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, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is around 8,275 by November 2025. This figure indicates a rise of 798 individuals (10.7%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,477. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 8,000 in June 2024 and an additional 250 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a density ratio of 291 persons per square kilometer, offering significant space per person for potential further development. Parkhurst-Kawana's growth rate of 10.7% since the 2021 Census surpassed both its SA4 region (6.6%) and SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Primary drivers for this population growth were interstate migration contributing approximately 66.4% of overall gains, although natural growth and overseas migration also played positive roles.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population projections indicate a significant increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Parkhurst-Kawana expected to grow by 3,373 persons by 2041. This reflects an overall increase of 37.4% over the seventeen-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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. Between financial years 2021 and 2025248 homes were approved, with an additional 31 approved in the current financial year 2026. On average, around 2.9 people moved to the area per newly constructed home over these five years.

The average construction cost value of new homes was approximately $400,000. This financial year, $8.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Parkhurst-Kawana has 69% more new home approvals per person. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to families seeking space.

With approximately 155 people per approval, Parkhurst-Kawana reflects a developing area. By 2041, population forecasts indicate an increase of 3,098 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Parkhurst - Kawana has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 37 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Rockhampton Large Format Retail Centre (Anaconda anchor), Living Gems Rockhampton, Ellida Estate, and Former Bunnings Site Redevelopment. 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.

Employment performance in Parkhurst - Kawana has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

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

As of this date, 4,373 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stood at 62.9%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Major employment sectors for Parkhurst-Kawana residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area has a notable specialization in electricity, gas, water & waste services, with an employment share three times the regional level (0.3%).

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with only 0.3% of employment compared to the region's 4.5%. The resident-to-worker ratio was 0.8 at the Census, indicating a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment in Parkhurst-Kawana increased by 0.7%, while labour force grew by 1.5%. This resulted in an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced higher employment growth (1.7%) but a lower unemployment rate increase (0.3 percentage points). State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts, released in May-25, project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Parkhurst-Kawana's employment mix suggests local employment should grow 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022 indicates that Parkhurst - Kawana SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,824 and an average of $65,067. This places it around the national average. Comparatively, Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest approximately $62,494 (median) and $74,170 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Parkhurst - Kawana rank modestly, between the 42nd and 54th percentiles. The earnings profile reveals that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 32.9% of residents (2,722 people), which is similar to regional levels where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing costs, 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 structures as per the latest Census showed 89.4% houses and 10.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Qld had 88.5% houses and 11.5% 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, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. Median weekly rent was $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300. Nationally, Parkhurst-Kawana's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's $1,863, and 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 constitute 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%, comprising 24.8% lone person households and 3.4% group households. The median household size is 2.6 people, 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, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (32.4%). Educational participation is high, with 32.2% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.8% in primary, 10.1% in secondary, and 4.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Parkhurst-Kawana faces significant health challenges with a higher prevalence of common conditions compared to average, particularly among older residents.

Approximately 52% (~4,294 people) have private health cover, slightly above the SA2 area average. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 9.8% and 8.7% of residents respectively. However, 65.1% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in Rest of Qld. The area has a lower proportion of seniors (15.5%, or 1,281 people) than the broader Queensland region (18.5%). Despite this, health outcomes among older residents require more attention than those of 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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 88.5% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (89.1%), and speaking English only at home (92.8%). Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 55.3%, compared to 56.3% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.3%), English (28.6%), and Scottish (7.3%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 5.5% than the regional average of 5.1%. German and Filipino representations also differed significantly, with Germans at 4.9% (matching regional levels) and Filipinos at 2.1%, compared to the region's 1.0%.

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

The median age in Parkhurst-Kawana is 35 years, which is lower than the Rest of Queensland's average of 41 and the national average of 38. Compared to the Rest of Queensland average, the 35-44 age cohort is notably higher at 15.7% locally, while the 55-64 age group is under-represented at 9.9%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 14.2% to 15.7% of the population, whereas the 5-14 age group has decreased from 15.1% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Parkhurst-Kawana. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 57%, adding 686 people and reaching a total of 1,899 from the current 1,212. The 15-24 age group shows more modest growth at 10%, with an increase of only 108 residents.