Yea

Yea lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Yea's population was around 4,368 as of May 2026, reflecting an increase of 186 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 4.4% change from the previous figure of 4,182 people. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses between June 2025 and the Census date. Yea's population density was 3.0 persons per square kilometer at this time. The area's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (2.9%) and the Rest of Vic., indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79.6% of overall population gains 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 utilises 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, Yea is projected to have a population of around 6,448 people, reflecting a gain of 47.2% over the 16-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Yea among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Yea has averaged approximately 34 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling 171 homes. As of FY-26, 22 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 has resulted in an increase of 2.6 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $358,000.

In FY-26, $1.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Yea's development activity per person is comparable, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. All new constructions since FY-21 have been standalone homes, preserving Yea's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 173 people per dwelling approval, Yea exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Yea is forecasted to gain approximately 2,060 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Yea has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that may impact this region: Donnybrook-Woodstock Precinct Structure Plan, Seymour Community Wellbeing Hub, Haven Seymour, and Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury. The following details those likely to be most relevant.

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The labour market performance in Yea lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Yea's workforce comprises skilled individuals, with the construction sector being particularly prominent. The unemployment rate in Yea is 5.2%. As of December 2025, there are 2,050 residents employed, and the unemployment rate stands at 1.5% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Yea is lower, at 56.3%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, 23.7% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, construction, and health care & social assistance. Yea has a notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 11.3% of Yea's workforce compared to Regional Vic.'s 16.8%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force decreased by 3.4%, while employment declined by 4.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Yea's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The Yea SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $45,344 and an average of $55,955 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, unlike Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. By March 2026, estimates based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $49,706 (median) and $61,338 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Yea fall between the 14th and 16th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort in Yea spans 27.7% of locals (1,209 people) with earnings between $1,500 - 2,999 per year, similar to metropolitan regions where 30.3% fall within this range. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.2% income retention, total disposable income ranks at the 19th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

The latest Census showed that in Yea, 98.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 1.9% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yea was at 53.0%, with mortgaged properties making up 33.2% and rented dwellings accounting for 13.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure for Yea was $300, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Yea's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Yea features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.5% of all households, including 20.2% couples with children, 35.8% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 19.6%, significantly lower than the Victorian average of 33.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (30.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Yea indicates there are ten active transport stops currently operating. These stops are serviced by two distinct routes, collectively offering thirty-two weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as limited, with residents typically residing 702 meters from the nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 91%, while 6% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 23.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Yea are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Yea's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population, around 2,074 people, compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5%.

Nationally, it stands at 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.5%) and mental health issues (8.7%). Around 61% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Yea has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.2%, or 1,362 people, compared to Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Yea has a cultural diversity index below the average, with 84.7% being citizens, 87.6% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 46.8%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.5%), Australian (29.3%), and Scottish (10.5%). Irish (10.4%) and New Zealand (0.8%) are notably overrepresented, while Dutch (1.4%) is slightly underrepresented compared to regional averages.

Yea ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Yea has a median age of 53, which is considerably higher than Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional Vic., Yea has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (18.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.3%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 17.1% to 18.2% of Yea's population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 18.7% to 16.7%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 9.8% to 8.3%. Looking ahead to the year 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Yea's age structure. Notably, the 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 63%, reaching 891 people from its current figure of 547.