Yarra Valley

The population is older than the national figure, and the number of seniors has risen by 5.9 points since 2011. De facto relationships are much more common here than in most similar areas, while the proportion of children under 15 has fallen slightly since 2011.

This community has a very strong Australian and English heritage, with 80% of people born in Australia. Consequently, the proportion of overseas-born residents is far below the state and national figures.

English is the primary language for nearly 90% of the population. The share of people using another language at home is far below the national figure and has remained steady since 2011.

A large majority of residents report having no religion, a figure that is far above the national average and has risen by 21 points since 2011.

The area has many schools, but fewer residents hold higher qualifications compared to most areas. Year 12 completion is far below the state average, though it has risen by 8.6 points since 2011.

Typical incomes are a little below the national figure across family, household, and personal measures. However, the share of households earning $3,000 or more a week has risen significantly since 2011.

Residents experience higher rates of long-term health conditions and mental health issues than most areas. About 6.3% of people need help with daily activities, which is slightly above the state average.

Unpaid care is common here, with much higher rates of people doing housework and providing unpaid care than in most similar areas. Volunteer rates are around the middle for its level but have fallen since 2011.

First Nations people in the area are a little younger and have a lower typical personal income than those in the state. However, Year 12 completion among this group is far above the national figure.

Most homes are occupied by couples with children, and typical household sizes are about the same as the national figure. About 26.7% of people live alone.

Housing is dominated by large separate houses, with 80.1% having three or more bedrooms. Renting is far less common here than across the state, and more people own their homes outright than in most areas.

The area is heavily car-dependent, with very few people commuting by public transport and most homes owning multiple vehicles. The drive time to the city is much higher than in most areas.

The community is relatively stable, as the share of people who moved in the last five years is far below the national average. Recent arrivals from overseas are also among the lowest for similar areas.

Working or looking for work is less common here than in the state, and full-time employment is also lower. Construction is the most common industry, while technicians and trades are the most common occupations.

The area has a fair amount of businesses but an overall advantage score that is lower than about 67% of similar areas. Population growth since 2021 has been much lower than the state average.

The climate is characterized by high rainfall and cool temperatures, with annual rainfall far above the Victorian average and maximum temperatures among the lowest for its level.

Walkability is very low, with a score that shows the area is mostly car-dependent. Most homes are far from health services and groceries, and the terrain is steeper than in most of the state.