Rivett
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Rivett reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Rivett's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 3,387 people. This represents an increase of 33 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,354 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,385 in June 2024 and an additional four validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,103 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Rivett's growth rate of 1.0% since the 2021 census surpassed the SA3 area's growth rate of 0.5%, although growth remains modest. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are used, also based on 2022. Looking ahead, population projections indicate an overall decline in Rivett's population over time. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to decrease by 43 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, with the 55 to 64 age group projected to increase by 101 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Rivett according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Rivett receives approximately 8 dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data from the ABS shows 44 dwellings approved over the past five financial years, from FY20 to FY25, with an additional 1 in FY26. Each dwelling attracts around 3.6 new residents annually on average during these years.

This demand outstrips supply, driving price growth and increased competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $381,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Rivett has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it in the 24th percentile nationally. This suggests limited buyer options but strong demand for established dwellings.

Recent development consists solely of detached dwellings, preserving Rivett's suburban character and appealing to families seeking space. With around 800 people moving per dwelling approval, Rivett reflects a mature market. Stable or declining population is expected, potentially reducing housing pressure and presenting buying opportunities.

Rivett has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects likely to impact this area. Key projects include Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Rivett recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Rivett's workforce is highly educated with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7% over the past year.

There were 1,721 residents in work at this time, while the unemployment rate was 1.2% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation lagged behind ACT's rate at 63.4%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Rivett had a particular specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food services were under-represented at 4.7% compared to ACT's 6.5%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data analysis. In the 12 months leading up to June 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This contrasted with ACT where employment grew by 1.9% and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 showed ACT employment contracted by 0.33% (losing 1,480 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, compared to a national unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rivett's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Rivett's median income at $62,997 and average income at $74,944. This is above national averages of a median income of $68,678 and an average income of $83,634 in the Australian Capital Territory. By March 2025, estimates project Rivett's median income to be approximately $69,788 and average income at $83,023, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data ranks Rivett's incomes highly nationally, between the 79th and 86th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The earnings profile indicates that 30.5% of Rivett residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 (1,033 individuals), similar to the broader area's pattern at 34.3%. High weekly earnings exceeding $3,000 are achieved by 34.2% of households, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. Rivett's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Rivett is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Rivett, as per the latest Census evaluation, 86.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 13.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 81.7% houses and 18.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rivett stood at 32.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.8% and rented ones at 25.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,140, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,251. The median weekly rent in Rivett was $322, below the Australian Capital Territory figure of $420. Nationally, Rivett's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,140 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were lower at $322 against the national figure of $375.

Rivett has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 72.3% of all households, including 31.9% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for 27.7%, with lone person households at 25.7% and group households making up 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Rivett exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

In Rivett, educational attainment exceeds national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 41.7% possess university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 24.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.6%) and graduate diplomas (6.1%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 26.9% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 16.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, and 5.0% in tertiary education. However, educational facilities seem to be located outside Rivett's immediate boundaries, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring areas.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Rivett has 19 active public transport stops. All these stops serve buses. There are 2 routes in total, offering 345 weekly passenger trips combined.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 166 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 49 daily trips across all routes, which translates to about 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rivett is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Rivett faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,933 people), compared to 60.9% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.3 and 9.1% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 64.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.3% across the Australian Capital Territory. As of 2021, 20.1% of Rivett's residents are aged 65 and over (680 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Rivett was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Rivett's cultural diversity was above average, with 21.7% of its population born overseas and 14.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Rivett, comprising 42.5%. Hinduism, however, was slightly overrepresented compared to Australian Capital Territory figures, making up 2.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (26.5%), English (25.2%), and Irish (10.1%). Notably, French (0.9% vs regional 0.7%), Welsh (0.8% vs regional 0.7%), and Dutch (1.8% vs regional 1.3%) were overrepresented in Rivett.

Rivett's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Rivett's median age in 2021 was 39 years, making it older than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 years and comparable to Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 75-84 years had a strong representation at 9.3%, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's figure, while the 25-34 cohort was less prevalent at 12.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.4% to 9.3% of Rivett's population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group has decreased from 10.5% to 8.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Rivett's age structure. The 55 to 64 age group is expected to grow by 30%, reaching 443 people from the current 339. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 51% of the projected population growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.