Crows Nest - Rosalie
Statistical Area - sa2

Crows Nest - Rosalie has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Crows Nest - Rosalie's population is around 9,901 as of Aug 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 726 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,175 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,726 in June 2024 and an additional 187 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 3.0 persons per square kilometer. Crows Nest - Rosalie's growth rate of 7.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (5.1%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 89.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits. Therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated. The area is expected to grow by 410 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 2.4% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Crows Nest - Rosalie when compared nationally

Rosalie has seen approximately 43 new homes approved each year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 217 homes approved over the past five years from FY2021 to FY2025, and 9 approvals so far in FY2026. On average, 3.1 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY2021 and FY2025, indicating that demand is outpacing supply, which typically influences prices positively and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction cost of new homes in Rosalie is $427,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

Additionally, $6.0 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Rosalie has seen 71.0% more new home approvals per capita as of recent data. This increased activity creates greater housing choice for buyers in the area. Recent construction trends show that 97.0% of dwellings approved are detached houses, with only 3.0% being townhouses or apartments.

This preserves Rosalie's low-density nature and caters to space-seeking buyers who prefer detached housing. With approximately 301 people moving into the area for each dwelling approval, Rosalie demonstrates a developing market. Population forecasts suggest that Rosalie will gain around 235 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply is expected to adequately meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current projections.

Crows Nest - Rosalie has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 21 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement, Highfields North Estate Stages 8-10, Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC), and Kilalah Park Estate. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment performance in Crows Nest - Rosalie exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Crows Nest - Rosalie has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.1%.

This is below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. The area has seen employment growth of 4.6% over the past year. There are 4,397 residents in work, with a workforce participation rate of 49.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong, with an employment share 4.9 times the regional level. However, accommodation & food services are under-represented, with only 4.3% of the workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 8.3%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 4.6%, while labour force increased by 5.8%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5%, with national employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Crows Nest - Rosalie's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.4% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 ended June 30, 2022 shows median income in Crows Nest - Rosalie was $43,411 and average income was $52,435. This is lower than the national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average) for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since June 30, 2022, current estimates for Crows Nest - Rosalie would be approximately $48,494 (median) and $58,575 (average) as of March 2025. Census data from August 2021 shows household, family and personal incomes in Crows Nest - Rosalie fall between the 6th and 8th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 28.5% of the population earns $400 to $799, differing from metropolitan regions where earnings predominantly fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 range at 31.7%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.2% income retention, total disposable income ranks at only the 12th percentile nationally.

Crows Nest - Rosalie is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Crows Nest - Rosalie's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Crows Nest - Rosalie stood at 49.5%, with mortgaged properties at 31.5% and rented ones at 19%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, matching Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $250, also aligning with Non-Metro Qld's figure. Nationally, Crows Nest - Rosalie's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $250 against the national figure of $375.

Crows Nest - Rosalie has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.1% of all households, including 23.6% couples with children, 36.1% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.9%, with lone person households at 26.9% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Crows Nest - Rosalie faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 10.9% and certificates for 31.2%.

Educational participation is high at 28.0%, including 11.6% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education. There are 7 schools operating within Crows Nest - Rosalie, educating approximately 587 students. These schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 956) with balanced educational opportunities, comprising 4 primary and 3 K-12 schools. However, local school capacity is limited at 5.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.3, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 42 active transport stops operating within Crows Nest - Rosalie, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by one individual route, collectively providing 50 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 21161 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages seven trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Crows Nest - Rosalie is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Crows Nest - Rosalie faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46% (~4,574 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.9%) and mental health issues (9.3%). While 60.5% of residents report no medical ailments, this is lower than Rest of Qld's 63.4%. Crows Nest - Rosalie has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.4% (2,816 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 21.5%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges, performing lower than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Crows Nest - Rosalie placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Crows Nest-Rosalie had a population with 88.2% being citizens, 90.0% born in Australia, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 63.9%. This compares to 66.9% across the rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.3%), English (30.4%), and German (10.7%). Scottish representation was notably higher at 8.1%, while Australian Aboriginal was lower at 2.7%. Irish representation was similar at 8.3%.

Crows Nest - Rosalie ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Crows Nest - Rosalie's median age is 50 years, which is significantly older than Rest of Qld's 41 years and the Australian median of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 65-74 year-olds are particularly prominent at 15.4%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 8.8% compared to Rest of Qld. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.0%, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 10.8% and the 45-54 group has dropped from 12.7% to 11.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Crows Nest - Rosalie's age profile will evolve significantly, with the 85+ age cohort projected to expand considerably, increasing by 233 people (84%) from 277 to 511. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 64% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 45-54 and 5-14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.