Rutherford suburb profile
Rutherford is a growing suburb located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, approximately 5km west of Maitland. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Rutherford offers a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, making it a versatile community. The suburb features a range of amenities, including shopping centres, schools, and recreational facilities, catering to the needs of its diverse population. With its proximity to the Hunter Valley wine region and easy access to major transport routes, Rutherford is an attractive option for those seeking a balance between suburban living and regional charm.
Rutherford property market performance
Current median dwelling price$578,000Past 3 months
Property growth+11.0%Past 12 months
Rutherford's property market has shown positive growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 7.0%. The current median house price stands at $730,000. Although unit sales are minimal, with only 2 units sold, their values have risen by 4.2% over the same period.
Sales activity for houses has been robust, with 74 houses sold in the past 12 months. Houses are taking a median of 42 days on the market, indicating a steady demand. Units, despite fewer sales, are moving faster with a median of 20 days on the market.
The rental market in Rutherford has seen moderate growth, with average rents for houses increasing by 4.7% to $600, and units by 4.8% to $440 over the last 12 months, reflecting a balanced demand across both property types.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $750K | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 7.2% | 14.8% |
Sold Past 3 months | 49 | 2 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 44 | 19 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $600 | $430 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 3.4% | 2.4% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Rutherford demographics
Rutherford, located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, is a suburb that offers a blend of suburban comfort and regional charm. With a population of 13,091 and a median age of 35, Rutherford is home to a diverse community that includes young families, professionals, and long-term residents. The suburb's proximity to Maitland and the broader Hunter Valley makes it an attractive location for those seeking a balance between work and leisure, with easy access to both urban amenities and the scenic beauty of the region.
The housing landscape in Rutherford is varied, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (25.5%) or with a mortgage (38.5%), indicating a stable community with a mix of established homeowners and new buyers. The rental market, comprising 36% of properties, caters to those seeking flexibility, including young families and professionals. The suburb's family-friendly environment is reflected in the household composition, with 39.9% of families being couples with children and 36.4% being couples without children, while one-parent families make up 22% of the community.
Rutherford's median household income of $1,475 per week suggests a community that enjoys a comfortable standard of living, supported by local employment opportunities in retail, education, and healthcare. The suburb's amenities, including schools, parks, and shopping centers, contribute to its appeal as a family-oriented community. With its welcoming atmosphere and strategic location, Rutherford continues to attract residents who value a balanced lifestyle in a supportive and connected community.
Rutherford infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Rutherford continues to benefit from recent retail and commercial upgrades, with expanded shopping centres and local amenities enhancing convenience and contributing to ongoing residential demand. Families have access to established local schools, including Rutherford Public School, St. Paul's Primary School, and Rutherford Technology High School, which supports the suburb’s appeal to home buyers in search of quality education options.
Although no new transport infrastructure projects or major council-planned redevelopments have been announced recently, Rutherford’s location on the New England Highway and proximity to Maitland ensures strong connectivity. This stable infrastructure, combined with access to parks and the Hunter Valley wine region, underpins the suburb’s ongoing popularity and may help support future property values and livability. At present, there are no significant new developments expected to materially impact the property market in Rutherford.
Rutherford rental market trends
The rental market in Rutherford has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 4.7% over the past year to $600 per week, while unit rents have risen by 4.8% to $440 per week. This steady growth reflects a balanced demand in the area, making Rutherford an attractive option for both renters and investors seeking stable returns in a suburban setting.
Suburbs near Rutherford
Some popular suburbs near Rutherford include:
How does Rutherford compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Rutherford’s median house price is 9.2% lower than Gillieston Heights’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Rutherford have grown 0.8% higher than in Gillieston Heights.
- Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Rutherford have grown 14.8% higher than in Thornton.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Rutherford are selling 30.2% faster than in Gillieston Heights.

