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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of Rivett is around 3,387. This reflects an increase of 33 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,354. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,385, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population 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 growth rate of 1.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 0.6%. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 43 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 101 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 for Rivett shows approximately 6 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 30 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of around 3.6 new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $381,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Rivett shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and places among the 24th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining Rivett's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 674 people per approval, Rivett shows a mature, established area.

Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers in the future.

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

No infrastructure changes were identified in this area by AreaSearch. No major projects or planning initiatives are expected to impact the region. Key projects previously considered include Molonglo Group Centre's transition to a town centre (Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition), Fetherston Weston, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital.

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

Rivett has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of September 2025. Over the past year, there was estimated employment growth of 0.7%.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of that date, 1,700 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.6% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Rivett lagged at 65.7%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, 13.8% of residents worked from home.

Employment was concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Notably, health care & social assistance employment levels were at 1.2 times the regional average. However, accommodation & food services had a lower representation with only 4.7% of Rivett's workforce compared to 6.5% in the Australian Capital Territory. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.7% while labour force grew by 1.2%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 1.4%, labour force expand by 1.2%, and a fall in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 shows Rivett's median income is $62,997 and average income is $74,944. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Rivett would be approximately $68,831 (median) and $81,884 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data ranks Rivett's household, family, and personal incomes highly nationally, between the 78th and 86th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 30.5% of locals (1,033 people) earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 34.3% occupy this range. Notably, 34.2% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of income, indicating strong purchasing power, and Rivett'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 compares 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 in Rivett was $322, lower than the Australian Capital Territory figure of $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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 25.7% and group households making up 1.9%. The median household size of 2.5 people is in line 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

Rivett's educational attainment exceeds national averages significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 41.7% have university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4%. This educational advantage is evident in various degrees: bachelor degrees at 24.0%, postgraduate qualifications at 11.6%, and graduate diplomas at 6.1%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 26.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (16.3%).

Educational participation is notably 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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 68 different routes that together facilitate 4,321 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 166 meters from the nearest transport stop. Rivett is predominantly residential, and most residents commute outward using their cars (88%), with a smaller percentage (8%) opting for buses. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, 13.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by 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 1,923 people, compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.3% and 9.1% of residents respectively. Approximately 64.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.3% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 687 people, which is higher than the 14.3% in 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 has above average cultural diversity, with 21.7% of its population born overseas and 14.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Rivett, comprising 42.5% of people. Judaism, however, is overrepresented compared to regional averages, making up 0.1% of Rivett's population versus 0.2% across Australian Capital Territory.

The top three ancestry groups in Rivett are Australian at 26.5%, English at 25.2%, and Irish at 10.1%. Notably, French is overrepresented at 0.9% compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.6%, and Dutch at 1.8% against a regional average of 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 median age of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 9.3% of Rivett's population, a strong representation compared to the Australian Capital Territory. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.7%, which is less prevalent than in the Australian Capital Territory. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.4% to 9.3%. During this period, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 10.5% to 8.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Rivett's age structure. The 55-64 group is expected to grow by 26%, increasing from 352 to 443 people. This growth is led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 52% of projected growth. Conversely, the 45-54 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.