Rushworth

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Rushworth's population is around 4,243 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 50 people (1.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,193 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,210 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2.6 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Rushworth has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.3% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 52.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilizes the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, above-median population growth for Australia's regional areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 744 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 16.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Rushworth has recorded around 10 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling 53 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.2 people moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $407,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $10.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Rushworth has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 44th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 366 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Rushworth will gain 711 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Rushworth has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 4 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Goulburn Valley Highway Safety Upgrades, Shepparton Line Upgrade, Axedale Solar Farm, and Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.1%, Rushworth has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Rushworth features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of only 3.1%. As of December 2025, 1,905 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.6% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation lags significantly (55.1% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 19.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.5 times the regional level. In contrast, construction employs just 6.2% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s 10.4%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 5.0% combined with employment decreasing by 5.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Rushworth. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Rushworth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Rushworth SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $44,998 while the average income stands at $53,186. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s figures of a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,710 (median) and $57,574 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Rushworth all fall between the 5th and 8th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 29.2% of the community (1,238 individuals), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. While housing costs are modest with 90.2% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Rushworth, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.3% houses and 3.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Rushworth was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 53.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.3%) or rented (14.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $1,023, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Rushworth's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 64.1% of all households, comprising 19.4% couples with children, 34.3% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.9%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.8%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (30.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% 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 reveals 13 active transport stops operating within Rushworth. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 39 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 472 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 19.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 5 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rushworth is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Rushworth, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,964 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.0 and 9.6% of residents, respectively, while 58.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 26.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,119 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Rushworth was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.7% of its population being citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Rushworth is Christianity, which makes up 52.9% of the people. This compares to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Rushworth are Australian, comprising 33.0% of the population, English, comprising 31.1% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 8.9% of Rushworth (vs 8.8% regionally), Dutch at 1.6% (vs 1.7%) and Macedonian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

Rushworth ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

At 51 years, Rushworth's median age is significantly above the Regional Vic. average of 43 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (17.4% locally), while 35 - 44 year-olds are under-represented (8.9%). This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 9.3% to 11.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.6% and the 75 to 84 group dropped from 9.4% to 8.1%. By 2041, Rushworth is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 40% (190 people), reaching 670 from 479. Meanwhile, numbers in the 55 to 64 age range are expected to fall by 27.