Rushworth

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

Rushworth's population as of November 2025 is approximately 4,247, showing an increase of 54 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4,193. This increase is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 4,210 in June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density ratio is 2.6 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Rushworth has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 0.3%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 52.8% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future projections indicate an above median population growth for Australia's regional areas, with Rushworth expected to expand by 744 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 16.6% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Rushworth has recorded approximately 10 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling 53 homes. So far in FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.2 people have moved to the area per new home constructed annually between FY21 and FY25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $407,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year, $10.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to other areas in Victoria, Rushworth has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 44th percentile nationally, indicating limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. 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 population density is 366 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment.

According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Rushworth's population is forecasted to grow by 707 residents through to 2041. 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 24thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to impact the region: Goulburn Valley Highway Safety Upgrades, Shepparton Line Upgrade, Axedale Solar Farm, and Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade. Details about these key projects are provided below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Rushworth has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Rushworth's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with diverse industry representation. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate is 3.4%.

In comparison to Rest of Vic., Rushworth's unemployment rate is 0.4% lower at 3.8%, but workforce participation lags at 49.7% versus Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 3.5 times the regional average, while construction is lower at 6.2% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 10.4%. Between June 2024 and July 2025, Rushworth's labour force decreased by 10.3%, employment fell by 11.8%, leading to a 1.6 percentage point rise in unemployment rate.

Statewide, VIC added 41,950 jobs between November 2024 and November 2025, growing employment by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rushworth's job mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.0% in five years and 11.5% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Rushworth SA2 has lower median and average incomes compared to national averages. The median income is $42,189, while the average stands at $52,095. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s median income is $48,741 with an average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Rushworth's median and average incomes are approximately $47,319 and $58,430 respectively by September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Rushworth fall between the 5th and 8th percentiles nationally. The $400 - $799 earnings band captures 29.2% of Rushworth's community (1,240 individuals), unlike the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. Housing costs are modest with 90.2% of income retained, but 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

In Rushworth, as per the latest Census evaluation, 96.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro Vic., where 90.3% were houses and 9.6% were other dwelling types. The home ownership rate in Rushworth was 53.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.3% and rented ones at 14.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Rushworth was $1,023, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average. Weekly rent in Rushworth was recorded at $200, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $250. Nationally, Rushworth's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 64.1% of all households, including 19.4% couples with children, 34.3% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.9%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 9.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are common, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (30.8%). Educational participation is high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.3% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

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

Rushworth has 13 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 13 different routes that together offer 59 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents typically living 472 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 8 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Rushworth faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 46%, covering around 1,962 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.0% of residents) and mental health issues (9.6%). Conversely, 58.7% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic.'s 62.2%. Rushworth has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.9%, or 1,143 people, compared to the Rest of Vic.'s 25.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Rushworth are better than those of 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's population showed low cultural diversity, with 86.7% being Australian citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 52.9% of Rushworth's population, slightly lower than the regional average of 53.0%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.0%), English (31.1%), and Irish (10.5%).

Some ethnic groups had higher representation in Rushworth compared to the region: Scottish at 8.9% versus 8.4%, Dutch at 1.6% versus 1.1%, and Macedonian at 0.3% versus 0.1%.

Rushworth ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Rushworth's median age is 51 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic average of 43 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Vic average, Rushworth has a notably over-represented 55-64 cohort at 17.6% locally, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 8.4%. This 55-64 concentration is well above the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group grew from 9.3% to 10.8%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.3% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 13.2% to 11.9%. By 2041, Rushworth's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 46%, adding 212 people and reaching 670 from the current 457. Meanwhile, numbers in the 55 to 64 age range are expected to fall by 33%.