Rutherford (South) - Telarah

Rutherford (South) - Telarah lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Rutherford South-Telarah's population is 9,497 as of November 2025. This shows an increase of 1,521 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,976. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 9,065 in June 2024 and an additional 603 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 241 persons per square kilometer. Rutherford South-Telarah's growth rate of 19.1% between the 2021 Census and November 2025 exceeds Rest of NSW's 5.7%, indicating significant growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 66.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, the area is forecast to increase its population by 2,200 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 18.6% over the 17-year period.

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

Rutherford (South) - Telarah has received approximately 161 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 807 homes. As of FY26, 86 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2 people move to the area per new home constructed each year between FY21 and FY25, indicating strong demand which supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $230,000, lower than the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $6.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the rest of NSW, Rutherford (South) - Telarah records 61.0% more building activity per person, indicating robust developer interest. New building activity consists of 37.0% detached houses and 63.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift contrasts with the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 89.0% houses. With approximately 54 people per dwelling approval, Rutherford (South) - Telarah exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, the population is forecasted to increase by 1,768 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting further growth beyond current projections.

Population forecasts indicate Rutherford (South) - Telarah will gain 1,768 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Area performance is significantly influenced by local infrastructure changes. AreaSearch has identified 24 potential impact projects, including Truegain Site Remediation, Maitland Mental Health Rehabilitation Project, Max McMahon Oval Amenities Redevelopment, and Dalmore Park Employment Hub. The following list details those likely to have the most relevance.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Rutherford (South) - Telarah faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Rutherford South - Telarah has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 6.1%.

In this period, 4,155 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.3% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of NSW at 61.5%. According to Census data, 13.9% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

The area specializes in mining with an employment share 2.7 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.3%. There are 0.7 workers for each resident, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.1% alongside a 2.2% employment decline, keeping the unemployment rate stable. In contrast, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Rutherford South - Telarah's employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Rutherford (South) - Telarah SA2 is higher than average nationally. The median income is $57,766 and the average income stands at $72,137. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $52,390 and the average income is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Rutherford (South) - Telarah SA2 would be approximately $62,884 median and $78,528 average as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Rutherford (South) - Telarah rank modestly, between the 33rd and 34th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 36.6% of the community earns $1,500 - 2,999, which aligns with metropolitan regions where this cohort also represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Rutherford (South) - Telarah SA2, with only 82.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 31st percentile.

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

Rutherford (South) - Telarah's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rutherford (South) - Telarah stood at 26.2%, with the rest either mortgaged (39.4%) or rented (34.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,647, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was recorded at $330, equal to Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, Rutherford (South) - Telarah's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Rutherford (South) - Telarah has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.8% of all households, including 26.8% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 16.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Rutherford (South) - Telarah faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (35.3%). Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.0% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Rutherford (South) - Telarah has 99 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 69 individual routes that collectively facilitate 829 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 207 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential region, most residents commute outward using private vehicles, which remain the dominant mode of transportation at 94%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 13.9% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

The average service frequency across all routes is 118 trips per day, resulting in approximately 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rutherford (South) - Telarah is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Rutherford South - Telarah faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but to a considerably higher degree among older cohorts.

Private health cover is found to be fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population, around 5,213 people, compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 13.4% and 10.8% of residents respectively, while 59.5% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 14.4% of residents aged 65 and over, around 1,367 people, which is lower than the 23.0% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Rutherford South-Telarah had a cultural diversity level below average, with 91.7% of its population being Australian citizens, 92.5% born in Australia, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 53.8% of people, compared to 55.9% across the Rest of NSW. The top ancestry groups were Australian (31.4%), English (30.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.1%).

Notable differences in ethnic group representation included Samoan at 0.2%, Polish at 0.7%, and Maltese at 0.4%.

Rutherford (South) - Telarah hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

The median age in Rutherford (South) - Telarah is 33 years, which is considerably lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years, and substantially under the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 19.0% locally, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 17.0% to 19.0% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 11.0% to 9.2%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 13.1% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Rutherford (South) - Telarah, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 31% (554 people), reaching 2,356 from 1,801. Meanwhile, both the 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.