🔍

Ruthven

NSW 2480 • New South Wales

114
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
17.71 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralFarming CommunityHinterlandSmall Community
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About Ruthven

Ruthven is a small rural locality in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, located 16.3 kilometres south of Lismore within the City of Lismore local government area. With just 114 residents recorded in the 2021 census, it is an intimate farming community spread across approximately 17.7 square kilometres of fertile hinterland. The area sits on the traditional Country of the Widjabul and Wia-bal peoples of the Bundjalung Nation. The locality's European name was bestowed by early settler Alex McDonald, who named it after Ruthven in the Badenoch region of Scotland.

Ruthven offers a quiet, rural lifestyle typical of the NSW Northern Rivers hinterland, characterised by rolling green hills, small-scale farming, and a tight-knit community. Residents enjoy the lush natural surroundings of the Richmond River catchment area while having access to Lismore's full range of services, including Southern Cross University, hospitals, and shopping, within a short drive. The broader Northern Rivers region is well regarded for its alternative lifestyle communities, local produce markets, and proximity to national parks and coastal beaches. It is suited to those seeking space, privacy, and a slower pace of life.

Ruthven falls under postcode 2480 and is governed by the Lismore Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Richmond, while state elections fall under the Lismore electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2480
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Lismore
Federal Electorate
Richmond
State Electorate
Lismore
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.71°, 153.26°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
17.71 km²
Population Density
6 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2480

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2480, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$41,443
Median 2023–24
$50,499
▲ 21.9% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$60,215

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2480; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Lismore City Bus Services — Lismore CBD ~30 min from locality edge

Commute to Lismore CBD

Distance
16.3 km
By Bus
Limited service; ~35–40 min
By Car (Peak)
~20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
~18 min

🛣️ Ruthven has no train access. The nearest rail services are at Casino (~35 km) on the North Coast line. Travel to Lismore by car is the primary option.

Walkability Walker's Paradise Reversed — Car Essential

A purely rural locality with no footpaths, public transport, or local amenities within walking distance. A private vehicle is essential for all daily needs.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
114
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Lismore Local Government Area, which contains Ruthven. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
406.6 / 100k
2yr Down 43.5% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
292.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 3.1%
Non-DV assault
714.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
22.8 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
347.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 5.3%
View all 62 offence types for Lismore →

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ruthven known for? +

Ruthven is a small rural locality in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, located 16. With just 114 residents recorded in the 2021 census, it is an intimate farming community spread across approximately 17.7 square kilometres of fertile hinterland.

How far is Ruthven from Lismore CBD? +

Ruthven is approximately 16.3 kilometres from Lismore CBD. The drive takes around ~20 min during peak hour and ~18 min off-peak.

Does Ruthven have public transport? +

Ruthven is served by bus routes (Lismore City Bus Services) connecting to Lismore CBD with a travel time of approximately ~30 min from locality edge. There is no train or metro station in the suburb.

What is the population of Ruthven? +

According to the 2021 Census, Ruthven has a population of approximately 114 residents. It is one of the smaller localities in NSW.

Is Ruthven a good place to live? +

Ruthven appeals to those who value a relaxed rural lifestyle, open space, and a small community atmosphere. Everyday services require travel to the nearest town, so a private vehicle is a must.

What is the postcode for Ruthven? +

The postcode for Ruthven in NSW is 2480.

Is Ruthven a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Ruthven is part of the Lismore LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.