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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026, Rivett's estimated population is around 3,436. This reflects an increase of 82 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,354. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,431 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional five validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,134 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Rivett's growth rate 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 suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Considering these projections, over this period, Rivett's population is expected to decline by 84 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 55 to 64 age group, which is projected to increase by 98 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Rivett shows approximately 6 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 30 homes. As of FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 3.6 new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpaces supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers.

The average construction value of new properties is $381,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Comparatively, Rivett shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person when measured against the Australian Capital Territory. It places among the 24th percentile of areas assessed nationally, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. This level is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent development in Rivett has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 673 people per approval, Rivett shows a mature, established area. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers.

Rivett has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No local infrastructure changes or major projects have been identified by AreaSearch that will affect this area. Key projects in other areas include Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition (2015-2025), Fetherston Weston redevelopment (commenced 2018), Canberra Hospital Master Plan (announced July 2017), and Deakin Private Hospital upgrade (planned for late 2023).

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.

Rivett shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Rivett has an educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 6.0%. Employment stability has been relative over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 1,688 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lags at 64.4%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. A moderate 13.8% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading employment industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Health care & social assistance is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. Accommodation & food services are under-represented at 4.7% of Rivett's workforce compared to 6.5% in the Australian Capital Territory. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period, labour force increased by 1.2% while employment declined by 0.5%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.6 percentage points. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 0.9% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Rivett. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

The median taxpayer income in Rivett is $62,997, with an average of $74,944 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Nationally, the median income was $72,206 and the average was $85,981 in the same period. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $69,574 (median) and $82,768 (average), based on a 10.44% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. In Rivett, household, family, and personal incomes ranked highly nationally, between the 78th and 86th percentiles according to Census 2021 data. The predominant income cohort in Rivett is 30.5% (1,047 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, reflecting regional patterns where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. Notably, 34.2% of residents earn over $3,000 per week, indicating affluence that supports premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of their income, demonstrating 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

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 is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rivett stood at 32.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.8% and rented ones at 25.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,140, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Rivett was $322, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Rivett's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,140 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $322 compared to 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.

Rivett demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Rivett, 41.7% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4%. This high level of educational attainment indicates strong potential for knowledge-based opportunities in the area. Bachelor degrees are the most common, held by 24.0% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.6%, and graduate diplomas at 6.1%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 26.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 10.6%, while certificates make up 16.3% of these vocational qualifications. Educational participation is notably high in Rivett, 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 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 68 different routes, offering a total of 4,321 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 166 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode of transport, used by 88% of residents, while 8% use buses. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

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

Health outcomes in Rivett are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Rivett's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population, around 1,951 people, compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions, impacting 9.3 and 9.1% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 64.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.0% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 687 people, which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 found to be above average, with 21.7% of its population born overseas and 14.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Rivett as of 2021, comprising 42.5% of people residing there. However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation in Rivett compared to the Australian Capital Territory, with 0.1% versus 0.2%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups were Australian (26.5%), English (25.2%), and Irish (10.1%). Notably, French, Welsh, and Dutch ethnicities were overrepresented in Rivett compared to regional averages: French at 0.9% versus 0.5%, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.6%, and Dutch at 1.8% versus 1.3%.

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 38 years. The age group of 75-84 shows strong representation at 9.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory figure, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.0%. From 2021 to present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.4% to 9.2%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.7% to 15.8%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 10.5% to 8.5%, and the 0-4 group dropped from 7.2% to 5.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Rivett's age structure. The 55-64 group is expected to grow by 24%, reaching 419 people from 336. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 53% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 45-54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.