Rockhampton City

Rockhampton City has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Rockhampton City's population is around 3,390 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 26 people (0.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,364 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,381 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 66 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 52.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 126 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 3.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Rockhampton City, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Rockhampton City has averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 70 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $448,000. There have also been $44.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to the rest of Qld, Rockhampton City maintains similar construction rates (per person), keeping market balance consistent with the broader area, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. Recent construction comprises 14.0% detached houses and 86.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 76.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated count of 479 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Rockhampton City is expected to grow by 117 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Rockhampton City 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 21 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Browne Park Redevelopment, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo Redevelopment, Central Queensland Defence Industry Precinct Business Case, and the Rockhampton Museum of Art, 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.

Employment conditions in Rockhampton City face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Rockhampton City possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 15.7%, and 1.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,419 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 11.7% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (59.6% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.7% versus the regional average of 4.5%. With 2.8 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.6% alongside a labour force decreasing by 3.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 4.3 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, the labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Rockhampton City. 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 Rockhampton City's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Rockhampton City SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $47,927 with the average level standing at $59,663. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $52,677 (median) and $65,576 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Rockhampton City all fall between the 5th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 26.9% of the population (911 individuals) fall within the $800 - 1,499 income range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 6th percentile.

Rockhampton City is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Rockhampton City, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 75.7% houses and 24.3% 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 Rockhampton City was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 28.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.8%) or rented (45.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,073, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Rockhampton City's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Rockhampton City features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 54.8% of all households, comprising 13.5% couples with children, 19.7% couples without children, and 17.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 45.2%, with lone person households at 41.0% and group households comprising 4.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Rockhampton City 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 (14.3%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (6.6%) and certificates (31.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Rockhampton City 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 Rockhampton City, 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 is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,657 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 12.0 and 10.5% of residents, respectively, while 57.5% declared themselves as 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 18.7% of residents aged 65 and over (632 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.

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

Rockhampton City was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.7% of its population being citizens, 88.7% born in Australia, and 93.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Rockhampton City is Christianity, which makes up 51.3% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Rockhampton City are English, comprising 29.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 29.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 7.5% of Rockhampton City (vs 3.9% regionally), German at 5.1% (vs 4.7%) and Maori at 0.7% (vs 0.8%).

Rockhampton City's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, Rockhampton City is close to the Regional Qld figure of 41 but modestly exceeds the national norm of 38. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 16.0% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.1%. Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.3% to 16.0% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 4.8% to 6.3%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.1% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Rockhampton City's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 15% (83 people), reaching 627 from 543. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 15 to 24 cohorts.