Rutherglen

Population growth drivers in Rutherglen are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Rutherglen's population is approximately 4,194 people. This figure represents an increase of 147 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,047. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,160 in June 2024 and an additional 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 8.7 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Rutherglen has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. Interstate migration contributed 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing 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 projected demographic shifts, Rutherglen is forecasted to expand significantly among non-metropolitan areas nationally. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to increase by 1,267 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 29.3% 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. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 129 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, on average, 1.1 new residents arrived per new home built.

This balance between supply and demand has maintained stable market conditions. The average value of new homes being constructed was $571,000, which is higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $3.4 million, indicating limited focus on commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Rutherglen's building activity per person is comparable, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns, although there has been a slowdown in recent years. All recent developments have consisted of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The population density is approximately 269 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Rutherglen is projected to add 1,230 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Rutherglen has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely affecting this region. Key projects are JBS Rivalea Corowa Grower Farm, Corowa Battery, Corowa Regional Saleyards Redevelopment Project, and Corowa Solar Farm. Relevant details follow.

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

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

Rutherglen has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently featured. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 3.9%, showing relative employment stability over the past year compared to Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

A total of 2,020 residents were employed as of June 2025, with workforce participation matching Rest of Vic.'s figure of 57.4%. Key employment sectors include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 2.7 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, accounting for only 11.8% of Rutherglen's workforce compared to Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over the year to June 2025, employment in Rutherglen increased by 0.2%, while labour force grew by 1.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.2 percentage points. Conversely, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline by 0.9% and labour force decrease by 0.4%, with an unemployment rate increase of 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from Nov-25 shows that VIC employment grew year-on-year by 1.13% (adding 41,950 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%, and employment growth averaged 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rutherglen's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 4.8% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, although these estimates are illustrative and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Rutherglen SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $49,493 and an average of $57,333. These figures are below the national average. Rest of Vic., meanwhile, had a median income of $48,741 and an average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Rutherglen would be approximately $55,511 (median) and $64,305 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Rutherglen rank modestly, between the 23rd and 35th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.9% of the community (1,337 individuals), similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 30.3%. Housing costs are modest with 88.8% of income retained, but 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

In Rutherglen, as per the latest Census evaluation, 91.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 8.2% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Vic., which had 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rutherglen stood at 46.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.8% and rented ones at 18.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Vic.'s average. The median weekly rent in Rutherglen was $243, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $250. Nationally, Rutherglen's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $243 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 69.1% of all households, including 25.2% couples with children, 32.4% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.9%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households making up 1.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, aligning 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 held by 40.9% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 30.3%. Educational participation is high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.6% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Rutherglen has 11 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together facilitate 100 weekly passenger trips. The overall accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents on average located about 460 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 14 trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly 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

Rutherglen faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data from 2021. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is low, with approximately 48% of the total population (around 2,025 people) having it, compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 10.5 and 9.4% of residents respectively, while 61.6% report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Vic's 60.4%. As of 2021, 26.1% of Rutherglen residents are aged 65 and over (1,095 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Rutherglen are above average, even outperforming the general population in 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 showed low cultural diversity, with 92.9% born in Australia and 93.0% being citizens. English was spoken by 98.3% at home. Christianity dominated, comprising 54.5%, compared to 52.0% across 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%) groups were overrepresented in Rutherglen compared to regional averages of 9.3% and 3.7%, respectively. Macedonian was present at 0.1%, higher than the region's 0%.

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

Rutherglen's median age of 48 years is notably higher than Rest of Vic.'s 43 and Australia's median age of 38. The age profile reveals that individuals aged 65-74 years make up a significant portion at 14.8%, while those aged 25-34 are relatively smaller at 10.1%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.1% to 10.8%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 15.2% to 13.8%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 13.2% to 11.8%. Demographic projections suggest that Rutherglen's age profile will undergo significant changes by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age cohort expected to grow considerably, adding 275 people (65%) to reach a total of 697 individuals in this age group. Conversely, the number of individuals aged 65 to 74 is projected to decrease.