Rutherglen

Population growth drivers in Rutherglen are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, Rutherglen's estimated population is around 2,816, reflecting an increase of 9.2% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,579. This increase was inferred from AreaSearch validation of new addresses and ABS ERP data release in June 2024, showing a resident population of 2,657 plus additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density is approximately 22 persons per square kilometer. Rutherglen's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (5.9%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed around 55% to overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 adjusted by weighted aggregation method for areas not covered.

By 2041, Rutherglen is forecasted to grow by 821 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 23.5% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Rutherglen had around 18 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 91 homes. As of FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $571,000, targeting the premium market segment.

This financial year, $2.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Rutherglen's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Rutherglen has slightly more development, with 13.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. Building activity has slowed recently, consisting entirely of detached dwellings and preserving the area's low density nature.

With around 239 people per dwelling approval, Rutherglen exhibits a developing market. By 2041, AreaSearch projects Rutherglen to grow by 662 residents, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite potential increased competition among buyers.

Rutherglen has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No significant changes to local infrastructure or major projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area. Key projects include North East Rail Line Upgrade, Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury, Inland Rail - Tottenham To Albury, and Regional Housing Fund (Victoria).

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 Rutherglen are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Rutherglen has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of December 2025, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In December 2025, 1,240 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.6 percentage points higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Rutherglen was lower at 58.8%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. According to Census responses, only 12.2% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents were manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. Manufacturing had an employment share 2.7 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance had limited presence at 11.2% compared to Regional Vic.'s 16.8%.

Over the year ending December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.4%, and employment fell by 5.2%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic.'s employment fell by 0.6% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion in national employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rutherglen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Rutherglen has an income level lower than average on a national basis, according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Rutherglen is $48,683, and the average income stands at $56,395. This compares to figures for Regional Vic., which are $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,699 (median) and $61,048 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Rutherglen rank modestly, between the 20th and 32nd percentiles. The earnings profile shows that the predominant cohort spans 31.7% of locals (892 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 30.3% in the same category. While housing costs are modest, with 88.1% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 26th percentile nationally.

Rutherglen is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Rutherglen, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is compared to Regional Victoria's figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rutherglen stood at 44.8%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 35.7% and rented dwellings making up 19.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Regional Victoria's average of $1,430. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Rutherglen was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Victoria's $285. Nationally, Rutherglen's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Rutherglen features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.4% of all households, including 23.9% couples with children, 30.7% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.6%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households making up 1.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Rutherglen shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area has university qualification rates of 19.3%, significantly lower than the Victorian average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (3.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.0% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 29.3%. Educational participation is high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.0% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates six active transport stops operating within Rutherglen, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by six individual routes, collectively offering 67 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 461 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 93%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 12.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages nine trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately eleven weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Rutherglen are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Rutherglen's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent in Rutherglen compared to averages, with arthritis impacting 10.3% of residents and asthma affecting 9.4%. Only 49% of the population has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. A total of 60.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Rutherglen has 26.9% of residents aged 65 and over, higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

The latest Census data sees Rutherglen placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Rutherglen had a cultural diversity level below average, with 92.5% of its population born in Australia, 93.8% being citizens, and 97.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 53.7% of Rutherglen's population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.5%), Australian (31.1%), and Irish (11.7%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.5%, compared to the regional average of 8.8%. German ancestry also had a higher representation at 4.5% versus the regional average of 3.5%. Macedonian ancestry showed a slight underrepresentation at 0.1%, compared to the regional average of 0.2%.

Rutherglen hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Rutherglen's median age at 47 years is significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 15.2% of the population, which is notably higher than the national figure of 9.5%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 age group comprises 10.3%, slightly smaller than Regional Vic.'s percentage. Between 2021 and now, the 15-24 age group has grown from 9.2% to 11.2%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 9.9% to 11.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.2% to 10.3%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 14.8% to 13.0%. By 2041, Rutherglen's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 50%, increasing from 309 to 465 people. However, the 65-74 cohort is anticipated to decline by 23 people.