Rutherglen

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

Rutherglen's population was approximately 4,194 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 147 people from 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 population 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%, surpassing the SA3 area's growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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 released in 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. Based on projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally is forecasted. The area is expected to expand by 1,267 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 29.3% over the 17-year period.

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

Rutherglen has averaged approximately 25 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 129 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these years, each new home has attracted around 1.1 new residents annually, suggesting a balanced supply and demand scenario that maintains stable market conditions.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $272,000. This year alone, there have been $3.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Rutherglen exhibits similar building activity per capita, supporting market stability aligned with regional trends, although there has been a slowdown in recent years.

All recent developments consist of standalone homes, preserving the area's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers, with approximately 269 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Rutherglen is projected to add 1,230 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely impacting the area: JBS Rivalea Corowa Grower Farm, Corowa Battery, Corowa Regional Saleyards Redevelopment Project, and Corowa Solar Farm. These are key projects with potential relevance detailed below.

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

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.

Rutherglen shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Rutherglen has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.2%.

The employment rate for residents is 78.6%, which is slightly lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 79.3%. Key industries include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Manufacturing is notably dominant, with employment levels at 2.7 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance is less prevalent, accounting for only 11.8% of Rutherglen's workforce compared to 16.8% in Rest of Vic.

Over the year ending September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.5%, and employment declined by 2.7%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment decline was 0.7% with a marginal rise in labour force. Statewide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year (adding 41,950 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts suggest a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rutherglen's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by approximately 4.8% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Rutherglen SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,493. The average income in this area was $57,333 during the same 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. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates project Rutherglen's median income to be approximately $55,511 and the average to be around $64,305 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Rutherglen rank between the 23rd and 35th percentiles nationally. Family incomes also fall within this range, as do personal incomes. The income distribution shows that 31.9% of Rutherglen's community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, with 1,337 individuals in this earnings band. This aligns with the surrounding region where a similar proportion, 30.3%, falls into this income bracket. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.8% of income to be retained as disposable income, Rutherglen ranks at just the 30th percentile nationally for total disposable income.

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

Rutherglen's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rutherglen was 46.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (35.8%) or rented (18.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Rutherglen was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Vic.'s average. The median weekly rent figure was $243 compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $250. Nationally, Rutherglen's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus 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 constitute 69.1 percent of all households, consisting of 25.2 percent couples with children, 32.4 percent couples without children, and 10.1 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.9 percent, with lone person households at 29.2 percent and group households comprising 1.5 percent of the total. 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 prevalent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (30.3%). Educational participation is high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (9.6%), secondary education (8.2%), and tertiary education (2.2%).

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 accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents typically residing 460 meters from the nearest stop.

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

Rutherglen faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,025 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and asthma (9.4%), while 61.6% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Vic's 60.4%. The area has a high proportion of seniors, with 26.1% aged 65 and over (1,095 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming general population 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 had a low level of cultural diversity, with 92.9% of its population born in Australia, 93.0% being citizens, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Rutherglen, accounting for 54.5% of the population, 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 ancestry was overrepresented in Rutherglen at 8.8%, compared to 9.3% regionally, while German ancestry stood at 4.5%, higher than the regional average of 3.7%. Macedonian ancestry was present at 0.1%, which was not represented in the regional data.

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

Rutherglen's median age of 48 years is notably older than Rest of Vic.'s 43 and significantly higher than Australia's median of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 65-74 years are particularly prevalent, comprising 14.8%, while the 25-34 group is comparatively smaller at 10.1% compared to 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 15-24 age group has increased from 9.1% to 10.8%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.8% and the 45-54 group has dropped from 13.2% to 11.8%. Demographic modeling suggests that Rutherglen's age profile will undergo significant changes by 2041, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to expand considerably, increasing by 275 people (65%) from 421 to 697. Conversely, numbers in the 65-74 age range are expected to decrease.