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 November 2025, the population of the Rutherford statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 14,153. This reflects an increase of 1,062 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,091. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 13,221 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 215 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,050 persons per square kilometer. Rutherford's growth rate of 8.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area (5.7%) and the state average. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, the Rutherford (SA2) is forecasted to experience significant population growth, with an increase of 5,668 persons expected by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 42.5% 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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Rutherford experienced approximately 70 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 351 homes. As of FY26, 50 approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.7 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $335,000. This financial year has seen $1.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of NSW, Rutherford shows substantially reduced construction, with 58.0% fewer approvals per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. New development consists of 46.0% standalone homes and 54.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (87.0%).

Rutherford shows characteristics of a growth area, with around 174 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Rutherford will add 6,017 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Truegain Site Remediation, Max McMahon Oval Amenities Redevelopment, Dalmore Park Employment Hub, and Melville Ford Bridge Replacement (Milton Morris Bridge). 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 drivers in Rutherford are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Rutherford has an employment landscape that balances white-collar and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently featured. Its unemployment rate is 5.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 6,319 employed residents in Rutherford, with an unemployment rate that exceeds Rest of NSW's by 1.4%. The workforce participation rate is similar to Rest of NSW's at 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, mining has a strong presence with an employment share three times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited representation at 0.9%, compared to the regional rate of 5.3%. Over the year ending September 2025, Rutherford's labour force decreased by 2.2% alongside a 2.2% employment decline, keeping unemployment relatively stable. Meanwhile, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data for NSW as of 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.03% with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rutherford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are illustrative extrapolations and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Rutherford's income level is below the national average, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ending June 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers was $50,315 and the average income stood at $63,557, compared to figures for Rest of NSW which were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Using Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates project approximately $54,773 (median) and $69,188 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Rutherford rank modestly, between the 30th and 34th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 36.0% of the community earns within the $1,500 - 2,999 range (5,095 individuals), similar to broader trends across the metropolitan region at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Rutherford, with only 80.8% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

In Rutherford, as per the latest Census evaluation, 87.1% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 12.8% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is comparable to Non-Metro NSW's dwelling structure of 87.1% houses and 13.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rutherford stood at 25.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.4% and rented ones at 36.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,862. The median weekly rent in Rutherford was $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, Rutherford's mortgage repayments and rents were lower than the Australian averages of $1,863 and $375 respectively.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise 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 is 10.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common among residents with higher education qualifications at 7.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.1%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 34.8%. Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.4% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Rutherford has 155 active public transport stops. All of these are bus stops. They are served by 78 different routes.

These routes together provide 1,703 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is excellent. Residents typically live 192 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 243 trips per day across all routes. This means each stop gets about 10 weekly trips.

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 residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of Rutherford's total population (~7,370 people), slightly below Rest of NSW's 54.8%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 11.9% and 10.0% of residents respectively. However, 59.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of NSW. Rutherford has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.4% (2,462 people), compared to 15.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors mirror the general 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, as per the census conducted on Tuesday 9 June 2009, exhibited cultural diversity levels below the average. Its population composition was predominantly Australian citizens, with 91.8%. Born in Australia, this figure stood at 90.9%, and English speakers at home were recorded at 94.5%.

Christianity emerged as the leading religion in Rutherford, with a 56.7% share of its population, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW's 57.0%. Ancestry-wise, Australians topped the list at 32.4%, followed by English (30.8%) and Australian Aboriginal (7.3%). Notable disparities were observed in Welsh (0.6% vs regional 0.6%), Samoan (0.2% vs 0.1%), and Polish (0.7% vs 0.7%) representations.

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 median age of 38. The 25-34 cohort makes up 17.3% of Rutherford's population, higher than the Rest of NSW average, while the 55-64 age group constitutes 8.3%, lower than the Rest of NSW figure. Between January 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.9% to 17.3% of Rutherford's population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 9.3% to 8.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Rutherford's age profile. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 1,302 people (53%), reaching a total of 3,751 individuals.