🔍

Ruffy

VIC 3666 • Victoria

164
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
118.73 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteBushlandAgriculturalHistoric
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About Ruffy

Ruffy is a small rural locality in north-central Victoria, straddling the border of the Shire of Strathbogie and the Shire of Murrindindi, approximately 175 kilometres north of the state capital, Melbourne. With a population of 164 spread across a large area of around 119 square kilometres, the locality is defined by rolling hills, grazing country, and bushland in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. Ruffy holds a notable place in Australian military history as the childhood home of Leslie Cecil Maygar, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during the Second Boer War.

Life in Ruffy is deeply rural, with a small and close-knit community that has traditionally centred around the community hall and the local landscape of farms and bushland. The locality experienced a significant setback in January 2026 when a bushfire caused widespread damage, destroying the community centre, the historic old school building, the telephone exchange, and other structures. The nearest towns of Yea and Mansfield — each roughly 35 to 45 kilometres away — provide access to schools, supermarkets, medical services, and other essentials. Ruffy appeals to those seeking large rural landholdings, peace and quiet, and a genuine bush lifestyle well removed from suburban life.

Ruffy falls under postcode 3666 and is governed by the Strathbogie Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Nicholls, while state elections fall under the Euroa (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3666
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Strathbogie
Federal Electorate
Nicholls
State Electorate
Euroa (Northern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.79°, 145.57°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
118.73 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3666

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3666, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$39,359
Median 2023–24
$48,303
▲ 22.7% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$58,495

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3666; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — Car required for all travel N/A

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
175 km
By Train
Drive to Yea Station (~35km), then V/Line to Southern Cross (~1 hr 30 min); total approx. 2 hrs
By Car (Peak)
2 hrs – 2 hrs 30 min via Hume Freeway or Melba Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 50 min – 2 hrs 10 min

🛣️ Hume Freeway via Yea is the main route; Melba Highway via Yea is an alternative; Yea is the nearest service town

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Ruffy is a dispersed rural locality with no shops or services; residents drive to Yea or Mansfield for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
164
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Strathbogie Local Government Area, which contains Ruffy. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
236.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
193.9 / 100k
2yr Up 87.1% 10yr Up 82.6%
Non-FV assault
143.3 / 100k
2yr Down 21.0% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
379.4 / 100k
2yr Up 51.5% 10yr Up 63.7%
View all offence subgroups for Strathbogie →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ruffy known for? +

Ruffy is known as the childhood home of Leslie Cecil Maygar, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during the Second Boer War. The locality is also known for its scenic rolling hills, grazing farmland, and peaceful rural character in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. In January 2026, Ruffy was significantly impacted by a bushfire that destroyed the community centre and other historic structures.

How far is Ruffy from Melbourne? +

Ruffy is approximately 175 kilometres north of Melbourne, typically a 2 to 2.5 hour drive via the Hume Freeway and Yea or through the Melba Highway.

Does Ruffy have public transport? +

There is no public bus service to Ruffy and no rail connection. The nearest V/Line train station is at Yea, approximately 35 kilometres to the south-west, with services to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station. A car is essential for living in Ruffy.

What is the population of Ruffy? +

According to the 2021 Census, Ruffy has a population of approximately 164 residents across a large rural area of around 119 square kilometres, reflecting its sparsely settled farming character.

Is Ruffy a good place to live? +

Ruffy suits those seeking a quiet, semi-remote rural lifestyle in beautiful Victorian countryside. It is ideal for hobby farmers, lifestyle block owners, and those who appreciate wide open spaces and a small community atmosphere, while being mindful of the distance to services and the risk of bushfire.

What is the postcode for Ruffy? +

The postcode for Ruffy is 3666, which it shares with Strathbogie and surrounding rural localities in north-central Victoria.

Is Ruffy a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Ruffy is part of the Strathbogie LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.