🔍

Yea

VIC 3717 • Rest of VIC

1,789
Population (2021)
$30,160
Median Income
177.28 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricQuietCommuter BeltRetiree-Haven

About Yea

Yea is a small rural town located approximately 90 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, nestled in the Yea River valley within the Murrindindi Shire. With a population of 1,789, the town serves as a regional service centre and a gateway to Victoria's High Country, sitting at an elevation of 344 metres above sea level. The community skews older, with a median age of 56, and household incomes are modest at around $1,046 per week, reflecting a mix of retirees, local workers, and farming families. Yea has seen steady population growth from 1,587 in 2016, indicating growing appeal as a tree-change destination.

Yea's compact town centre along High Street offers cafes, bakeries, hotels, and essential retail services, with a relaxed country atmosphere that attracts visitors en route to the High Country and alpine resorts. The Yea River and surrounding bushland provide scenic walking and cycling opportunities, and the area is popular with weekend escapees from Melbourne. V/Line train and coach services connect Yea to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station, making it one of the more accessible rural towns in the region. The town's strong sense of community, historic buildings, and surrounding agricultural landscape make it an unhurried and genuinely welcoming place to call home.

Yea falls under postcode 3717 and is governed by Murrindindi Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Eildon (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3717
Urban Area
Strathbogie - Mansfield - Murimbindi
LGA / Council
Murrindindi
Federal Electorate
Indi
State Electorate
Eildon (Northern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.28°, 145.41°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
177.28 km²
Elevation
344m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Yea
0.5 km
6 min

Bus Services

  • V/Line Coach — Melbourne (Southern Cross Station) 90-105 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
90 km
By Train
V/Line train/coach approximately 90-105 min to Southern Cross Station
By Car (Peak)
90-110 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
75-90 min

🛣️ Located on the Hume Highway corridor; V/Line services available though infrequent

Walkability Car-Dependent

The compact town centre is walkable for basic errands, but a car is needed for most shopping and services outside the main street

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,408
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
56 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1%

8 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,587
Census 2021
1,789
▲ 12.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$26,572
Income 2021
$30,160
▲ 13.5% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,448
Born Overseas 184

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 67
  • 2. New Zealand 23
  • 3. Netherlands 12
  • 4. Italy 8
  • 5. Germany 7
  • 6. South Africa 7
  • 7. Scotland 6
  • 8. Greece 5
  • 9. Malaysia 5
  • 10. United States 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 835
Australian 690
Scottish 252
Irish 251
German 65
Dutch 38
Italian 36
Australian Aboriginal 32
Chinese 22
Filipino 11

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,215
Both parents born in Australia
258
Both parents born overseas
181
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
46.3%
Christianity
43.2%
Buddhism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
63 (3.5%)
5-14 years
180 (10.1%)
15-19 years
74 (4.1%)
20-24 years
71 (4.0%)
25-34 years
121 (6.8%)
35-44 years
157 (8.8%)
45-54 years
204 (11.4%)
55-64 years
323 (18.1%)
65-74 years
317 (17.7%)
75-84 years
221 (12.4%)
85+ years
68 (3.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yea known for? +

Yea is known as a gateway town to Victoria's High Country, sitting on the Hume Highway corridor between Melbourne and the alpine resorts. The town is popular with travellers and tree-changers, offering a relaxed country lifestyle, historic streetscapes, and access to the scenic Yea River valley.

How far is Yea from Melbourne CBD? +

Yea is approximately 90 kilometres north-east of the Melbourne CBD, around a 75-90 minute drive off-peak or 90-110 minutes during peak hour via the Hume Highway and Melba Highway.

Does Yea have public transport? +

Yea has a V/Line train and coach service connecting it to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station, with the journey taking approximately 90-105 minutes. Services are limited in frequency, and a car remains the most convenient way to get around the wider region.

What is the population of Yea? +

According to the 2021 Census, Yea has a population of 1,789 residents, up from 1,587 in 2016. The median age is 56, reflecting a relatively older community of retirees and long-term rural residents.

Is Yea a good place to live? +

Yea is well-suited to those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle within reasonable reach of Melbourne, particularly retirees, tree-changers, and those who work remotely or can commute a few days per week. The town offers essential services and a strong community atmosphere, though amenity options are more limited than larger regional centres.

What is the postcode for Yea? +

The postcode for Yea, VIC is 3717.