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 3,387 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 33 people (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,354 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,385 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,103 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Rivett's 1.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (0.6%), though growth remains modest. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 52.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, are adopted. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate 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 is anticipated, led by the 55 to 64 age group, which is projected to increase by 101 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Rivett has experienced around 6 dwellings receiving development approval annually, with 30 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 4 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3.6 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $279,000.

When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Rivett has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 23rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established dwellings. This activity is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's 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.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Rivett should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, the Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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, an unemployment rate of 6.0%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,688 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.1% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (65.7% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 13.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. On the other hand, accommodation & food is under-represented, with only 4.7% of Rivett's workforce compared to 6.5% in the Australian Capital Territory. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force increase by 1.2% combined with employment decreasing by 0.5%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 1.6 percentage points. By comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Rivett. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Rivett's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Rivett SA2's median income among taxpayers is $65,151, with an average of $75,857. This is well above average nationally, and compares to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $71,184 (median) and $82,881 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Rivett, between the 78th and 86th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 30.5% of locals (1,033 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. The substantial proportion of high earners (34.2% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the locality. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of 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

Dwelling structure within Rivett, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 86.8% houses and 13.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Rivett was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 32.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.8%) or rented (25.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,140, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $322, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Rivett's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 72.3% of all households, comprising 31.9% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 25.7% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Australian Capital Territory average.

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

Educational attainment in Rivett significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 24.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.6%) and graduate diplomas (6.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 26.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (16.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% of residents aged 15+ 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

Public transport analysis reveals 18 active transport stops operating within Rivett, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 68 individual routes, collectively providing 4,321 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 166 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 8% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. Some 13.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 617 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Rivett residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with the prevalence of common health conditions being quite low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,917 people), compared to 62.4% 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, while 64.9% declared themselves as 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. The area has 20.3% of residents aged 65 and over (687 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank 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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 21.7% of its population born overseas and 14.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Rivett is Christianity, which makes up 42.5% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Hinduism, which comprises 2.2% of the population, compared to 4.8% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Rivett are Australian, comprising 26.5% of the population, English, comprising 25.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Rivett (vs 0.5% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.6%) and Dutch at 1.8% (vs 1.3%).

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

With a median age of 39, Rivett is materially older than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 75 - 84 age group shows strong representation at 9.3% compared to the Australian Capital Territory, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.7%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.4% to 9.3% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 10.5% to 8.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Rivett's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 55 to 64 group will grow by 25% (89 people), reaching 443 from 353. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 53% of projected growth. On the other hand, the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.