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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Parkhurst - Kawana's population is around 8,309 as of Feb 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, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Parkhurst - Kawana's 11.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.8%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 66.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that 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 (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area 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 has averaged around 49 new dwelling approvals per year, with 248 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 41 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.9 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $400,000. Additionally, $8.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Parkhurst - Kawana has 69.0% more new home approvals (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 155 people per approval, Parkhurst - Kawana reflects a developing area.

Population forecasts indicate Parkhurst - Kawana will gain 3,064 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 37 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Rockhampton Large Format Retail Centre (Anaconda anchor), Living Gems Rockhampton, Ellida Estate, and the Former Bunnings Site Redevelopment, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.9%, Parkhurst - Kawana has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Parkhurst - Kawana has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.9%. As of December 2025, 4,353 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.1% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (70.5% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in electricity, gas, water & waste, with employment levels at 3.0 times the regional average. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 0.3% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The ratio of 0.8 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.3% while employment declined by 1.6%, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 1.7 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Parkhurst - Kawana. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Parkhurst - Kawana's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Parkhurst - Kawana SA2's income level is in line with national averages according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Parkhurst - Kawana SA2's median income among taxpayers is $57,194 and the average income stands at $67,793, which compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,862 (median) and $74,511 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Parkhurst - Kawana, between the 42nd and 54th percentiles. The data shows the predominant cohort spans 32.9% of locals (2,733 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 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

Dwelling structure within Parkhurst - Kawana, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.4% houses and 10.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Parkhurst - Kawana lagged that of Regional Qld, at 25.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.8%) or rented (34.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Parkhurst - Kawana's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 71.6% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (32.4%).

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 a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Parkhurst - Kawana, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~4,370 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.8 and 8.7% of residents, respectively, while 65.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,316 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.5% of its population being citizens, 89.1% born in Australia, and 92.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Parkhurst - Kawana is Christianity, which makes up 55.3% of people in Parkhurst - Kawana, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Parkhurst - Kawana are Australian, comprising 32.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 28.6% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.5% of Parkhurst - Kawana (vs 3.9% regionally), German at 4.9% (vs 4.7%) and Filipino at 2.1% (vs 0.9%).

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

The 35-year median age in Parkhurst - Kawana is considerably lower than Regional Qld's average of 41 and similarly modestly under the 38-year national average. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 35 - 44 cohort is notably over-represented (15.7% locally), while 55 - 64 year-olds are under-represented (9.7%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.2% to 15.7% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 12.2% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 10.8% to 9.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Parkhurst - Kawana. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 50% (636 people), reaching 1,899 from 1,262.