South West Rocks

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, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 6,102 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 474 people, equating to an 8.4% rise since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,628. The growth was 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 of 132 persons per square kilometer, offering significant space per person and potential for further development. South West Rocks' growth of 8.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 area (4.5%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics project an above median growth for regional areas nationally, with South West Rocks expected to expand by 1,281 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 18.6% over the 17 years.

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

South West Rocks has averaged approximately 92 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 464 homes. As of FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 new residents per year are associated with each dwelling constructed in the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25). This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions.

The average construction value of new properties is $314,000. In FY-26, $3.8 million worth of 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 development consists predominantly of detached dwellings (82.0%) with townhouses or apartments comprising the remainder (18.0%), preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 61 people per dwelling approval, South West Rocks exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, South West Rocks is projected to grow by 1,133 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

South West Rocks has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. Eleven projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the region. Notable initiatives include Broadlands South West Rocks, Maxus Gardens Estate, Seascape Grove Estate, and Seabreeze Estate, with the following list highlighting those most relevant:.

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

South West Rocks has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, and the unemployment rate is 3.9%, similar to the Rest of NSW's rate at 3.8%.

Employment stability has been maintained over the past year. As of September 2025, 2,256 residents are employed, with workforce participation at 40.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. South West Rocks specializes in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at 2.9% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, while labour force rose by 0.6%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National forecasts suggest total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections vary based on industry-specific growth rates. Applying these projections to South West Rocks's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 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

South West Rocks SA2 had median assessed income of $40,217 and average income of $51,662 in financial year 2022. These figures are lower than national averages. Rest of NSW's median income was $49,459 and average income was $62,998 in the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,288 (median) and $58,177 (average), based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, South West Rocks' household, family, and personal incomes fell between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally. The $400-$799 earnings band captured 30.8% of its community (1,879 individuals), while the surrounding region led with the $1,500-$2,999 bracket at 29.9%. South West Rocks had severe housing affordability pressures, with only 84.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 5th percentile nationally.

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

South West Rocks' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.1% houses and 16.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in South West Rocks stood at 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 in South West Rocks was $330, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, South West Rocks' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $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 constitute 67.1% of all households, including 16.3% couples with children, 40.5% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.9%, with lone person households at 30.1% and group households making up 2.9%. 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's university qualification rate is 15.4%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity 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%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (32.4%).

A substantial 20.3% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 7.9% in primary, 5.5% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 16 different routes that together offer 278 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents on average living just 185 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 39 trips per day across all routes, which works out 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, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.8%) and mental health issues (8.8%). About 55.8% report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of NSW's 58.0%. Residents aged 65 and over make up 39.3% (2,396 people), higher than the 28.1% in Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are comparable to those of the general population.

The latest Census data sees South West Rocks placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

South West Rocks, as per the 2016 Census, had a population with 89.5% born in Australia and 91.6% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 97.1%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 56.3%, slightly higher than the 54.2% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.8%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (10.1%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal people made up 4.5% of South West Rocks' population, higher than the regional average of 7.5%. Scottish ancestry was also notably present at 8.0%, compared to 7.5% regionally, and German ancestry stood at 3.3%, slightly higher than the regional 2.9%.

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 figure of 38 years. The 65-74 age group shows strong representation in South West Rocks at 20.7%, compared to the Rest of NSW figure. This concentration is well above the national average of 9.4%. In the period from 2021 to present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 12.1% to 14.2% of the population, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 7.9% to 9.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 9.9% to 8.2%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 22.0% to 20.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that South West Rocks' age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 85%, reaching 496 people from 267. The 55-64 group shows more modest growth at 4%, adding only 38 residents.