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. The suburb is well-serviced by local amenities, including shopping centres, schools, and recreational facilities, making it an attractive option for families and professionals. With its proximity to the New England Highway, Rutherford provides convenient access to both Newcastle and the Upper Hunter, enhancing its appeal as a residential hub. The suburb's blend of modern conveniences and community spirit continues to draw new residents.
Rutherford property market performance
Current median dwelling price$666,250Past 3 months
Property growth+3.7%Past 12 months
Rutherford's property market has shown notable growth, with house values increasing by 12.7% over the past 12 months, reaching a median price of $800,000. In contrast, the unit market has been static with no notable sales activity recently.
The area saw 82 houses sold, compared to only 6 units, indicating a stronger demand for houses. Houses spent a median of 17 days on the market, slightly quicker than units at 21 days, reflecting brisker house market activity.
In the rental sector, average rents for houses have increased by 3.3% to $620, whereas unit rents have risen by 4.4% to $470, showing balanced interest in both rental sectors.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $790K | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 12.7% | -5.3% |
Sold Past 3 months | 83 | 7 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 16 | 25 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $625 | $470 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 4.2% | 4.4% |
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 a community that appeals to families, young professionals, and retirees alike. The suburb's proximity to Maitland and the broader Hunter Valley region provides residents with access to a range of amenities, including shopping centers, schools, and recreational facilities, while still maintaining a peaceful, community-oriented atmosphere.
The housing landscape in Rutherford is diverse, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (25.5%) or with a mortgage (38.5%), indicating a stable and established community. Additionally, 36% of properties are rented, offering flexibility for those not ready to commit to home ownership. This mix of ownership types reflects a balanced demographic, with both long-term residents and newcomers contributing to the suburb's dynamic character.
Family life is a cornerstone of Rutherford, with 39.9% of households being couple families with children and 36.4% being couple families without children. One-parent families also make up a notable 22% of the community, highlighting the suburb's inclusive nature. The median total household income of $1,475 per week suggests a comfortable standard of living, with many residents employed in the local industries and services that support the region's economy. Overall, Rutherford offers a welcoming environment with a strong sense of community, making it an attractive place to live for a wide range of people.
Rutherford infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Rutherford continues to benefit from its role as a rapidly expanding hub of industrial estates, shopping centres, and community and sporting facilities, which supports local employment and underpins steady housing demand.[4] Ongoing growth around the New England Highway corridor and proximity to Maitland Airport enhance connectivity and lifestyle options, which may improve the suburb’s long-term desirability for both owner-occupiers and investors.[4]
Local education infrastructure, including established schools such as Rutherford Public School, supports family appeal and contributes to consistent demand for nearby residential properties.[9] With no major new transport lines or headline infrastructure overhauls announced recently, current development activity is more incremental than transformative, but continued commercial and service expansion is likely to gradually support property values over time.[4]
Rutherford rental market trends
The rental market is stable, with house rents rising 3.3% over the past year to $620 per week, while unit rents have increased 4.4% to $470 per week. Rutherford continues to attract attention due to its affordability, appealing to both renters and investors seeking steady returns in a growing community.
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 6.8% higher than Telarah’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Rutherford have grown 1.6% higher than in Telarah.
- Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Maitland have risen 61.4% more than in Rutherford over the past year.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Rutherford are selling 42.9% faster than in Farley.

