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 was approximately 4,193 people as per the 2021 Census. By May 2026, it had increased to around 4,210, reflecting a rise of 17 people (0.4%). This growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures for June 2025 and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio was 2.6 persons per square kilometer. Rushworth's growth of 0.4% exceeded its SA3 area's decline of 2.1%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 75.2% of overall population gains in 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projected population growth for the area is above Australia's regional median, with an expected expansion of 698 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 16.6% over the 16-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. As of FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.2 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating healthy demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $407,000, 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 Rest of Vic., 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. This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. 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. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Rushworth is forecasted to gain 698 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 30thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified four projects impacting the area: Goulburn Valley Highway Safety Upgrades, Shepparton Line Upgrade, Axedale Solar Farm, and Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade.

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 3.1%, 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 December 2025, the unemployment rate was 3.1%. In Rushworth, 1,905 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.6% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Rushworth was 54.8%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, 19.9% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors included 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 Regional 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 December 2024 and November 2025, Rushworth's labour force decreased by 5.0% and employment decreased by 5.7%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested that national employment would expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Rushworth's employment mix indicated local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.5% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Rushworth SA2 was $44,998 and average income was $53,186. This is lower than national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) in Regional Vic. Assuming a 9.62% growth from financial year 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes for Rushworth would be approximately $49,327 (median) and $58,302 (average). Census 2021 data shows income in Rushworth falls between the 5th and 8th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 29.2% of Rushworth residents earn between $400-$799 compared to Regional Vic's leading bracket of $1,500-$2,999 at 30.3%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 90.2% income retention, total disposable income in Rushworth ranks at the 11th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Rushworth, as per the latest Census, consists of 96.3% houses and 3.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rushworth stands at 53.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (32.3%) or rented (14.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,023, below Regional Vic.'s average. The median weekly rent figure is $200, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Rushworth's mortgage repayments are lower at $1,023 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially lower at $200 compared to 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 comprise the remaining 35.9%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households making up 2.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which 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'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% 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 operational public transport stops. These are served by 5 distinct routes, offering a total of 39 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents located an average of 472 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outside Rushworth, primarily using cars (89%). Walking accounts for 9% of commutes. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 19.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 5 trips per day, resulting in 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 according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Only approximately 46% of Rushworth's total population (~1,949 people) have private health cover, compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.0%) and mental health issues (9.6%), while 58.7% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Rushworth's working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over (27.7%, or 1,167 people) than Regional Vic. (23.9%). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 citizens and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Born in Australia was 89.6%. Christianity dominated Rushworth at 52.9%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 47.3%.

Ancestry wise, Australian (33.0%), English (31.1%) and Irish (10.5%) were the top groups. Scottish (8.9% vs regional 8.8%), Dutch (1.6% vs 1.7%) and Macedonian (0.3% vs 0.2%) showed notable differences in representation.

Rushworth ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Rushworth is 52 years, significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and well above the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented in Rushworth at 17.5%, compared to Regional Vic.'s average, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 8.6%. This concentration of the 55-64 cohort is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.3% to 9.6% of Rushworth's population, while the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 13.2% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Rushworth. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 40%, adding 172 residents to reach 604, while the number of people in the 55 to 64 age range is expected to fall by 25%.