Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn

Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn's population is around 20,522 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,792 people (15.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,730 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,284 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1,304 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 150 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn's 15.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.9%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 68.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 9,220 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 38.9% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn has experienced around 333 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with 1,665 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 233 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.3 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $289,000, in line with regional trends. There have also been $658,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn shows moderately higher new home approvals (48.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. This activity is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 66.0% standalone homes and 34.0% townhouses or apartments, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 90.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 43 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn will gain 7,981 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 42 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Truegain Site Remediation, Max McMahon Oval Amenities Redevelopment, Melville Ford Bridge Replacement (Milton Morris Bridge), and Dalmore Park Employment Hub, 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.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.5%. As of December 2025, 9,092 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and mining. The area shows particularly strong specialization in mining, with an employment share of 4.1 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 1.5% employment compared to 5.3% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.6% while employment declined by 0.6%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn. 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 Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn SA2's income level is higher than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn SA2's median income among taxpayers is $58,237 and the average income stands at $74,140, compared to figures for Regional NSW of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $63,397 (median) and $80,709 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn cluster around the 50th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 36.3% of the community (7,449 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 29.9% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.7% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 55th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.7% houses and 10.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn lagged that of Regional NSW, at 26.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.0%) or rented (31.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional NSW average at $1,869, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 77.9% of all households, comprising 36.4% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.1%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.4%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (34.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.3% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 198 active transport stops operating within Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 92 individual routes, collectively providing 2,139 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 180 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 17.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 305 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~11,512 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.6 and 9.3% of residents, respectively, while 64.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,053 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.4% of its population born in Australia, 92.6% being citizens, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn is Christianity, which makes up 59.2% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn are Australian, comprising 33.3% of the population, English, comprising 30.6% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.5% of Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn (vs 4.6% regionally), Polish at 0.8% (vs 0.5%) and Welsh at 0.6% (vs 0.5%).

Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn's population is younger than the national pattern

At 35 years, Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn's median age is significantly below the Regional NSW average of 43 as well as somewhat younger than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (15.6% locally), while 65 - 74 year-olds are under-represented (7.8%). Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.3% to 15.6% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.0% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 8.9% to 7.8% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 15.7% to 14.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Rutherford (North) - Aberglasslyn's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 48%, adding 1,547 residents to reach 4,751.