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

Rockhampton Surrounds - East's population was approximately 3,766 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 259 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,507. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,711 in June 2024 and an additional 118 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 5.5 persons per square kilometer. Rockhampton Surrounds - East's 7.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (6.7%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 69.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

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 or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected. Rockhampton Surrounds - East is expected to increase by 575 persons over the next 17 years, reflecting a total increase of 13.8%.

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

Rockhampton Surrounds - East has seen approximately 21 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 105 homes were approved, with another 8 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each new home attracts about 1.9 new residents yearly over the past five financial years.

This results in a stable market dynamic between supply and demand. The average construction value of these new properties is $337,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY-26, there have been $279,000 worth of commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Rockhampton Surrounds - East has 52.0% higher new home approvals per capita, offering greater choice for buyers.

All recent developments in the area consist of detached houses, maintaining its traditional low-density character and appealing to families seeking space. The location currently has about 168 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Rockhampton Surrounds - East is projected to gain around 520 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially allowing growth beyond current forecasts.

Rockhampton Surrounds - East has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road, Yeppoon Road Upgrade, Crestwood Estate, Lifestyles By The Beach Over 50s Village, Zilzie, and Oak Tree Retirement Village Norman Gardens. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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 performance in Rockhampton Surrounds - East has been broadly consistent with national averages

Rockhampton Surrounds - East has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notably prominent. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.5%.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively consistent. There are 1,982 residents employed currently, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at 67.9%, comparable to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 11.3% of residents work from home.

The dominant employment sectors are construction, health care & social assistance, and mining. Mining is particularly strong with an employment share three times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance has a lower presence at 12.0%, compared to the regional average of 16.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2% while labour force grew by 1.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, and a smaller increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Rockhampton Surrounds - East SA2's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $57,010. The average income stood at $69,084 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of Qld's median and average incomes were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $62,660, with average income estimated at around $75,930. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Rockhampton Surrounds - East rank modestly, between the 32nd and 40th percentiles. Income brackets show that 31.4% of individuals (1,182 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band, which is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region where 31.7% are in the same category. Housing costs allow for retention of 87.3% of income, but disposable income ranks 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

The dwelling structure in Rockhampton Surrounds - East, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.8% houses and 1.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's structure of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rockhampton Surrounds - East stood at 46.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (44.3%) or rented (8.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent was $280, lower than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $345. Nationally, Rockhampton Surrounds - East's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $280 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 77.8% of all households, including 32.1% couples with children, 36.6% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.2%, with lone person households at 19.9% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of 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's university qualification rate is 13.8%, 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 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (7.6%) and certificates (34.9%).

Educational participation is notably high at 27.7%, including 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

Rockhampton Surrounds - East faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions. The area has approximately 53% private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~2,070 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.9%) and asthma (7.2%). About 66.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age residents have a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 23.1% residents aged 65 and over (869 people), higher than the 20.0% in Rest of 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 had a cultural diversity index below average, with 89.1% of its population being citizens, 91.2% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 56.5%. This figure is higher than the regional average of 52.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.4%), English (30.4%), and Irish (8.4%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 5.2%, compared to the regional average of 4.7%. South African ancestry was also slightly higher at 0.6%, and Dutch ancestry was at 1.5% versus the regional average of 1.1%.

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

Rockhampton Surrounds - East has a median age of 45, which is higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 14.8%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 9.8% compared to Rest of Qld. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 7.0%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 17.6% to 14.9% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 13.3% to 10.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Rockhampton Surrounds - East's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 52%, reaching 398 people from 262. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts.