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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Rushworth has an estimated 4,210 residents. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to research from AreaSearch, the population of Rushworth stands at approximately 4,210 as of Aug 2026, representing a rise of 17 people (0.4%) compared to the 4,193 people recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment stems from an ABS estimated resident population figure of 4,210 as of June 2025 alongside 37 validated new addresses identified following the Census date. With a density of 2.6 persons per square kilometer, the locality offers considerable space per inhabitant. Although overall expansion has been subdued, Rushworth's 0.4% increase since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area (-2.1%).
The primary catalyst for local demographic expansion has been interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 75.2% of all recent population additions. SA2 geographic projections published in 2024 (benchmarked against 2022) by the ABS and Geoscience Australia are utilized by AreaSearch, supplemented where necessary by 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections converted to the SA2 level through weighted growth aggregation. In addition, projected cohort growth rates derived from these aggregations are applied to all localities for the years 2032 to 2041. Future demographic projections suggest growth exceeding the median for national non-metropolitan areas, with the population anticipated to rise by 683 persons to 2041 relative to current annual ERP figures, translating to an overall expansion of 16.2% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
53 new dwellings have been approved in Rushworth over the past five years, an average of 10 a year. That is 2.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential planning approvals in Rushworth have averaged approximately 10 new homes annually, totaling 53 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26). With an average addition of 1.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), housing supply aligns closely with local demand to support a balanced market. The expected construction cost of newly approved dwellings averages $488,000, which sits higher than regional benchmarks and points to premium residential builds. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $10.0 million this financial year, reflecting moderate commercial activity.
Per capita building activity in Rushworth represents roughly 67% of the level observed across Rest of Vic., placing the locality in the 33rd percentile nationally. This restrained pace of building limits purchasing choices for new builds while reinforcing demand across the established residential market. Relative to national figures, this lower volume underscores the established character of the area alongside possible planning constraints. Newly approved construction has consisted exclusively of detached houses, preserving the low-density neighborhood fabric and catering to buyers seeking family-oriented living. The ratio of approximately 454 people per residential approval highlights a subdued, low-volume development setting. Projections indicate that Rushworth will add 683 residents through to 2041 based on the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should the prevailing pace of construction persist, the delivery of new dwellings may trail behind population growth, potentially heightening competition for available stock and placing upward pressure on property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Rushworth
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Rushworth, worth an estimated $240 million. A further 75 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $6.52 billion. 25 are already under construction and 24 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Major infrastructure developments, planning frameworks, and capital projects exert a decisive impact on local performance. In total, AreaSearch has identified 4 projects anticipated to influence the region, highlighted by the 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.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Axedale Solar Farm
A 160 MW solar PV and 100 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) project located on private land within the Greater Bendigo and Campaspe Shire LGA. The project has achieved a planning permit and will soon commence construction, generating clean energy for up to 30 years and reducing emissions by 200,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Silkwater Plains Estate
Master-planned residential estate on the southern edge of Tatura comprising 175 residential lots. Stage 1 is titled with homes under construction and occupied, Stage 2 is progressing with titles expected during 2026, and Stage 3 has been released for sale. The estate provides lots ranging from approximately 490 to over 2,000 square metres and is located close to Tatura town centre and Shepparton.
Tatura Water Treatment Plant Works
Expansion of the Tatura Water Treatment Plant to increase capacity from 12 megalitres per day to 18 megalitres per day. The $8 million upgrade included construction of a new Dissolved Air Flotation and Filtration (DAFF) plant, a new control building, chemical dosing and storage facility, raw water pump station, and associated infrastructure. The project was delivered by Laurie Curran Water Ltd and commissioned in early June 2020, ensuring future water supply capacity for the growing town of Tatura and its major industrial customers.
Little Kindy Tatura
A 92-place childcare centre providing early learning programs for children aged 0-5 years. The architecturally designed facility features modern classrooms, office space, kitchen, bathrooms, and two outdoor play areas. The centre is now approved and open, offering family-oriented childcare services with play-based, child-led learning programs guided by the National Early Years Learning Framework. Located opposite Sacred Heart Tatura Primary School and close to Tatura residential areas.
Tatura IGA Renovation
A major renovation and expansion of the Tatura IGA supermarket. The project included the creation of a brand new state-of-the-art supermarket and specialty shops, significantly increasing the store's size and product range, and adding a drive-through bottle shop.
Northlinks Estate Tatura
Northlinks Estate is a staged master-planned residential community integrated alongside the Hill Top Golf & Country Club in Tatura. The master development delivers fully serviced residential homesites, golf course frontage lots, and parkland open space across multiple stages. Civil construction and progressive dwelling construction continue across active releases.
Tatura Skate Park
A new concrete skate park that has replaced the previous facility. The park is designed for skaters, BMX riders, and scooter users of all skill levels and features a unique concrete vanilla slice bench, paying homage to a local icon. The project was funded by the Federal Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Margaret Street Stormwater Pump Station Upgrade
Completed upgrade of Tatura's most critical stormwater asset, servicing approximately 90% of the township. The 2.2 million AUD project includes two new high-capacity pumps (750 L/s and 1,950 L/s), a new Powercor electrical kiosk, a new switchboard building with generator connection, and advanced remote monitoring to protect homes and businesses from flooding.
1,923 residents of Rushworth are employed, from a labour force of 2,004. Unemployment sits at 4.0%, with participation at 56.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market features a mix of white and blue collar occupations across a variety of industries, recording an unemployment rate of 4.0% and an estimated employment growth of 1.6% over the past year. Employed residents totaled 1,923 as of March 2026. The local jobless rate sits 0.4% above the 3.7% recorded across Regional Vic., while the workforce participation rate of 56.0% trails the 61.1% seen across Regional Vic.. Census records indicate that 19.9% of local workers performed their duties from home, though this figure was likely influenced by Covid-19 restrictions.
The primary employment fields for local residents consist of agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Workforce concentration is exceptionally pronounced in agriculture, forestry & fishing, where local participation reaches 3.5 times the regional average. Conversely, construction accounts for a smaller proportion of jobs, employing 6.2% of the local workforce compared to 10.4% in Regional Vic.. Comparing the Census working population against the local resident population suggests a restricted volume of employment options within the immediate boundary. Analysis of ABS and SALM figures indicates that in the 12 months to March 2026, Rushworth recorded a 1.6% increase in employment alongside a 3.2% expansion in the labour force, resulting in an unemployment rate increase of 1.6 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Regional Vic. saw employment decline of 0.1% and a labour force contraction of 0.3%, alongside a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. Broader workforce outlooks from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 project national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with distinct variation across industry sectors. Applying these national industry forecasts to the local occupational breakdown suggests employment in Rushworth could expand by 5.0% over five years and 11.5% over ten years (calculated as a simple weighted extrapolation for illustration without incorporating local population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Rushworth is $1,072 a week (about $56,000 a year), with median personal income at $568 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $44,998 a year against an average of $53,186. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's analysis of ATO postcode data for financial year 2023, the Rushworth SA2 recorded a median taxpayer income of $44,998 and an average income of $53,186. These earnings fall below national figures as well as Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of roughly $49,327 (median) and $58,302 (average) as of March 2026. Census statistics position household, family, and personal earnings in Rushworth within the 5th to 8th percentiles across the nation.
The $400 - 799 weekly income bracket contains 29.2% of local earners (1,229 individuals), whereas the $1,500 - 2,999 category dominates the wider region at 30.3%. Although residents retain 90.2% of their income after housing costs, overall disposable income sits at the 11th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Rushworth had 1,714 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 1% apartments. 32% are owned with a mortgage, 14% rented and 53% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $200 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,023 a month. Rent absorbs 18.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Data from the latest Census shows that separate houses constituted 96.3% of residential stock in Rushworth, while semi-detached dwellings, apartments, and other formats made up 3.8%. In comparison, Regional Vic. recorded 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Outright property ownership in Rushworth was notable at 53.3%, surpassing regional levels, while remaining residences were either being purchased with a mortgage (32.3%) or occupied by tenants (14.4%). Median housing costs were comparatively low, with monthly mortgage repayments of $1,023 and weekly rents of $200, positioned well beneath the Regional Vic. benchmarks of $1,430 and $285.
Nationally, Rushworth remains far more affordable than the Australian median mortgage payment of $1,863 and median rent of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Rushworth counted 1,714 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 19% are couples with children, fewer than in 88% of areas nationally, against 34% couples without children. 33% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the predominant living arrangement at 64.1% of all households, broken down into couples without children at 34.3%, couples with children at 19.4%, and single parent families at 9.5%. Non-family living situations comprise the remaining 35.9%, consisting of lone person households at 33.0% and group households at 2.7%. The local median household size stands at 2.2 people, slightly smaller than the 2.4 recorded across Regional Vic..
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
12.8% of adults in Rushworth hold a university qualification, including 9.3% with a bachelor degree and 1.7% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 88% of areas nationally. A further 30.8% hold a vocational qualification. 5 schools serve the area, with 286 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 915 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in the area shows a lower share of tertiary credentials, with university qualification rates at 12.8% compared to the VIC average of 33.4%. By qualification type, bachelor degrees account for 9.3%, graduate diplomas represent 1.8%, and postgraduate degrees make up 1.7%. Meanwhile, technical and vocational training is widely held, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, comprising 10.4% with advanced diplomas and 30.8% with certificates. Formal study engagement is substantial, with 26.2% of local residents actively participating in education. By level of schooling, this encompasses 10.3% attending primary education, 8.0% enrolled in secondary education, and 2.0% engaged in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Rushworth means driving: households keep an average of 1.8 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit infrastructure within Rushworth includes 13 active transport stops served across 5 individual routes, providing 42 weekly passenger trips in total. The community exhibits moderate transit access, with residents situated an average distance of 472 meters from their closest stop. Commuting patterns largely involve outward travel, with private vehicle travel being the predominant mode at 89%, while 9% walk. Vehicle availability averages 1.8 per dwelling, exceeding regional norms. At the 2021 Census, 19.9% of residents reported working from home, potentially reflecting pandemic restrictions. Transit service frequency across the network averages 6 trips per day over all routes combined, delivering roughly 3 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
58.7% of residents in Rushworth report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 87% of areas nationally. 8.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments by AreaSearch indicate elevated mortality rates and chronic health burdens across both younger and older demographics in Rushworth. Furthermore, the uptake of private health insurance is comparatively low, covering approximately 46% of the population (~1,949 people), below the Regional Vic. level of 50.5% and the Australian national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent ailments in the community, diagnosed in 13.0 and 9.6% of residents, respectively, while 58.7% reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Chronic health issues are also evident within working-age cohorts.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 28.9% of the local population (1,216 people), exceeding the 24.0% seen across Regional Vic., with senior health metrics tracking broadly in line with broader national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Rushworth is largely Australian-born, at 89.6% of residents, with 4.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (33.0%) and English (31.1%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics in Rushworth are comparatively low, with Australian citizens making up 86.7% of residents, 89.6% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking only English in domestic settings. Christianity represents the leading religious affiliation, accounting for 52.9% of the local population relative to 47.3% across Regional Vic.. Examining parental country of birth, the primary ancestries identified in Rushworth are Australian at 33.0%, English at 31.1%, and Irish at 10.5%. Other cultural backgrounds present distinct representation rates, including Scottish ancestry at 8.9% (vs 8.8% regionally), Dutch ancestry at 1.6% (vs 1.7%), and Macedonian ancestry at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Rushworth is 52, older than 94% of areas nationally. 18.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The demographic profile of Rushworth is weighted toward mature and pre-retirement age brackets. Seniors and retirees aged 65+ account for 28.9% of residents as at August 2026, compared to 24.0% across Regional Vic., whereas young to middle-aged adults aged 25 - 44 represent 17.9% locally versus 23.1% regionally. The estimated median age stands at 52, mirroring the figure from the 2021 Census, which sits 9 years above the Regional Vic. median of 43 and higher than the national median of 38 recorded in 2021. The most notable shift since the Census occurred in the 45 - 64 age group, which decreased from 31.4% to an estimated 28.9%.
Looking forward to 2041, the 25 - 44 cohort is projected to drive demographic expansion by adding 312 residents (41%) to reach 1,065.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Rushworth
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 37 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (4,193 at the 2021 Census → 4,210 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (216011410). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.