Rockhampton City
Statistical Area - sa2

Rockhampton City is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Rockhampton City's population was around 3,448 as of August 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This represents an increase of 84 people, a 2.5% rise from the 2021 Census figure of 3,364 people. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,381 in June 2024 and an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 67 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential for further development. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.5% of Rockhampton City's overall population gains during recent periods, driving its growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. It is noted that state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. These were released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth for national non-metropolitan areas like Rockhampton City. The area is projected to grow by 126 persons by 2041, recording a total gain of 1.7% over the 17-year period based on the latest population numbers.

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 seen approximately 14 dwellings receive development approval annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides development approval data on a financial year basis, indicating 74 homes approved over the past five years from FY-20 to FY-25, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. Despite a decrease in population during this period, new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice. The average construction value of new properties is $393,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, there have been $44.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. When compared to the Rest of Qld, Rockhampton City maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns, although recent construction activity has eased. Recent development comprises 14.0% standalone homes and 86.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 76.0% houses) reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 479 people, reflecting its quiet development environment.

Future projections indicate Rockhampton City adding 59 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Rockhampton City has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Rockhampton Ring Road, Browne Park Redevelopment, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo Redevelopment, and Central Queensland Defence Industry Precinct Business Case. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Rockhampton City's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 21.9% as of June 2025.

This rate is 17.9% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Rockhampton City is lower at 52.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction. Notably, accommodation & food employs 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.7% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. As of the Census, there are 2.8 workers for every resident, indicating Rockhampton City functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between Jun-24 and Jun-25, labour force increased by 5.0% while employment declined by 3.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 7.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8%, labour force grow by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. Nationally, unemployment stood at 4.5% with employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Rockhampton City's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released in financial year 2022 shows Rockhampton City had a median income among taxpayers of $45,329 and an average level of $58,778. These figures are below the national average and compare to levels of $50,780 and $64,844 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Rockhampton City would be approximately $50,637 (median) and $65,661 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Rockhampton City fall between the 5th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 26.9% of the population falls within the $800 - 1,499 range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Rockhampton City, with only 83.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 7th 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.7% houses and 24.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rockhampton City stood 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 $1,517. The median weekly rent in Rockhampton City was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300. Nationally, Rockhampton City's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,073 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $250.

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, 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 6.6% and certificates make up 31.2%.

Educational participation is high at 27.3%, including primary education (10.7%), secondary education (6.6%), and tertiary education (4.4%). Rockhampton City's three schools have a combined enrollment of 230 students, with two primary schools and one K-12 school. School capacity in the area is limited at 6.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.6, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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, affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~1,692 people) have private health cover, compared to 53.2% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 12.0 and 10.5% of residents respectively.

57.5% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 18.5% (637 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with the overall population's health profile.

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 had a cultural diversity score below average, with 84.7% citizens, 88.7% born in Australia, and 93.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 51.3%. This is lower than the Rest of Qld's 56.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.9%), Australian (29.4%), and Irish (9.0%). Notably, Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented at 7.5% compared to the regional average of 5.1%, as were Germans at 5.1% versus 4.9%, and Maori at 0.7% against 0.5%.

Rockhampton City's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Rockhampton City is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Rockhampton City has a higher concentration of 25-34 year-olds at 15.6%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 10.3%. According to the 2021 Census, the 0-4 age group grew from 4.8% to 6.1%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 14.3% to 15.6%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort declined from 13.2% to 11.1%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Rockhampton City's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 group is expected to grow by 17 people, reaching 627 from 536. Conversely, the 45-54 and 15-24 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.