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 per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 4,243 by February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 50 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,193 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,210 in June 2024 and an additional 29 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a density ratio of 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% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population projections indicate an above-median growth for Australia's regional areas. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 744 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 16.8% 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 each year over the past five financial years, totalling 53 homes. As of FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. The average number of people moving to the area per new home constructed over this period is 2.2, indicating healthy demand which may support property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $407,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY-26, $10.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to other areas. Rushworth has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person compared to the rest of Victoria, placing it among the 44th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. This is below average nationally and reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining Rushworth's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 366 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Rushworth is forecasted to gain 711 residents by 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 28thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely affecting this region: Goulburn Valley Highway Safety Upgrades, Shepparton Line Upgrade, Axedale Solar Farm, and Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade. Details about these relevant 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 sector representation. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate was 3.4%. Of the residents, 1,880 were employed, which was 0.4% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Rushworth was at 54.5%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 19.9% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Rushworth had a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction employed only 6.2% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 10.4%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Rushworth's labour force decreased by 10.3%, while employment decreased by 11.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%, with a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected that national employment would expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rushworth's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized 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 financial year 2023 shows median income in Rushworth SA2 is $44,998 and average income is $53,186. These figures are lower than national averages. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s median income is $50,954 and average income is $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Rushworth SA2 as of September 2025 are approximately $48,710 (median) and $57,574 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that Rushworth's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 5th and 8th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 29.2% of Rushworth residents earn between $400 - $799 annually, compared to the region where 30.3% earn between $1,500 - $2,999 annually. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 90.2% income retention, total disposable income in Rushworth 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 3.8% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rushworth stood at 53.3%, with mortgaged properties making up 32.3% and rented dwellings comprising 14.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,023, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,863. Weekly rent in Rushworth was recorded at $200, significantly below Non-Metro Vic.'s figure of $285 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 64.1% of all households, including 19.4% that are couples with children, 34.3% that are couples without children, and 9.5% that are 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 is 2.2 people, which is 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 common at 9.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (30.8%). Educational participation is high, with 26.2% currently enrolled in formal education: 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. These are served by 5 routes offering a total of 39 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents living an average of 472 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward and primarily use cars (89%). Walking accounts for 9% of journeys. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, above the regional norm.

In 2021 Census data, 19.9% of residents worked from home, which 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

Rushworth faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 1,964 people), compared to 50.5% in the rest of Victoria and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 13.0% and 9.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in the rest of Victoria. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with higher chronic condition rates. Rushworth has a larger proportion of seniors, with 26.4% of its population aged 65 and over (1,119 people), compared to 23.9% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even higher than those of the general population nationally.

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

Rushworth's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.7% of its population being citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Rushworth, comprising 52.9% of the population, compared to 47.3% across the rest of Victoria. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.0%), English (31.1%), and Irish (10.5%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was slightly overrepresented in Rushworth at 8.9%, compared to 8.8% regionally, Dutch at 1.6% versus 1.7%, and Macedonian at 0.3% versus 0.2%.

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 17.4%, while the 35 - 44 age group is under-represented at 8.9%. This concentration of the 55 - 64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 9.3% to 11.3%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.6% and the 75 to 84 group has dropped from 9.4% to 8.1%. By 2041, Rushworth is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 40%, reaching 670 people from the current 479. Meanwhile, numbers in the 55 to 64 age range are expected to fall by 27%.