Hermit Park - Rosslea

An assessment of population growth drivers in Hermit Park - Rosslea reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Hermit Park - Rosslea's population is approximately 5,770 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 355 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,415. The growth from June 2025 to May 2026 is inferred from the ABS's estimated resident population of 5,752 and 48 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,487 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade (2016-2026), Hermit Park - Rosslea has shown steady growth with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, outperforming its SA4 region. Natural growth contributed approximately 57.2% to 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas by 2041. The area is projected to expand by 649 persons from the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 10.9% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Hermit Park - Rosslea recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Hermit Park - Rosslea averaged approximately 20 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 104 homes. As of FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.6 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $336,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year has seen $7.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Hermit Park - Rosslea shows comparable new home approvals per person, suggesting market stability inline with regional patterns. New building activity consists of 81.0% detached houses and 19.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (47.0% at Census), indicative of persistent strong demand for family homes amidst densification trends. With approximately 532 people per approval, Hermit Park - Rosslea indicates a mature market. Population forecasts estimate an increase of 631 residents through to 2041, with construction maintaining a reasonable pace alongside projected growth. However, buyers may face growing competition as population increases.

Hermit Park - Rosslea has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 10 projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects include Eden Park Estate, Weststate Private Hospital, Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia) Duplication, and Corcoran Park Netball Courts Upgrade. 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.

The labour market performance in Hermit Park - Rosslea lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Hermit Park - Rosslea has an unemployment rate of 7.5%. As of December 2025, there are 2,967 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 3.5% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. The workforce participation rate is 66.5%, slightly above Regional Qld's 64.5%.

According to Census responses in 2025, only 5.2% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area has a strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.5% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%.

Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.2%, but employment declined by 1.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw an employment increase of 0.7% and a labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections based on Hermit Park - Rosslea's employment mix suggest increases of 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

In financial year 2023, Hermit Park - Rosslea SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $59,899 and an average income of $69,909. These figures are slightly above the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Regional Qld respectively. As of March 2026, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $66,704 and $77,851 based on an 11.36% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to census data, personal income ranks at the 64th percentile ($880 weekly) and household income at the 25th percentile. Income distribution shows that 29.4% of individuals (1,696 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band, consistent with broader regional trends where 31.7% are in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 24th percentile.

Hermit Park - Rosslea displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Hermit Park - Rosslea's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 46.8% houses and 53.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hermit Park - Rosslea was at 20.3%, with the remainder being mortgaged (27.0%) or rented (52.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,450, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent was $260, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Hermit Park - Rosslea's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Hermit Park - Rosslea features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 54.9% of all households, including 17.9% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 45.1%, with lone person households at 40.4% and group households comprising 4.7%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Hermit Park - Rosslea performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 27.3% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 20.1% and Rest of Qld's rate of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational credentials are held by 36.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 26.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.5% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 7.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 20 active stops operating within Hermit Park - Rosslea. These are served by buses via five routes, offering a total of 657 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 233 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, predominantly using cars (91%). Cycling accounts for 2%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 93 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Hermit Park - Rosslea is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Hermit Park - Rosslea 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. The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~3,110 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.1 and 7.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 14.3% of residents aged 65 and over (823 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Hermit Park - Rosslea ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hermit Park-Rosslea showed cultural diversity below average, with 84.3% citizens, 82.4% born in Australia, and 89.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated at 47.9%. The 'Other' religion category was overrepresented at 1.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were English (27.1%), Australian (24.9%), and Irish (8.7%). French, Australian Aboriginal, and New Zealand ethnicities showed notable divergences: French at 0.9% (vs regional 0.5%), Australian Aboriginal at 4.8% (vs 3.9%), and New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 0.9%).

Hermit Park - Rosslea's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Hermit Park - Rosslea is 34 years, which is lower than Regional Qld's average of 41 years and also substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Regional Qld, Hermit Park - Rosslea has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (20.3%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.0%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, there has been a rejuvenation in the median age, which fell from 35 to 34 years. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 grew from 17.7% to 20.3%, while the proportions for the 45-54 and 55-64 age groups declined from 13.1% to 10.2% and 12.1% to 11.0%, respectively. By 2041, Hermit Park - Rosslea is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 27% (310 people), reaching 1,480 from 1,169. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 15-24 age cohorts.