Rockhampton Surrounds - North

Population growth drivers in Rockhampton Surrounds - North are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Rockhampton Surrounds - North's population is around 5,065 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 467 people (10.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,598 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,966 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 120 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.70 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Rockhampton Surrounds - North's 10.2% 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 73.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 applies 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, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 327 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 4.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Rockhampton Surrounds - North has recorded around 18 residential properties granted approval annually, with 92 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 13 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 5.8 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $267,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $1.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Rockhampton Surrounds - North has similar development levels (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns, though construction activity has eased recently. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 369 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Future projections show Rockhampton Surrounds - North adding 228 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Rockhampton Surrounds - North has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 74 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Bruce Highway (Rockhampton-St Lawrence) - bridges safety upgrades and targeted safety works, Yeppoon Over-50s Village - Tanby Road, Capricorn Coast Homemaker Centre Stage 2, and The Gateway Business and Industry Park, 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 labour market in Rockhampton Surrounds - North shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Rockhampton Surrounds - North has a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.0%. As of December 2025, 2,743 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.0% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (69.4% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 3.2 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 11.2% of Rockhampton Surrounds - North's workforce compared to 16.1% in Regional Qld. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 3.3% combined with employment decreasing by 2.8%, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Rockhampton Surrounds - North. 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 - North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Rockhampton Surrounds - North SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $57,172 with the average level standing at $72,463. This is higher than 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 $62,838 (median) and $79,644 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Rockhampton Surrounds - North, between the 37th and 46th percentiles. Distribution data shows 28.9% of the population (1,463 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 88.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and 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 within Rockhampton Surrounds - North, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.9% houses and 2.0% 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 - North was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 50.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.3%) or rented (9.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,755, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Rockhampton Surrounds - North's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 79.1% of all households, comprising 35.0% couples with children, 34.6% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.9%, with lone person households at 18.2% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional 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 (17.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents 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 feature prominently, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (34.8%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Rockhampton Surrounds - North's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Rockhampton Surrounds - North, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~2,780 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.3 and 7.2% of residents, respectively, while 70.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,019 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.0% of its population being citizens, 90.8% born in Australia, and 97.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Rockhampton Surrounds - North is Christianity, which makes up 57.5% 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 - North are Australian, comprising 33.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 31.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 6.0% of Rockhampton Surrounds - North (vs 4.7% regionally), Welsh at 0.6% (vs 0.5%) and New Zealand at 0.7% (vs 0.9%).

Rockhampton Surrounds - North hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

At 44 years, Rockhampton Surrounds - North's median age is marginally above the Regional Qld average of 41 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.3%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (9.8%) than in Regional Qld. Since 2021, the 0 to 4 age group has grown from 4.7% to 6.0% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.9% to 6.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.8% to 15.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Rockhampton Surrounds - North. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 18%, adding 89 residents to reach 587. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts.