Rutherglen
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Rutherglen are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Rutherglen's population is around 4,192 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 145 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,047 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,163 in June 2024 and an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 8.7 persons per square kilometer. Rutherglen's growth rate of 3.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.4%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 54.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted 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. Considering these projections, a significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Rutherglen expected to expand by 1,267 persons to 2041 based on latest population numbers, reflecting an increase of 29.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Rutherglen averaged approximately 25 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25129 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.1 new residents per year arrived for each new home over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand that maintains stable market conditions.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $571,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, $3.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential growth. When compared to the Rest of Vic., Rutherglen exhibits comparable building activity per capita, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns, although there has been a slowdown in recent years.

Recent development has consisted solely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low-density nature and appealing to space-seeking buyers, with approximately 269 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, projections estimate Rutherglen will add 1,232 residents. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Rutherglen has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified four projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are JBS Rivalea Corowa Grower Farm, Corowa Battery, Corowa Regional Saleyards Redevelopment Project, and Corowa Solar Farm. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Rutherglen remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Rutherglen has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, an unemployment rate of 3.9%, and stable employment conditions over the past year. As of June 2025, there are 2,020 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 4.9% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation is at 57.4%, similar to Rest of Vic.'s figure. Key employment sectors include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Manufacturing is particularly notable with levels at 2.7 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance is relatively lower at 11.8%. Local employment opportunities may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population.

Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 0.2% while labour force rose by 1.4%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 1.2 percentage points. Conversely, Rest of Vic. experienced employment decline of 0.9% and labour force decline of 0.4%, with a smaller unemployment rate increase of 0.4 percentage points. State-level data for Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections for Rutherglen indicate local growth of approximately 4.8%% over five years and 11.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 indicates Rutherglen's median income among taxpayers is $49,493. The average income was $57,333 during this period. This figure is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s median income was $48,741 with an average of $60,693 in financial year 2022. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since then, current estimates for Rutherglen would be approximately $54,497 (median) and $63,129 (average) as of March 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Rutherglen rank modestly, between the 23rd and 35th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The income distribution shows that 31.9% of the community earns between $1,500 - $2,999 (1,337 individuals), which is similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 30.3%. Despite modest housing costs with 88.8% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 30th percentile nationally.

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

Rutherglen's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rutherglen was 46.1%, similar to Non-Metro Vic., with the rest being mortgaged (35.8%) or rented (18.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Vic.'s average, while the median weekly rent was $243, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $250. Nationally, Rutherglen's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Rutherglen has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 69.1% of all households, consisting of 25.2% couples with children, 32.4% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.9%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Vic.

Educational outcomes in Rutherglen fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 12.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (30.3%). Educational participation is high, at 26.1%, with 9.6% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Rutherglen has 4 schools with a combined enrollment of 684 students, serving distinct age groups under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 988).

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Rutherglen has 11 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are served by 11 different routes that collectively facilitate 100 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically situated 460 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 14 trips per day, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Rutherglen. Both younger and older age groups show high prevalence of common health conditions.

Only approximately 48% (~2,024 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and asthma (9.4%). A total of 61.6% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Vic's 60.4%. Rutherglen has 26.1% residents aged 65 and over (1,094 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming general population health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Rutherglen placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Rutherglen's population, surveyed in 2016, showed low cultural diversity: 92.9% were born in Australia, 93.0% were citizens, and 98.3% spoke English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 54.5%, compared to 52.0% in Rest of Vic. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.8%), Australian (32.3%), and Irish (11.3%).

Notably, Scottish (8.8%) and German (4.5%) ancestry was higher than regional averages of 9.3% and 3.7%, respectively. Macedonian ancestry was present at 0.1%.

Rutherglen hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Rutherglen's median age is 48 years, which is older than Rest of Vic.'s 43 and significantly higher than Australia's median of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years are particularly prominent at 14.8%, while the 25-34 age group is comparatively smaller at 10.1% than in Rest of Vic.. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.1% to 10.8%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.8% and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 13.2% to 11.8%. Demographic modeling suggests that Rutherglen's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to expand considerably, increasing by 275 people (65%) from 421 to 697. Conversely, numbers in the 65 to 74 age range are expected to fall by 7.