South West Rocks
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in South West Rocks are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

South West Rocks' population is approximately 6,102 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 474 people, an 8.4% rise from the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,628. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,955 in June 2024 and an additional 316 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 132 persons per square kilometer. South West Rocks' growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.5%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for regional areas, with South West Rocks expected to expand by 1,281 persons to 2041, marking an 18.6% increase over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions South West Rocks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

South West Rocks averaged approximately 92 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 464 homes. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. The average increase in residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 was 1.1. This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions.

The average expected construction cost value for new properties during this period was $314,000. In FY-26, $3.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, South West Rocks has 193.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New developments consist of 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 61 people per dwelling approval, South West Rocks exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

By 2041, it is projected to grow by 1,133 residents. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

South West Rocks has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects are Broadlands South West Rocks, Maxus Gardens Estate, Seascape Grove Estate, and Seabreeze Estate. The following details these projects in order of relevance.

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.

Employment conditions in South West Rocks remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

South West Rocks has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate is 3.9%, with an estimated growth of 0.9% over the past year as of June 2025.

There are 2,219 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% higher than Rest of NSW's 3.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 40.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area has a significant focus on accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 2.9%, compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 0.9% while labour force grew by 0.9%, with unemployment remaining stable. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a slight decline in employment and an increase in labour force, with a rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within South West Rocks. These projections indicate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to South West Rocks's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that South West Rocks has lower incomes compared to national averages. The median income is $40,217 and the average is $51,662. In contrast, Rest of NSW has a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,288 (median) and $58,177 (average). The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in South West Rocks fall between the 3rd and 6th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 30.8% of individuals earn between $400 - $799, while this range captures only 15.2% nationally. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains in South West Rocks, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

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

South West Rocks' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.1% houses and 16.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in South West Rocks was 55.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.9% and rented ones at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,330. The median weekly rent was $330, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, South West Rocks' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

South West Rocks features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.1 percent of all households, including 16.3 percent couples with children, 40.5 percent couples without children, and 9.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.9 percent, with lone person households at 30.1 percent and group households comprising 2.9 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

South West Rocks faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area has university qualification rates of 15.4%, significantly below the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (32.4%).

A substantial 20.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.9% in primary, 5.5% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education. South West Rocks Public School serves the local educational needs within South West Rocks, with an enrollment of 329 students as of a recent report. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited at 5.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.1, leading many families to travel for schooling.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

South West Rocks has 35 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 16 different routes that together offer 278 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 185 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 39 trips per day, which equates to around 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in South West Rocks is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

South West Rocks faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 46% (~2,819 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 14.8%) and mental health issues (8.8%), while 55.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 58.0% in Rest of NSW. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 39.3% (2,396 people), higher than the 28.1% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges despite performing better than the general population in health metrics.

South West Rocks is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

South West Rocks, as per the 2016 Census, had a population where 89.5% were born in Australia, with 91.6% being Australian citizens and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 56.3% of South West Rocks' population compared to 54.2% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestral groups were English (34.8%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (10.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were overrepresented at 4.5%, Scottish at 8.0%, and German at 3.3% compared to regional averages of 7.5%, 7.5%, and 2.9% respectively.

South West Rocks ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

South West Rocks has a median age of 58, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 20.7% of South West Rocks' population, compared to the Rest of NSW figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up only 6.6%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and the present day, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 12.1% to 14.2%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 7.9% to 9.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 9.9% to 8.2%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 22.0% to 20.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests South West Rocks' age profile will evolve significantly. Leading this shift, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 85%, reaching 496 people from 267. The 55-64 group shows more modest growth of 4%, adding only 38 residents.