Rockhampton Surrounds - North
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Rockhampton Surrounds - North are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Rockhampton Surrounds - North's population is around 4,984 as of August 2025. This reflects an increase of 386 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,598. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,966 in June 2024 and an additional 90 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.70 persons per square kilometer. Rockhampton Surrounds - North's growth rate of 8.4% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA4 region (6.4%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 73.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas by 2041, with an expected gain of 327 persons and a total growth rate of 6.2%.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Rockhampton Surrounds - North when compared nationally

Rockhampton Surrounds - North has granted approximately 18 residential property approvals annually. Development approval data is sourced from the ABS on a financial year basis, with around 92 homes approved over the past five financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, including three approvals so far in FY-26. On average, about 5.8 new residents per dwelling constructed have arrived annually over these five years. The supply of housing is significantly lagging behind demand, leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are being constructed at an average expected cost of $331,000, which is below regional levels, offering more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen around $1.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Rockhampton Surrounds - North exhibits similar development activity per capita, contributing to market stability aligned with regional trends.

However, building activity has slowed in recent years, with all new construction consisting of standalone homes, maintaining the area's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. Currently, there are approximately 369 people per dwelling approval in the area, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts project an increase of 309 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, presenting favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Rockhampton Surrounds - North has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 76 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include the Bruce Highway (Rockhampton-St Lawrence) safety upgrade involving bridges and targeted safety works, the Yeppoon Over-50s Village development on Tanby Road, The Gateway Business and Industry Park, and Capricorn Coast Homemaker Centre Stage 2 expansion. The following list provides more details about these projects and others that are likely to be most relevant.

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

The labour market in Rockhampton Surrounds - North shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Rockhampton Surrounds - North has a skilled workforce with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.9% as of June 2025, lower than Rest of Qld's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.4%. As of June 2025, 2,817 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% below Rest of Qld's rate and workforce participation on par at 59.1%. Leading employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area has a notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 3.2 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 11.2% of Rockhampton Surrounds - North's workforce compared to 16.1% in Rest of Qld. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data showing fewer working residents than expected based on population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.4%, while labour force grew by 5.2%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23%, losing 8,070 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National unemployment was 4.5% with national employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local growth patterns may differ based on industry-specific projections. Applying these projections to Rockhampton Surrounds - North's employment mix suggests potential local growth of approximately 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Rockhampton Surrounds - North had a median income of $55,054 and an average income of $71,163. This is higher than the national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average). By March 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $61,501 (median) and $79,496 (average), based on a 11.71% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, Rockhampton Surrounds - North's incomes rank modestly, between the 37th and 46th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income cohort spans 28.9% of locals (1,440 people) in the $1,500 - $2,999 category, reflecting a pattern seen in the broader area where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 88.7% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Rockhampton Surrounds - North, as per the latest Census, comprised 97.9% houses and 2.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rockhampton Surrounds - North was at 50.7%, with the rest mortgaged (40.3%) or rented (9.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,755, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in the area was $300, matching Non-Metro Qld's figure. Nationally, Rockhampton Surrounds - North's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,755 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $300.

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

Family households constitute 79.1% of all households, including 35.0% couples with children, 34.6% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 20.9%, with lone person households at 18.2% and group households making up 2.7%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Rockhampton Surrounds - North 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 at 17.2%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 34.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.3% in primary education, 10.8% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education. Rockhampton Surrounds - North's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 390 students. The area demonstrates varied educational conditions with the 4 schools focusing exclusively on primary education and secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 7.8 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.

Rockhampton Surrounds - North's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data for Rockhampton Surrounds - North indicates positive outcomes with standard levels of common health conditions across young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover is high at approximately 55%, covering about 2,741 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.3%) and asthma (7.2%). A majority, 70.1%, report being completely free from medical ailments compared to the Rest of Queensland's 64.7%. In this area, 19.8% of residents are aged 65 or over (989 people), higher than the Rest of Queensland's 18.5%. Health outcomes among seniors exceed those of the general population in health metrics.

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

Rockhampton Surrounds - North had a below average cultural diversity, with 85.0% of its population being citizens, born in Australia at 90.8%, speaking English only at home at 97.8%. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 57.5% of people, compared to 56.3% across Rest of Qld. The top ancestry groups were Australian at 33.5%, English at 31.8%, and Irish at 9.3%.

Notably, German was overrepresented at 6.0% (vs regional 4.9%), Welsh at 0.6% (vs 0.4%), and New Zealand at 0.7% (vs 0.6%).

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

Rockhampton Surrounds - North's median age is 44 years, which is slightly higher than Queensland's average of 41 years and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile indicates that the 55-64 year-old group is particularly prominent at 15.6%, while the 25-34 year-old group is relatively smaller at 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of people aged 75 to 84 has increased from 4.9% to 5.9%. Conversely, the percentage of the population in the 55-64 age bracket has decreased from 16.8% to 15.6%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes for Rockhampton Surrounds - North. The 25-34 year-old cohort is expected to grow by 24%, adding 112 residents and reaching a total of 587. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 55-64 age groups.