Parkhurst - Kawana

Population growth drivers in Parkhurst - Kawana are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Parkhurst-Kawana's population is around 8,309 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 832 people (11.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,477 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,000 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 268 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 292 persons per square kilometer. Parkhurst-Kawana's 11.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.8%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 66.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas is forecast. The area is expected to grow by 3,373 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 36.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Parkhurst - Kawana among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Parkhurst-Kawana averaged approximately 49 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 248 homes approved during this period. In FY26 up to now, there have been 39 approvals. On average, 2.9 people moved to the area per new home constructed each year over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $400,000. This financial year has seen $8.4 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Comparatively, Parkhurst-Kawana has 69.0% more new home approvals per person than the rest of Queensland, offering buyers ample choice. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space.

With approximately 155 people per approval, Parkhurst-Kawana is a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain 3,064 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Parkhurst - Kawana has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 37 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Rockhampton Large Format Retail Centre (anchored by Anaconda), Living Gems Rockhampton, Ellida Estate, and Former Bunnings Site Redevelopment. The following list details those likely to be 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 performance in Parkhurst - Kawana has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Parkhurst-Kawana has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 5.3%. There was an estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 4,373 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was at 71.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 4.4% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

The area specializes in electricity, gas, water & waste services with an employment share three times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.3%. There were 0.8 workers per resident as of the Census, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.7% while labour force grew by 1.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced higher growth rates. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Parkhurst-Kawana. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, industry-specific projections applied to Parkhurst-Kawana's employment mix suggest local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Parkhurst - Kawana SA2's median income among taxpayers is $57,194. The average income in this area is $67,793. Nationally, the median income is approximately $58,000 and the average is around $70,000. In Rest of Qld, the median income is $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since June 2023, current estimates for Parkhurst - Kawana would be approximately $62,862 (median) and $74,511 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Parkhurst - Kawana rank modestly, between the 42nd and 54th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that the highest percentage of residents, 32.9% or 2,733 people, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket. This is similar to regional levels where 31.7% of residents occupy this income range. After housing expenses, 85.5% of income remains for other expenses.

Parkhurst - Kawana is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Parkhurst-Kawana's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 89.4% houses and 10.6% other dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parkhurst-Kawana was at 25.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.8% and rented ones at 34.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Parkhurst-Kawana's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Parkhurst - Kawana has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.6% of all households, including 31.9% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 14.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.4%, with lone person households at 24.8% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Parkhurst - Kawana faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 17.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.5% and certificates at 32.4%. Educational participation is high, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.8% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Parkhurst - Kawana is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Parkhurst-Kawana faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at 53% of the total population (~4,370 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 9.8% and 8.7% of residents respectively. However, 65.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 15.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,316 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Parkhurst - Kawana is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Parkhurst-Kawana showed low cultural diversity, with 88.5% citizens, 89.1% Australian-born, and 92.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated at 55.3%, slightly higher than the regional average of 52.2%. Ancestry-wise, Australians topped at 32.3%, followed by English (28.6%) and Scottish (7.3%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented at 5.5% compared to 3.9% regionally, along with Germans at 4.9% (vs 4.7%) and Filipinos at 2.1% (vs 0.9%).

Parkhurst - Kawana's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Parkhurst-Kawana is 35 years, which is lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 and under the national average of 38. The 35-44 age cohort is over-represented at 15.7% locally compared to Rest of Qld's average, while the 55-64 year-olds are under-represented at 9.7%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has increased from 14.2% to 15.7%, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 12.2% and the 55-64 group has dropped from 10.8% to 9.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Parkhurst-Kawana, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 50%, reaching 1,899 people from 1,262.