Rivett

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Rivett's population is around 3436 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 82 people, or approximately 2.4%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3354 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3431 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional five validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2134 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Rivett's growth of 2.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 1.9%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 56.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, using 2022 as a base, are adopted. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decrease by 84 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 55 to 64 age group, which is projected to increase by 95 people.

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

Rivett has received approximately six dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around thirty homes were approved, with four more approved in FY26 so far.

On average, 3.6 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years. This high demand exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value of new properties is $279,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Rivett has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, it ranks in the 23rd percentile of areas assessed, indicating limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established dwellings. This activity is below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development in Rivett has been exclusively detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 800 people per dwelling approval, Rivett reflects a highly mature market. The population is expected to remain stable or decline, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

Rivett has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact the area. Notable projects include Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital, with the following list specifying those most likely to be relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Rivett faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Rivett has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 6.0%. Over the past year, it maintained relative employment stability.

As of December 2025, 1,688 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 5.9%, which is 2.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Rivett lags behind the ACT at 64.8% compared to 70.5%. According to Census responses, 13.8% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Health care & social assistance is particularly strong with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level, while accommodation & food services is under-represented at 4.7% compared to the ACT's 6.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in May 2025, Rivett's labour force increased by 1.2%, but employment decreased by 0.5%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.6 percentage points. In comparison, the ACT recorded employment growth of 0.9% and a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rivett's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Rivett SA2's median income among taxpayers is $65,151, with an average of $75,857. This is above the national average and compares to Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $71,953 (median) and $83,776 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Rivett rank highly nationally, between the 78th and 86th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the predominant cohort spans 30.5% of locals (1,047 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999 per week, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. A substantial proportion of high earners, 34.2%, have incomes above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout the locality. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Rivett is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Rivett, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.8% houses and 13.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rivett was at 32.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.8% and rented ones at 25.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Rivett was $2,140, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure for Rivett was recorded at $322, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's $450 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Rivett's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

Rivett has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households compose 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 constitute the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 25.7% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning with the Australian Capital Territory average.

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

In Rivett, residents aged 15 and above exhibit a notable educational advantage with 41.7% holding university qualifications, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. This is driven by Bachelor degrees held by 24.0%, postgraduate qualifications by 11.6%, and graduate diplomas by 6.1%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 26.9% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (16.3%). Educational participation is high, with 29.7% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.4% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, and 5.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Rivett has 18 operational public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by 68 unique routes, facilitating a total of 4,321 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated highly, with residents typically residing 166 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, Rivett sees most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the prevalent mode of transport at 88%, while buses account for 8%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 617 trips daily, equating to approximately 240 weekly trips per individual stop.

Rivett's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Rivett's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among Rivett's general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Approximately 57% (~1944 people) of Rivett's total population has private health cover, compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Rivett, affecting 9.3% and 9.1% of residents respectively. 64.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Rivett has 19.8% (681 people) of its residents aged 65 and over, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors in Rivett present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Rivett was found to be slightly 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 dominant religion in Rivett, comprising 42.5% of people. Hinduism showed notable overrepresentation at 2.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (26.5%), English (25.2%), and Irish (10.1%). Some ethnic groups had notable divergences: French was overrepresented at 0.9% in Rivett versus 0.5% regionally, Welsh at 0.8% compared to 0.6%, and Dutch at 1.8% against the regional average of 1.3%.

Rivett's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Rivett has a median age of 39, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35 and comparable to Australia's median age of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 9.2% of Rivett's population, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figure, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.4% to 9.2%, and the 35-44 cohort has risen from 14.7% to 15.8%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 10.5% to 8.4%, and the 0-4 group has dropped from 7.2% to 5.9%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Rivett's age structure. The 55-64 group is expected to grow by 24% (80 people), reaching 416 from 335. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 54% of the population growth, while the 45-54 and 0-4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.