Rutherford

Rutherford lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Rutherford's population is estimated at around 13,855, reflecting an increase of 764 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for the suburb in Jun 2024 was 13,107, with 215 new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density of 1,028 persons per square kilometer. Rutherford's growth rate of 5.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area average of 5.1%. Interstate migration was the primary driver for this growth, accounting for approximately 68.0% of overall population gains. AreaSearch projections, based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, forecast a significant population increase in Rutherford by 2041, with an expected rise of 5,662 persons and a total increase of 45.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is utilising 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 are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of locations outside of capital cities is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 5,662 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting with an increase of 45.5% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Rutherford was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Rutherford shows approximately 63 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, totalling an estimated 319 homes. In FY26 so far, there have been 34 recorded approvals. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built during this period is around 6.3 people. This significant demand exceeding supply typically leads to price growth and heightened buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $334,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. Commercial development activity in Rutherford has been minimal this financial year, with approximately $1.6 million in approvals. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Rutherford records notably lower building activity, at 62.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, although building activity has increased in recent years. Recent construction in Rutherford comprises approximately 47.0% detached houses and 53.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift from the current housing pattern of 87.0% houses suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

With around 174 people per dwelling approval, Rutherford is classified as a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Rutherford is projected to add approximately 6,309 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.

Rutherford 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 12 projects likely to affect this region. Notable ones are Truegain Site Remediation, Max McMahon Oval Amenities Redevelopment, Dalmore Park Employment Hub, and Melville Ford Bridge Replacement (Milton Morris Bridge). The following list outlines 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 drivers in Rutherford are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Rutherford has a balanced workforce consisting of both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 5.4% as aggregated from statistical area data by AreaSearch.

As of June 2025, 6,175 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.8% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Rutherford is similar to Rest of NSW at 56.4%. The leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Rutherford has a particular specialization in mining, with an employment share 3.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 0.9% of employment compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.1%, and employment fell by 4.9% in Rutherford, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 provide insight into potential future demand within Rutherford. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Rutherford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Rutherford's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $50,313. The average income stood at $63,555 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of NSW's median and average incomes of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Rutherford would be approximately $56,657 (median) and $71,569 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Rutherford rank modestly, between the 30th and 34th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 36.0% of Rutherford's population (4,987 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Rutherford, with only 80.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 30th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Rutherford, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.1% houses and 12.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is similar to Non-Metro NSW's composition of 87.1% houses and 13.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rutherford was at 25.6%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (38.4%) or rented (36.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Rutherford was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,862. The median weekly rent figure in Rutherford was $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, Rutherford's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also less at $360 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 71.2% of all households, including 28.9% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.7.

Rutherford faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate stands at 10.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 7.5% of residents holding such qualifications, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 43.5% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (34.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.4% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education. Rutherford's three schools have a combined enrollment of 2,701 students as of the latest data available. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions with an ICSEA value of 950, indicating balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Rutherford has 141 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 80 different routes that together facilitate 1,787 weekly passenger trips. The average distance residents live from the nearest stop is 192 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 255 daily trips across all routes, equating to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rutherford is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Rutherford faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups.

Its private health cover rate stands at approximately 52%, higher than the average SA2 area (~7,215 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Rutherford, impacting 11.9% and 10.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of NSW. Rutherford has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (17.4%, or 2,410 people) than Rest of NSW (15.4%). The health outcomes among seniors in Rutherford generally align with the overall population's health profile.

Rutherford is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Rutherford's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with a population composition as follows: citizens made up 91.8%, those born in Australia were 90.9%, and English speakers at home were 94.5%. Christianity was the predominant religion in Rutherford, accounting for 56.7% of its population, compared to 57.0% across the Rest of NSW. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (32.4%), English (30.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.3%).

Notable differences existed in the representation of certain ethnicities: Welsh were overrepresented at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 0.6%, Samoan representation was higher at 0.2% versus 0.1%, and Polish representation matched the regional average of 0.7%.

Rutherford's population is younger than the national pattern

Rutherford has a median age of 34, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, Rutherford has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort (17.3% locally) and an under-representation of the 55-64 age group (8.3%). Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.9% to 17.3% of Rutherford's population, while the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 9.3% to 8.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Rutherford's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 1,353 people (56%), reaching a total of 3,750 from the current figure of 2,396.