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 6059 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 431 people, a 7.7% rise from the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5628. The growth is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 5954 in June 2024 and the addition of 332 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 131 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. South West Rocks' growth exceeded both its SA3 area (5.2%) and Rest of NSW, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration accounted for 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 utilised, 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 anticipate an above median growth for regional areas nationally. Based on latest annual ERP population numbers, South West Rocks is projected to expand by 1281 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 19.4% 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, 14 approvals have been recorded. On average, between FY-21 and FY-25, 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction value for new properties is $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 development consists of 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 61 people per dwelling approval, South West Rocks exhibits characteristics of a growth area. By 2041, South West Rocks is projected to grow by 1,176 residents, with current construction levels expected to 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 1,176 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 21stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Broadlands South West Rocks, Maxus Gardens Estate, Seascape Grove Estate, and Seabreeze Estate. The following 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.

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. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, stable over the past year. As of September 2025, 2,256 residents are employed, matching Rest of NSW's 3.8% unemployment rate but with lower participation at 45.5%.

Home workership is moderate at 13.6%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Accommodation & food has a high employment share, 1.7 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 2.9%. Local opportunities seem limited as working population is lower than resident population.

Between September 2024 and 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, labour force by 0.6%, raising unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. National forecasts project employment growth of 6.6% in five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these to South West Rocks' mix suggests local growth could be 6.2% in 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 $43,275 and average income of $53,549 in financial year 2023. This was lower than national averages. Rest of NSW had median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income would be approximately $47,109 and average income $58,293, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. Census data from 2021 showed household, family, and personal incomes in South West Rocks fell between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income distribution revealed 30.8% earned $400 - 799, contrasting with surrounding region's leading bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 5th percentile.

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, comprised 83.1% houses and 16.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% 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, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in South West Rocks was $330, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, South West Rocks' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and 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 account for 67.1% of all households, including 16.3% that are couples with children, 40.5% that are couples without children, and 9.3% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.9%, with lone person households at 30.1% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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%. 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%). 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 currently engaged in formal education, including 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

South West Rocks has 34 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 14 different routes that collectively facilitate 273 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 186 metres from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 91% of residents, while walking accounts for 6%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The 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 high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,823 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 14.8% of residents) and mental health issues (8.8%). Conversely, 55.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 39.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,394 people), higher than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally in line with national rankings.

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 2021 Census, had a population with 89.5% born in Australia, 91.6% being citizens, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 56.3%. This figure is slightly higher than the regional average of 55.9% for Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.8%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (10.1%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were proportionally similar to the region at 4.5%, while Scottish people were also similarly represented at 8.0%. German ancestry was slightly more prevalent in South West Rocks at 3.3% compared to the regional average of 3.1%.

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 median age of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 20.4% of South West Rocks' population, compared to 9.5% nationally and 13.8% in the Rest of NSW. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 12.1% to 14.6%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 7.9% to 10.0%. The 45-54 cohort declined from 9.9% to 8.1%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 22.0% to 20.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in South West Rocks' age profile. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 79%, reaching 496 residents from 276. The 15-24 group will experience more modest growth of 10%, adding 43 residents.