valley's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.0% of its population being Australian citizens and 86.6% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 96.5%. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 34.1% of Yarra Valley's population.

Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, with 0.1% versus 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.2%), Australian (30.9%), and Irish (8.6%). Notably, Dutch (3.1%) and Scottish (8.2%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 3.2% and 8.0%, respectively. German ancestry was also slightly overrepresented at 3.8% versus the regional average of 3.6%.

Yarra Valley hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Yarra Valley is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 12.3% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise 10.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.4% to 7.0%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 14.3% to 12.7% and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 12.4% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 75 to 84 age cohort will increase by 467 people (39%), rising from 1,202 to 1,670. Notably, those aged 65 and above will account for 95% of total population growth. Conversely, the 25 to 34 and 35 to 44 age groups are projected to experience population declines.