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 was approximately 3,387 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 33 people (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,354 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,385 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 2,103 persons per square kilometer, which was above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Rivett's 1.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (0.5%), though growth remained modest. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 52.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, with 2022 as a base, were adopted. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, projections indicated a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 43 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts was anticipated, led by the 55 to 64 age group, which was 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 has experienced approximately six dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 30 homes were approved, with an additional four approved in FY26 so far.

On average, about 3.6 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years. This high demand significantly exceeds new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new properties is around $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 somewhat limited buyer options while 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 entirely comprised of 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. Given the expected stable or declining population, Rivett should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

Rivett has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this 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 detailing 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 analysis reveals Rivett recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Rivett's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of September 2025. Employment grew by an estimated 0.7% over the past year.

As of that date, 1,700 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 4.2%, which is 1.6 percentage points higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Rivett was 65.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, 13.8% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Rivett had a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. However, accommodation & food services was under-represented, with only 4.7% of Rivett's workforce compared to 6.5% in the Australian Capital Territory. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 0.7% while labour force increased by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasted with the Australian Capital Territory, where employment grew by 1.4%, labour force expanded by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Rivett. These projections estimated national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Rivett's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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 2023 indicates that Rivett SA2 has an income well above the national average. The median income is $65,151 and the average income stands at $75,857. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory's figures show a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $71,184 and the average income would be around $82,881 by September 2025. Census 2021 data reveals that Rivett's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 78th and 86th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 30.5% of individuals in Rivett earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, reflecting a pattern seen in the broader area where 34.3% fall within this range. Economic strength is evident with 34.2% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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

In Rivett, as per the latest Census data, 86.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 13.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's distribution of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rivett stood at 32.8%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 41.8% and rented dwellings making up 25.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,140, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Rivett was $322, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of $450. Nationally, Rivett's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,140 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $322 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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, which aligns 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, educational attainment is notably high, with 41.7% of residents aged 15 and above possessing university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This figure indicates a significant educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees are the most common type of university qualification held by residents at 24.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.6%) and graduate diplomas (6.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 26.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (16.3%). Educational participation is particularly high in Rivett, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (11.4%), secondary education (6.8%), and tertiary education (5.0%).

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

Rivett has 18 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 68 routes, offering a total of 4,321 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically living 166 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 88%, while bus usage stands at 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. Service frequency averages 617 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 240 weekly trips per individual stop.

Rivett's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Rivett's health data shows positive outcomes relative to national benchmarks. Mortality rates and health conditions are broadly comparable with national averages, but common health conditions are less prevalent among Rivett's general population while being higher among older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is high in Rivett, with approximately 57% of the total population (~1,917 people), compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.3 and 9.1% of residents respectively. About 64.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. Rivett has 20.1% of its population aged 65 and over (680 people), which is higher than the 14.1% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than 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 population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 21.7% born overseas and 14.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Rivett, accounting for 42.5% of its population. Hinduism, however, was more prevalent in Rivett at 2.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 4.8%.

The top three ancestral groups were Australian (26.5%), English (25.2%), and Irish (10.1%). Notable differences included overrepresentation of French (0.9% vs regional 0.5%), Welsh (0.8% vs 0.6%), and Dutch (1.8% vs 1.3%) ethnic groups in Rivett.

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

Rivett's median age is 39, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and comparable to Australia's median age of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 9.3% of Rivett's population, a significant representation compared to the Australian Capital Territory figure. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up only 12.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.4% to 9.3%, while the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 10.5% to 8.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial shifts in Rivett's age structure. Notably, the 55-64 group is expected to grow by 30%, reaching 443 people from its current figure of 339. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above contributing to 51% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.