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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of Rutherford is around 14,181, reflecting an increase of 1,090 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was reported as 13,091. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 13,221 following examination of the ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of an additional 216 new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 1,052 persons per square kilometer. Rutherford's population growth of 8.3% since the 2021 Census exceeded the Rest of NSW at 5.9%. This growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing about 68.0% of overall gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase its population by 5,682 persons, reflecting a total increase of 42.4% over the 17-year period.

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 shows Rutherford experienced around 70 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 351 homes. As of FY-26, 50 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 was 5.7 people. This significant demand outstripping new supply typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition, with new properties constructed at an average expected cost of $335,000.

In FY-26, there have been $1.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of NSW, Rutherford has substantially reduced construction activity, which is 58.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. The current development mix consists of 46.0% standalone homes and 54.0% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living and affordability options for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift reflects the reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands. Rutherford has a population growth characteristic, with around 174 people per dwelling approval.

Future projections estimate Rutherford will add 6,011 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with 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

Twelve infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable 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 likely to be 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 a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently represented. The unemployment rate is 5.3%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, 6,311 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate stands at 1.4% above Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Rutherford is 64.0%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, only 12.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Rutherford specializes in mining, with an employment share 3.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.9% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, alongside a 2.2% employment decline, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and a rise in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion 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 simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers is $50,315 and the average income stands at $63,557. Comparatively, Rest of NSW's median and average incomes are $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,773 (median) and $69,188 (average). 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 between $1,500 and $2,999 (5,105 individuals), consistent with broader metropolitan trends at 29.9%. 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

Rutherford's housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.1% houses and 12.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rutherford was at 25.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.4% and rented ones at 36.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent was $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Rutherford's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Rutherford has a typical household mix, with a higher-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 make up 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 larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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 the most common at 7.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (34.8%). Educational participation is high at 29.7%, with 11.4% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing 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 which are bus stops. These stops are served by 78 different routes that together facilitate 1,703 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 192 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most people commute outwards. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 243 trips per day, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 52% (~7,385 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. 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 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Rutherford has 17.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,481 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligned with the broader population.

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

Rutherford's population showed low diversity, with 91.8% being citizens, 90.9% born in Australia, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 56.7%, slightly higher than the 55.9% regional average. Ancestry-wise, Australian (32.4%), English (30.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.3%) were the top groups.

Notably, Welsh (0.6% vs 0.5%), Samoan (0.2% vs 0.1%), and Polish (0.7% vs 0.5%) ethnicities had higher representations than the regional averages.

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. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, Rutherford has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort (17.5% locally) and an under-representation of the 55-64 age group (8.2%). Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.9% to 17.5% of Rutherford's population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 9.3% to 8.2%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 14.4% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Rutherford's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 1,268 people (51%), reaching a total of 3,750 from the current 2,481.