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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Ruse is around 5,678, reflecting an increase of 46 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of approximately 0.8%. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of the ABS's ERP data release from June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date, is 5,671. This results in a population density ratio of 2,183 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average observed across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for Ruse.

For future projections, AreaSearch is adopting 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 from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 182 persons to reach a total population of around 5,860 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 4.5% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates virtually no dwelling approvals in Ruse recently. Specifically, an estimated 4 homes were approved between FY21 and FY25, with 1 more approved in FY26.

This results in an average of 13.8 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built during these years, indicating high demand outstripping new supply. Consequently, this typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $310,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options. Compared to Greater Sydney, Ruse has significantly lower building activity, further reinforcing demand and pricing for existing homes. However, development activity has risen recently, though it remains below the national average, implying established nature and potential planning limitations in the area. Recent developments have been exclusively detached houses, maintaining Ruse's suburban identity with a focus on family homes. With approximately 5734 people per dwelling approval, Ruse reflects a highly mature market.

Ruse has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

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

Ruse features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, and there has been an estimated 5.8% employment growth over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 2,997 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.1% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation stands at 57.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries of employment among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particularly notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 3.6% versus the regional average of 11.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 5.8% alongside labour force increasing by 5.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This compares to Greater Sydney where employment grew by 2.6%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Ruse's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data shows Ruse had a median taxpayer income of $53,783 and an average of $61,691 in financial year 2022. These figures are below the national averages of $56,994 and $80,856 for Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since FY2022, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $60,565 and $69,470 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Ruse rank modestly between the 40th and 52nd percentiles. Income distribution shows 37.7% (2,140 individuals) fall within the $1,500-$2,999 range, similar to regional levels at 30.9%. 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), contrasting with 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 average of $2,100. The median weekly rent in Ruse was recorded at $410, compared to Sydney metro's $380. Nationally, Ruse's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 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%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 28.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education. Ruse Public School serves the area, enrolling 475 students as of a recent date. The school focuses on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited (8.4 places per 100 residents vs 17.1 regionally), leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

The transport analysis indicates that as of March 2023, there are 28 active transport stops operating within Ruse. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 11 individual routes in operation. Collectively, these routes provide 359 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport is rated excellent, with residents typically located 177 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 51 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 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 approximately 51% of the total population (~2,915 people), slightly lagging that of the average SA2 area.

This compares to 49.3% across Greater Sydney. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.8 and 9.1% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 65.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.3% across Greater Sydney. The area has 19.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,090 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 above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ruse's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 23.4% of its population born overseas and 18.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Ruse as of 20XX, comprising 59.7% of people. However, Islam was overrepresented, making up 6.7%, which is substantially lower than Greater Sydney's average of 12.5%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian was the top group at 26.8%, higher than the regional average of 20.0%. English followed at 24.1%, also higher than the regional average of 18.1%. Other ancestry groups made up 11.9%, notably lower than the regional average of 21.6%. Samoan, Lebanese, and Hungarian ethnic groups showed notable divergences in representation: Samoan was overrepresented at 1.6% (vs 2.4%), Lebanese was similar at 1.9%, and Hungarian was slightly higher at 0.4% compared to the regional averages.

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, similar to the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Ruse has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (12.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.6%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the age group 75 to 84 has grown from 4.2% to 5.6% of Ruse's population. Conversely, the age group 55 to 64 has declined from 10.7% to 9.7%. By the year 2041, Ruse is expected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The demographic shift will be led by the 85+ age group, which is projected to grow by 144%, reaching 194 people from a previous count of 79. Meanwhile, both the age groups 5-14 and 65-74 are expected to see reduced numbers.