Ruse

Ruse is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Ruse statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 5,735 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 103 people (1.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,632 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 5,701, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 2,205 persons per square kilometer, which was above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 utilised 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 were also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of Australian statistical areas was anticipated, with the Ruse (SA2) expected to grow by 180 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 3.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Ruse, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Ruse has seen approximately 2 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 14 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. This results in an average of 3.9 new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting demand outpaces supply, which may drive price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new dwellings is $310,000, aligning with regional trends.

In this financial year, $14,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Ruse has significantly reduced construction levels, at 93.0% below the regional average per person, which may strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. This is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% medium to high-density housing, offering a mix of opportunities across price brackets. This shift from the area's current housing composition (97.0% houses) may indicate decreasing availability of developable sites and reflect changing lifestyles. The location has approximately 11469 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market.

AreaSearch projects Ruse to add 199 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Ruse has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that may affect this region: Campbelltown Sport and Health Centre of Excellence, Smiths Creek Reserve Trail Improvements, Airds-Bradbury Renewal Project, and Appin (Part) Precinct - Future Appin Communities. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Ruse has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Ruse has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate is 4.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.7% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025, there are 2,998 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation is lower at 57.3% versus Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Transport, postal & warehousing shows notable concentration with levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have lower representation at 3.6%, compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Local employment opportunities appear limited as indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 5.7% alongside labour force growth of 5.7%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1%, with unemployment rising slightly to 4.4%. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National unemployment stands at 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Ruse's employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Ruse's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Ruse is $53,783 and the average income stands at $61,691. This compares to figures for Greater Sydney of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $58,548 (median) and $67,157 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Ruse, between the 40th and 52nd percentiles. Income distribution shows that the predominant cohort spans 37.7% of locals (2,162 people) with incomes in the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 16.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 53rd percentile.

Ruse is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Ruse's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.0% houses and 3.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 78.5% houses and 21.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ruse stood at 34.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.2% and rented ones at 19.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Sydney metro's $2,100. Median weekly rent in Ruse was $410, higher than Sydney metro's $380. Nationally, Ruse's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were above the national figure of $375.

Ruse features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 80.2% of all households, including 36.9% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.8%, with lone person households at 18.0% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.9.

Educational outcomes in Ruse fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 15.0%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (28.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% 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

Transport analysis indicates 30 operational public transport stops in Ruse, consisting solely of bus services. These stops are served by 11 distinct routes, offering a total of 392 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 177 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 56 daily trips across all routes, resulting in approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Ruse faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,944 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.8 and 9.1% of residents respectively. A total of 65.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.3% across Greater Sydney. As of June 2021, 19.2% of Ruse's residents are aged 65 and over (1,101 people), which is higher than the 14.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Ruse was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ruse's cultural diversity is above average, with 23.4% of its population born overseas and 18.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Ruse, comprising 59.7% of the population. Islam is present but underrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's average: it makes up 6.7% of Ruse's population versus 12.5%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian is the largest group at 26.8%, higher than the regional average of 20.0%. English follows with 24.1%, also above the regional average of 18.1%. The Other ancestry category comprises 11.9%, lower than the regional average of 21.6%. Notable differences exist in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Samoan is overrepresented at 1.6% compared to the regional average of 2.4%, Lebanese remains similar at 1.9%, and Hungarian is slightly higher at 0.4% versus 0.3%.

Ruse's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Ruse is close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Ruse has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (12.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.6%). From the 2021 Census until now, the age group 75 to 84 has grown from 4.2% to 5.6%. Conversely, the age group 55 to 64 has declined from 10.7% to 9.7%. By the year 2041, Ruse's population is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The demographic shift will be led by the 85+ age group, which is projected to grow by 142%, reaching 194 people from 80. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.