Yarra Ranges

The population has grown by 8% since 2011 to over 156,000 people. While the typical resident is 40, there are more children under 15 than in most similar areas, and the number of seniors has risen by 5.2 percentage points since 2011.

English and Australian ancestries are the most common, and 16.8% of people were born overseas. This is higher than most similar areas, though far below the Victorian and national figures.

English is the main language for 88.3% of residents. While 8% use another language at home, which is more common than in similar areas, this is still far below the national average.

A majority of residents—53.9%—report having no religion, which is among the highest rates for its level and 15 percentage points above the national figure. This figure has risen by 20 points since 2011.

The area is well-qualified, with 21.4% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Year 12 completion has also risen significantly since 2011 to reach 54.9%, which is much higher than most similar areas.

Weekly family incomes are typically $2,203, which is much higher than most similar areas. The proportion of households earning over $3,000 a week has seen a sharp increase of 15 percentage points since 2011.

Mental health conditions are reported by 10.3% of residents, which is much higher than most similar areas. Long-term health conditions are also more common here than in the rest of the state.

Unpaid care is common, with 14.7% of people providing care—among the highest for its level. This includes 30.4% who care for children, a rate well above the national average.

First Nations residents have a much lower unemployment rate (6.4%) and higher typical personal incomes compared to most similar areas. Year 12 completion for this group is also well above the national figure.

Families here tend to be larger, with 2.7 people per home, which is much higher than most similar areas. Consequently, far fewer people live alone here compared to the state and national averages.

The area is dominated by separate houses, which make up 93.7% of dwellings. Homes are typically large, with 84.7% having three or more bedrooms, far above the national figure of 73.8%.

Cars are essential here, as only 2.9% of homes have no motor vehicle. This is reflected in the commute, where 55.3% drive to work, though 22.5% now work from home.

The community is relatively stable, with 30.8% of people moving in the last five years, which is well below the national average. Recent overseas arrivals have also fallen slightly since 2011.

A high proportion of the population—65.2%—are working or looking for work, which is well above the national figure. Construction and health care are the most common industries.

Yarra Ranges is a high-advantage area, ranking in the top 10% for overall advantage and access to resources. It also has a very high number of businesses compared to similar areas.

The climate is wet and cool, with an average annual rainfall of 1,390mm, which is far above the Victorian average. Maximum temperatures are also lower than the state typical.

The area is very safe, with recorded offences per 100,000 people being among the lowest at this level. Rates of assault, burglary, and motor vehicle theft are all much lower than most similar areas.

Walkability is low, with only 56.9% of homes within a 15-minute walk of basic amenities. This is far below the state average and is influenced by a steeper average terrain slope.