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 is approximately 6,037 as of May 2026. This figure indicates a growth of 409 people, representing a 7.3% increase since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,628. The change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 6,021 in June 2025 and an additional 347 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 131 persons per square kilometer. South West Rocks' growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.3%) and Rest of NSW, making it a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for the area are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data 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 project an above median growth for regional areas, with South West Rocks expected to expand by 1,148 persons by 2041, reflecting an 18.8% increase over the 16-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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, 42 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were added between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value for new properties is $314,000.

In FY-26, $3.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, South West Rocks has 190.0% 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%) and townhouses or apartments (18.0%), preserving the area's low density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of 61 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, South West Rocks is expected to grow by 1,132 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Looking ahead, South West Rocks is expected to grow by 1,132 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With 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 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Broadlands South West Rocks, Maxus Gardens Estate, Seascape Grove Estate, and Seabreeze Estate. The following list details those most relevant:.

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.

While South West Rocks retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

South West Rocks has a balanced mix of white and blue collar jobs with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%. As of December 2025, 2,225 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, 0.1% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in South West Rocks lags at 44.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census data, 13.6% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area has a specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 2.9% compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.1%, and employment declined by 1.2%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 2023 shows that median income in South West Rocks SA2 is $43,275 and average income is $53,549. This is lower than the national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) for Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income in South West Rocks is approximately $47,741 and average income is $59,075. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in South West Rocks fall between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The most common income band in South West Rocks is $400 - 799, with 30.8% of individuals earning within this range (1,859 people). In contrast, the surrounding region has the highest proportion of individuals earning between $1,500 - 2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe in South West Rocks, with only 84.9% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.1% houses and 16.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in South West Rocks stood at 55.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.9% and rented dwellings at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in South West Rocks was $330, matching Regional NSW's figure. Nationally, South West Rocks' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $330.

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 Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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%. 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 and above holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 32.4%. Currently, 20.3% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 7.9% in primary, 5.5% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

A substantial 20.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.9% in primary education, 5.5% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Analysis of public transport in South West Rocks shows 34 active transport stops operating, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 14 individual routes, providing a total of 273 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 186 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 91%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 39 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in South West Rocks is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

South West Rocks faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,813 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 14.8 and 8.8% of residents respectively. Conversely, 55.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 40.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,424 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 89.5% of its population born in Australia, 91.6% being citizens, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 56.3% of South West Rocks' population, slightly higher than the Regional NSW average of 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.8%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (10.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 4.5%, matching Scottish representation at 8.0%, while German representation was slightly higher at 3.3% compared to Regional NSW averages of 4.6%, 8.0%, and 3.1% respectively.

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

South West Rocks has a median age of 58, which is higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 20.6% of South West Rocks' population, compared to Regional NSW's figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up only 6.4%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 12.1% to 14.8%, while the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 7.9% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 16.6% to 15.0%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 9.9% to 8.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in South West Rocks' age profile. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 78%, adding 224 people and reaching a total of 514 residents from the current figure of 289. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group will experience more modest growth of 9%, with an increase of only 40 residents.