Rockhampton Surrounds - East

Rockhampton Surrounds - East has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Rockhampton Surrounds - East's population is around 3,769 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 262 people (7.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,507 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,711 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 121 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 5.5 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Rockhampton Surrounds - East's 7.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.8%) and 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 69.7% 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. Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth for national regional areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 575 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 13.7% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Rockhampton Surrounds - East when compared nationally

Rockhampton Surrounds - East has recorded around 21 residential properties granted approval each year, totalling 105 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 1.9 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $337,000, in line with regional trends. There have also been $279,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

Compared to Rest of Qld, Rockhampton Surrounds - East shows 52.0% higher new home approvals (per person), creating greater choice for buyers. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature, with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. At around 168 people per approval, Rockhampton Surrounds - East reflects a developing area.

Population forecasts indicate Rockhampton Surrounds - East will gain 517 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 Surrounds - East has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road, Yeppoon Road Upgrade, Crestwood Estate, Lifestyles By The Beach Over 50s Village, Zilzie, and Oak Tree Retirement Village Norman Gardens, 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.

The employment environment in Rockhampton Surrounds - East shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Rockhampton Surrounds - East features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. As of December 2025, 1,962 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.4% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 11.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and mining. The area shows particularly strong specialization in mining, with an employment share of 3.0 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 12.0% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 16.1%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.3% alongside a 2.8% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew 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 Surrounds - East. 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 Surrounds - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Rockhampton Surrounds - East SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $57,010 with the average level standing at $69,084. This is slightly above average nationally 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 $62,660 (median) and $75,930 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Rockhampton Surrounds - East, between the 32nd and 40th percentiles. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.4% of the community (1,183 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 87.3% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 45th percentile.

Rockhampton Surrounds - East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Rockhampton Surrounds - East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.8% houses and 1.2% 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 Surrounds - East was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 46.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (44.3%) or rented (8.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Rockhampton Surrounds - East's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Rockhampton Surrounds - East features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 77.8% of all households, comprising 32.1% couples with children, 36.6% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.2%, with lone person households at 19.9% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Rockhampton Surrounds - East 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 (13.8%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.6%) and certificates (34.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Rockhampton Surrounds - East is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Rockhampton Surrounds - East, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across 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 (~2,008 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.9 and 7.2% of residents, respectively, while 66.7% 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 23.2% of residents aged 65 and over (873 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Rockhampton Surrounds - East placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Rockhampton Surrounds - East was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.1% of its population being citizens, 91.2% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Rockhampton Surrounds - East is Christianity, which makes up 56.5% of people in the area. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Rockhampton Surrounds - East are Australian, comprising 34.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 30.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.2% of Rockhampton Surrounds - East (vs 4.7% regionally), South Australian at 0.6% (vs 0.5%) and Dutch at 1.5% (vs 1.1%).

Rockhampton Surrounds - East hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

With a median age of 45, Rockhampton Surrounds - East is materially older than the Regional Qld figure of 41 and well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.7%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (10.0%) than in Regional Qld. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 7.1% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 8.8% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 17.6% to 14.5% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.3% to 10.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Rockhampton Surrounds - East's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 48% (128 people), reaching 398 from 269. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts.