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 Rivett, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Rivett's estimated population is around 3,390 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 36 people (1.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,354 people. 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 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,105 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Rivett's 1.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (0.6%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed 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 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to contract 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.

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 around 6 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 30 homes. By FY26, 4 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 3.6 new residents per year for every home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $381,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Rivett shows approximately 75% of construction activity per person, placing it among the 24th percentile nationally. This suggests limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established homes. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining Rivett's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

With around 674 people per approval, Rivett is a mature, established area with population projections indicating stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures benefiting potential buyers.

Rivett has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact the area. Notable projects include Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and Deakin Private Hospital, with the following list outlining those most likely to be relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Rivett remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Rivett has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%.

As of June 2025, 1,721 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation is lower at 63.4%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Health care & social assistance has notably high employment levels, at 1.2 times the regional average.

However, accommodation & food services are under-represented, with only 4.7% of Rivett's workforce compared to 6.5% in the Australian Capital Territory. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 1.7% and labour force grew by 1.6%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 1.9%, labour force expand by 1.6%, and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% growth 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, though these are simple extrapolations 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 ending June 2022 shows median income in Rivett at $62,997 and average income at $74,944. This is higher than the national median of $68,678 and average of $83,634 in the Australian Capital Territory. By September 2025, adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 13.6%, estimated median income would be approximately $71,565 and average income $85,136. Census 2021 data ranks Rivett's household, family, and personal incomes between the 78th and 86th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 30.5% of locals (1,033 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, with a significant 34.2% earning above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of their income. Rivett's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Rivett is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

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 Australian Capital Territory's 81.7% houses and 18.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rivett was at 32.8%, with the rest being mortgaged (41.8%) or rented (25.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Rivett was $2,140, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,251. The median weekly rent figure for Rivett was $322, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $420. Nationally, Rivett's mortgage repayments are higher at $2,140 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are lower at $322 compared to the national figure of $375.

Rivett has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 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 account for 27.7%, with lone person households at 25.7% and group households making up 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.6.

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, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4%. This is evident in the high proportion of bachelor degrees (24.0%), postgraduate qualifications (11.6%), and graduate diplomas (6.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 26.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (16.3%). Educational participation is high, 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%). However, educational facilities seem to be located outside Rivett's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Rivett has 19 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses along two routes, offering a total of 345 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these services is rated excellent, with residents typically residing 166 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 49 daily trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rivett is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Rivett faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 57% (~1,925 people) of Rivett's total population has private health cover, compared to 60.9% across the Australian Capital Territory.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Rivett, impacting 9.3% and 9.1% of residents respectively. A total of 64.9% of Rivett's residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.3% across the Australian Capital Territory. The area has 20.1% (681 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Rivett was found to be 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 is the predominant religion in Rivett, accounting for 42.5% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Rivett compared to the Australian Capital Territory, with 0.1% of Rivett's population identifying as such, compared to 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups in Rivett are Australian (26.5%), English (25.2%), and Irish (10.1%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: French is overrepresented at 0.9% compared to the regional average of 0.7%, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.7%, and Dutch at 1.8% against a regional average of 1.3%.

Rivett's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Rivett's median age is 39, making it older than the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 75-84 age group has a strong representation at 9.3%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.4% to 9.3% of the population. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 10.5% to 8.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Rivett's age structure. The 55-64 group is projected to grow by 31%, reaching 443 people from 339. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.