Rushcutters Bay

An assessment of population growth drivers in Rushcutters Bay reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the population of Rushcutters Bay is estimated at around 2,566 people. This reflects an increase of 231 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,335 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,565 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional six validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 16,037 persons per square kilometer, placing Rushcutters Bay in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 9.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the state average (7.1%) and that of Greater Sydney, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for this population growth 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, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb's population is forecasted to increase by 958 persons, reflecting a total increase of 37.3% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Rushcutters Bay is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Rushcutters Bay has experienced around 3 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Approximately 18 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY-26.

The population has been declining recently, but development activity has remained adequate relative to this decline, which could be beneficial for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $1,870,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Greater Sydney, Rushcutters Bay shows substantially reduced construction, 73.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Additionally, development activity is also below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of attached dwellings, promoting denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

With around 1660 people per dwelling approval, Rushcutters Bay reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 957 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Rushcutters Bay 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 ten projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones include The Potts Point Hotel Redevelopment (Queensgate), Minerva Theatre Restoration, 45-53 Macleay Street Mixed-Use Development (The Chimes), and MONA. Below is a list of those most 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 Rushcutters Bay remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Rushcutters Bay has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector prominent. Its unemployment rate is 4.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,709 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.7% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is 73.3%, slightly above Greater Sydney's 68.8%. Census responses indicate that 64.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors are professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. Rushcutters Bay specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, but construction shows lower representation at 3.5% versus the regional average of 8.6%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, Rushcutters Bay's labour force increased by 0.1%, while employment declined by 0.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. 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 Rushcutters Bay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified 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

Rushcutters Bay's median taxpayer income was $71,419 and average was $132,415 in financial year 2023, according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This places it among the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $78,789 (median) and $146,080 (average) as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, individual earnings ranked at the 97th percentile nationally ($1,480 weekly), while household income was at the 57th percentile. The largest income segment comprised 31.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (798 residents). High housing costs consumed 21.0% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 51st percentile, with the area's SEIFA income ranking placing it in the 10th decile.

Rushcutters Bay features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Rushcutters Bay's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 0.5% houses and 99.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rushcutters Bay stood at 18.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 16.9% and rented ones at 64.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, surpassing Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Rushcutters Bay was $450, slightly higher than Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Rushcutters Bay's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863, and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Rushcutters Bay features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 31.9% of all households, including 5.9% couples with children, 22.4% couples without children, and 3.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 68.1%, with lone person households at 62.0% and group households comprising 5.9%. The median household size is 1.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Rushcutters Bay's residents aged 15 and above have a notably higher university qualification rate of 65.5%, surpassing Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. This educational advantage is primarily due to bachelor degrees (42.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational pathways account for 20.3%, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 9.5%. Notably, 23.3% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 10.6% in tertiary, 3.7% in primary, and 1.7% in secondary education.

A substantial 23.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 10.6% in tertiary education, 3.7% in primary education, and 1.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

Rushcutters Bay has four operational public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are connected by five different routes that facilitate a total of 2,357 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents' average proximity to the nearest stop being 115 meters. Predominantly residential, Rushcutters Bay sees most commuters traveling outward. Walking is the preferred mode of travel for 30% of residents, while 26% use trains. Vehicle ownership stands at 0.2 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 64.4% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 336 trips per day, equating to roughly 589 weekly trips per individual stop.

Rushcutters Bay's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows exceptional results for Rushcutters Bay based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 79% of the total population (2,027 people) have private health cover, compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.7% and 7.8% of residents respectively. 71.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Rushcutters Bay has 20.3% of residents aged 65 and over (520 people), higher than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Rushcutters Bay was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Rushcutters Bay had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 20.1% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 40.4% born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion in Rushcutters Bay at 33.9%. Judaism, however, was disproportionately represented at 2.4%, compared to 0.8% in Greater Sydney.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.4%), Australian (14.0%), and Other (12.5%). Notably, French (1.8%) Spanish (1.1%) and Hungarian (0.6%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 0.6% and 0.3% respectively.

Rushcutters Bay's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Rushcutters Bay is close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Rushcutters Bay has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (28.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (2.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. According to the 2021 Census, Rushcutters Bay's population has seen changes in certain age groups: the 15 to 24 cohort grew from 4.8% to 6.6%, and the 75 to 84 group increased from 6.0% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group declined from 11.0% to 9.7%. By 2041, Rushcutters Bay's population is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 26%, reaching a total of 922 people from the current figure of 731.