Rutherford (NSW)

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According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new address datasets verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Rutherford has an estimated population of 13,883 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 792 residents (6.0%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 13,091 people. This variation is calculated from a resident base of 13,358, estimated by Districts using the ABS ERP release from June 2025 and 219 validated new addresses added since the Census. The resulting density stands at 1,030 persons per square kilometer, matching typical averages across locations evaluated by Districts. The 6.0% growth rate since the 2021 census outpaced the Rest of NSW (4.9%), positioning the suburb of Rutherford as a regional growth leader. Population gains were mostly driven by domestic migration, which accounted for approximately 68.0% of the overall increase, though all components including natural increase and overseas arrivals contributed positively.

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The local workforce is split evenly between professional and industrial roles, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, alongside an unemployment rate of 5.2% based on aggregated statistical area statistics compiled by Districts. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 5,395, while the unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, and the participation rate was considerably lower, sitting at 54.1% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW. Census data indicates that a low proportion of 12.9% of residents worked from home, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

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Taxpayer income levels are below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The median income for taxpayers is $50,315, and the average income is $63,557, compared to Regional NSW figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $55,508 for the median and $70,116 for the average. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes all place modestly in the 30th to 34th percentiles. In terms of distribution, 36.0% of the community, or 4,997 individuals, fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly earnings bracket, compared to 29.9% across the wider metropolitan region. Housing affordability is a significant issue, with residents retaining only 80.8% of their income, which ranks in the 30th percentile.

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According to the latest Census, the local housing mix consisted of 87.1% detached houses and 12.8% alternative dwellings like semi-detached properties and apartments, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership levels lagged behind Regional NSW at 25.6%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (38.4%) or rented (36.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment matched the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $360, compared to Regional NSW averages of $1,733 and $330 respectively. Locally, mortgage payments are lower than the national average of $1,863, and rent is below the Australian average of $375.

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Families make up 71.2% of households, consisting of couples with children at 28.9%, couples without children at 25.6%, and single parent households at 15.6%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 28.8%, with single-person households representing 26.1% and group homes making up 2.5%. The median household size of 2.6 people exceeds the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment levels show a gap, with university graduation rates at 10.2%, considerably lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents a challenge but also an opportunity for targeted educational support. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 7.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.1%. Vocational and technical skills are highly represented, with 43.5% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 34.8%.

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Public transport services include 155 stops within Rutherford, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 78 separate routes, which provide 1,703 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 192 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, many workers commute out, and cars are the primary mode of travel for 94% of residents. Dwellings have an average of 1.4 vehicles. A minor 12.9% of residents worked from home, according to 2021 Census data, which was likely affected by pandemic conditions.

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Notable health issues are present locally, as shown by Districts analysis of mortality rates and chronic disease rates, which impact both younger and older age brackets, while private health insurance coverage is slightly below the average SA2 rate at approximately 52% of the population, representing about 7,230 people.

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Cultural diversity metrics are below average, with citizenship at 91.8%, Australian-born residents at 90.9%, and English-only speakers at home at 94.5%. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 56.7% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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Having a median age of 34, the suburb of Rutherford is significantly younger than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, the 25 - 34 cohort is highly represented at 17.2%, while the 55 - 64 cohort is underrepresented at 8.2%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group increased from 15.9% to 17.2%, and the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 11.5% to 12.7%, while the 55 to 64 group declined from 9.3% to 8.2%. Projections indicate the age profile will change by 2041, with the 25 to 34 bracket expected to expand by 781 people (33%) from 2,387 to 3,169, while the 55 to 64 group grows by a minor 9%, adding 99 people.

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Rutherford currently has an estimated 1,068 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 641 children aged 0-2 and 427 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 9% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 23% by 2041 (to approximately 1,316 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,529. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 14.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.