York
WA 6302 • Rest of WA
About York
York is the oldest inland town in Western Australia, situated on the Avon River approximately 96 kilometres east of Perth in the Wheatbelt, on the traditional country of the Ballardong Nyoongar people. The town was established in 1835 and is the seat of the Shire of York, with a population of approximately 2,393 at the 2021 census. York sits at an elevation of 179 metres on the fertile Avon Valley floor, surrounded by vast Wheatbelt grain and sheep farms, and experiences a warm Mediterranean-like climate with dry summers and mild, wet winters. The town is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved collection of 19th-century colonial architecture, rivalling the historic streetscapes of South Australia's heritage towns.
York is a celebrated heritage tourism destination, with its Georgian and Victorian-era buildings attracting visitors from across Western Australia and internationally who come to explore the York Town Hall, Residency Museum, York Motor Museum (housing one of Australia's finest vintage vehicle collections), and the picturesque Avon River precinct. The town hosts vibrant festivals including the York Jazz Festival and York Flying Classic, and its main street is lined with antique shops, galleries, cafes and boutique accommodation. Perth is approximately 96 kilometres to the west — about an hour by car — making York popular as a day trip or weekend escape for city residents seeking heritage culture and rural tranquillity. The combination of affordable property prices, heritage character and Avon Valley scenery draws tree-changers and retirees from the Perth metropolitan area.
York falls under postcode 6302 and is governed by York Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Central Wheatbelt electorate.
Location
Housing 2021 Census
43 state housing + 6 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- TransWA coach 860/870-series — Perth / Northam / Merredin ~1 hr 20 min to Perth
Commute to Perth
🛣️ No passenger rail station in York itself. Northam (34 km north) provides the nearest Prospector train connection to Perth. The TransWA coach is a practical alternative. Daily commuting to Perth is feasible for some residents given the highway drive time.
York's compact historic town centre is well-suited to walking, with the main street, shops, cafes, the Residency Museum and riverside park all easily accessible on foot. Surrounding rural residential areas require a car.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Trews Road
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
2021 Census income breakdown
Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.
Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 206
- 2. New Zealand 73
- 3. Scotland 28
- 4. Netherlands 17
- 5. Germany 15
- 6. South Africa 15
- 7. United States 12
- 8. India 7
- 9. Philippines 7
- 10. Zimbabwe 6
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)