Rockhampton City

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

Rockhampton City's population was 3,364 as of February 2021. By February 2026, it is estimated to be around 3,390, reflecting an increase of 26 people (0.8%) since the 2021 Census. This increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,381 in June 2024 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 66 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.5% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts as per ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Projected demographic shifts indicate lower quartile growth for non-metropolitan areas, with the area expected to increase by 126 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 3.5% 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 averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 70 homes. As of FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded so far. Despite population decline in the area, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $448,000.

This financial year has seen $44.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Rockhampton City maintains similar construction rates per person, keeping market balance consistent with the broader area, although development activity has moderated recently. Recent construction comprises 14.0% detached houses and 86.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current pattern of 76.0% houses. This trend may suggest diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The area has an estimated 479 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Rockhampton City is expected to grow by approximately 117 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 21 projects likely impacting the area. Major initiatives include Browne Park Redevelopment, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo Redevelopment, Central Queensland Defence Industry Precinct Business Case, and Rockhampton Museum of Art. 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 conditions in Rockhampton City face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Rockhampton City has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 21.0% as of September 2025. In comparison to the rest of Queensland (Rest of Qld), which had an unemployment rate of 4.1%, Rockhampton City's rate is 16.9% higher.

Workforce participation in the city is lower than the Rest of Qld, at 60.7% compared to 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 5.1% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food services, and construction sectors. The area has a notably high concentration in accommodation & food services, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.7% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. There are 2.8 workers for every resident in Rockhampton City, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and May 2025, labour force increased by 0.6%, while employment decreased by 5.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 5.0 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Rockhampton City's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

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

Rockhampton City SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $47,927 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $59,663 during the same period. These figures are lower than the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $52,677 and an average income of $65,576 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Rockhampton City fall between the 5th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 26.9% of the population (911 individuals) have incomes ranging from $800 to $1,499, contrasting with the regional leading bracket of $1,500 to $2,999 at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Rockhampton City, with only 83.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

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

Rockhampton City's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 75.7% houses and 24.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rockhampton City was at 28.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.8% and rented ones at 45.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,073, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Rockhampton City was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Rockhampton City's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,073 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 54.8% of all households, including 13.5% couples with children, 19.7% couples without children, and 17.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 45.2%, with lone person households at 41.0% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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's university qualification rate is 14.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (6.6%) and certificates (31.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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

Rockhampton City faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 1,657 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 12.0% and 10.5% of residents respectively. However, 57.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Rockhampton City has 18.7% of residents aged 65 and over (632 people), lower than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings for the overall 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, as per the data, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population composition was predominantly Australian citizens, with 84.7% falling into this category. Additionally, 88.7% of residents were born in Australia, and 93.7% spoke English exclusively at home.

Christianity was identified as the primary religion in Rockhampton City, accounting for 51.3% of its population. This figure is slightly lower than that of the Rest of Queensland, which stood at 52.2%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.9%), Australian (29.4%), and Irish (9.0%). Notably, certain ethnic groups showed variations in their representation: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented in Rockhampton City at 7.5% compared to the regional average of 3.9%, German at 5.1% versus 4.7%, and Maori at 0.7% against a regional figure of 0.8%.

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

Rockhampton City has a median age of 40, slightly higher than the national norm of 38 but close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41. The 25-34 age group makes up 16.0% of Rockhampton City's population, compared to Rest of Qld's figure, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 14.3% to 16.0%, and the 0 to 4 cohort has risen 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 has dropped from 13.0% to 11.1%. By 2041, Rockhampton City's age profile is projected to change significantly, with the 25 to 34 group expected to grow by 15 people, reaching 627 from 543. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 45 to 54 and 15 to 24 cohorts.