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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Rockhampton Surrounds - West has an estimated 3,229 residents, up from 3,002 at the 2021 Census — a change of 227 people, or 7.6%. Growth has averaged 1.7% a year over five years. 170 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 72.1% of that increase. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch, the population of Rockhampton Surrounds - West has reached approximately 3,229 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 227 people (7.6%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented 3,002 residents. This shift is calculated utilizing the ABS estimated resident population of 3,226 from June 2025 alongside 170 validated new addresses registered after the Census. Such a population size yields a density ratio of 0.70 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious environment. The local expansion rate of 7.6% since the 2021 census outpaced both the SA3 area (7.0%) and the broader SA4 region, establishing the locality as a regional leader in population growth.
This rise was mostly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 72.1% of the total demographic growth, though all other contributors like natural increase and overseas migration also registered positive results. Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized for each SA2 region. For locations lacking this data or for timeframes past 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 using 2021 data are substituted. Since the state-level data does not outline specific age brackets, AreaSearch adjusts these cohorts based on the age patterns in the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections with a 2022 baseline. Looking ahead, population growth is anticipated to be slightly under the median for regional parts of Australia, with the locality projected to add 328 persons by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP figures, representing a total expansion of 10.1% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
26 new dwellings have been approved in Rockhampton Surrounds - West over the past five years, an average of 5 a year. That is 1.7 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 15, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
On average, Rockhampton Surrounds - West records approximately 5 new dwelling approvals each year, with 26 residential approvals over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 14 so far during FY-26. Because there are 9.8 new residents annually for each completed home over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is outstripping supply, which generally drives up prices and intensifies buyer competition, while the typical building cost for these new dwellings is $395,000. Furthermore, $369,000 in commercial building approvals have been registered this financial year, pointing to a market dominated by residential construction.
Relative to the Rest of Qld, construction activity in Rockhampton Surrounds - West is highly subdued, sitting 57.0% below regional average per person. This sparse supply pipeline generally bolsters demand and valuations for existing properties, even though building volumes have picked up lately. This rate is also below national benchmarks, indicating a mature market and potential development barriers. Additionally, all new building approvals have been for standalone houses, preserving the classic low density suburban structure and appealing to buyers seeking large properties. The ratio of 459 people per single dwelling approval highlights the quiet nature of local property development. Demographic projections indicate that Rockhampton Surrounds - West will add 325 residents by 2041 based on the most recent AreaSearch quarterly figures. With the current pace of construction, residential supply may struggle to keep up with this growth, which could increase buyer competition and support higher home values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Rockhampton Surrounds - West
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 9 current infrastructure and development projects inside Rockhampton Surrounds - West, worth an estimated $3.4 billion. A further 65 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $10.2 billion. 24 are already under construction and 18 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans energy, residential development and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Changes to local infrastructure, major developments, and regional planning strategies exert a substantial influence on local growth. AreaSearch has tracked a total of 47 projects that are set to influence the region. High-profile developments include the Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project, the Breeze Residential Estate, the Somerset Road Upgrade Gracemere, and the Gracemere Industrial Area Expansion, with the most relevant developments detailed in the list below.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project
A 372MW wind energy project featuring up to 60 turbines designed to power approximately 194,000 homes. The project is a key component of the Central Queensland Power (CQP) portfolio, which aims to transition the region to firmed renewable energy. While previously slated for public ownership, the state-owned generator CleanCo exited the project in early 2026 following a strategic review, though the developer continues to progress the asset under the Australian Government's Capacity Investment Scheme.
Breeze Residential Estate
A residential estate planning 103 new homes, offering vacant land and house and land packages. Located in Gracemere, west of Rockhampton.
Stanwell Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
A 300MW / 1200MWh battery energy storage system located at the Stanwell Power Station. It is designed to provide essential firming capacity for renewable energy projects in Central Queensland by storing energy during high generation periods and dispatching it during high demand. The project consists of 324 Tesla Megapack 2XL lithium-ion units. The Stanwell Battery Energy Storage System is a 300 MW / 1,200 MWh project near Stanwell Power Station, transitioning the site to a Clean Energy Hub.
Stanwell Clean Energy Hub
A long-term initiative to transform the Stanwell Power Station site into a hub for clean energy technologies. This includes the Stanwell BESS, the Future Energy and Innovation Training Hub (FEITH), and potentially future projects involving renewable hydrogen, wind, and solar, leveraging the existing infrastructure and skilled workforce.
Future Energy and Innovation Training Hub (FEITH)
A proposed training and innovation hub at the Stanwell Clean Energy Hub. The facility will be used to test new energy technologies like wind, solar, and hydrogen, and provide hands-on training for the workforce in renewable energy technologies. The project is valued at up to $100 million.
Stanwell Waroula Road Upgrade
A 5km upgrade of Stanwell Waroula Road, involving road widening, pavement overlay, sealing, and culvert extensions. The project aimed to improve road safety, accessibility, and flood resilience for this rural road link. The project was completed in September 2024.
Moonlight Range Wind Farm
The project involves the construction of a 450-megawatt wind farm, including 88 wind turbines up to 280 metres high, an onsite 275-kilovolt connection into the Powerlink network, and relevant supporting infrastructure. The project was refused by the Queensland Government in May 2025.
Gracemere Industrial Area Expansion
Staged expansion of the Gracemere Industrial Area (GIA), Central Queensland's premier industrial and logistics precinct located 10km west of Rockhampton. The GIA accommodates low, medium and high impact industries across four development stages progressing east to west, with the eastern precinct already operational and hosting over 150 transport, logistics, warehousing, mining services, fuel distribution and manufacturing businesses. The precinct is bounded by the Capricorn Highway and Blackwater rail line, providing direct access to Gladstone Port and Queensland's major mining basins.
1,850 residents of Rockhampton Surrounds - West are employed, from a labour force of 1,879. Unemployment sits at 1.5%, with participation at 72.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,851, about 88% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The labor force in Rockhampton Surrounds - West is evenly split between white-collar and blue-collar occupations, with building and construction being particularly prominent, and the unemployment rate stands at a very low 1.5%. As of March 2026, there are 1,850 employed residents, and the local unemployment rate is 2.4% below Regional Qld's rate of 3.9%. Participation in the labor force is exceptionally high, sitting at 72.7% compared to Regional Qld's 64.3%. Census data indicates that a moderate 16.3% of workers perform their duties from home, though this figure reflects some influence from Covid-19 restrictions.
Local workforce positions are largely concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, construction, and health care & social assistance. The community displays a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which has a representation share 4.0 times higher than the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food services are underrepresented, accounting for 2.0% of jobs compared to the regional average of 8.3%. Comparing Census workplace locations with the resident labor force suggests that local job openings within the immediate area are relatively limited. Based on SALM and ABS figures analyzed by AreaSearch, the local labor force contracted by 5.0% and overall employment fell by 4.4% during the 12 months ending March 2026, which caused the unemployment rate to drop by 0.6 percentage points. Over the same period, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1% and the labor force grow by 0.3%, with its unemployment rate ticks up by 0.1 percentage points. National employment outlooks from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 offer additional context on future demand trends in Rockhampton Surrounds - West. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential changes. While overall national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates vary significantly by sector. Applying these industry trends to the employment profile of Rockhampton Surrounds - West suggests local jobs could grow by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection that does not factor in local demographic forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Rockhampton Surrounds - West is $1,851 a week (about $96,000 a year), with median personal income at $836 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $59,965 a year against an average of $71,756. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the latest ATO postcode statistics for financial year 2023 published by AreaSearch, taxpayers in the Rockhampton Surrounds - West SA2 have a median income of $59,965 and an average income of $71,756. This surpasses national benchmarks and compares to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 across Regional Qld. Accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current figures are estimated at approximately $66,777 for the median and $79,907 for the average as of March 2026. Census data from 2021 places local household, family, and individual incomes around the 56th percentile nationwide.
The dominant bracket contains 31.8% of the local population (1,026 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the metropolitan area where 31.7% fall into this same band. After meeting housing expenses, residents keep 88.6% of their earnings, showing healthy discretionary spending, while the area ranks in the 4th decile on the SEIFA index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Rockhampton Surrounds - West had 976 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 99% detached houses and 0% apartments. 45% are owned with a mortgage, 10% rented and 45% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,733 a month. Rent absorbs 16.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The mix of housing in Rockhampton Surrounds - West at the time of the latest Census consisted of 98.6% standalone houses and 1.4% alternative dwellings like apartments, townhouses, and other types, compared to Regional Qld's breakdown of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options. The rate of outright home ownership was high at 44.6%, with the remaining properties either under mortgage (45.0%) or occupied by tenants (10.4%). The median monthly home loan payment was $1,733, which is higher than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rental cost was $300, compared to Regional Qld's $345.
Locally, mortgage payments sit below the Australian median of $1,863, and typical rent is well below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Rockhampton Surrounds - West counted 976 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,050 today, averaging 2.7 people each. 33% are couples with children, against 37% couples without children. 20% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the vast majority of households at 78.2%, consisting of 32.7% couples with children, 36.8% couples without children, and 7.5% single-parent households. The remaining 21.8% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 20.4% and group homes accounting for 1.4%. The average household size of 2.7 residents is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
12.6% of adults in Rockhampton Surrounds - West hold a university qualification, including 9.5% with a bachelor degree and 1.3% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 75% of areas nationally. A further 37.0% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 101 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 968 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainments in the region present hurdles, with university graduation levels at 12.6% sitting far below the national average of 30.4%. This represents both a hurdle and a chance for focused educational campaigns. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 9.5%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.8% and postgraduate degrees at 1.3%. Practical and vocational qualifications are highly prevalent, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (37.0%). Enrolment rates are high, with 31.7% of the population participating in some form of structured education.
Within this student group, 13.0% are in primary school, 9.7% are in high school, and 3.4% are enrolled in higher education courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Rockhampton Surrounds - West means driving: households keep an average of 2.2 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
66.0% of residents in Rockhampton Surrounds - West report no long-term health condition. 3.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 54.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators in Rockhampton Surrounds - West align closely with national averages according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality and chronic illnesses, which reveals typical rates of common medical conditions across both younger and older cohorts, while private health insurance rates are relatively high at roughly 55% of the total population (~1,772 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent health issues locally, affecting 10.6% and 8.3% of the community respectively, while 66.0% of the population reported no chronic conditions compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
Working-age residents experience higher than average rates of chronic illness. The area has 19.0% of its population aged 65 and over (614 people), which is below the Regional Qld average of 20.4%. Seniors in the area experience above-average health outcomes, with national relative rankings higher than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Rockhampton Surrounds - West is largely Australian-born, at 95.5% of residents, with 1.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (37.9%) and English (29.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Rockhampton Surrounds - West is low, with citizens accounting for 86.0% of the population, 95.5% of residents born in Australia, and 99.0% of households speaking only English. The dominant religious affiliation is Christianity, followed by 68.1% of the local population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. In terms of parental heritage, the three largest ancestral cohorts in Rockhampton Surrounds - West are Australian at 37.9% of the population (considerably higher than the regional rate of 26.5%), English at 29.4%, and Irish at 9.9%. Some notable deviations from regional averages also exist: German heritage is overrepresented at 5.6% of the local population (compared to 4.7% regionally), while Indigenous Australians account for 2.7% (compared to 3.9% regionally) and Maori heritage represents 0.5% (compared to 0.8% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Rockhampton Surrounds - West is 42. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 20.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of residents in Rockhampton Surrounds - West is 42 years, which is close to the Regional Qld median of 41 and above the Australian median of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, the 55 - 64 age bracket is overrepresented at 14.4% of the population, while 25 - 34 year-olds are underrepresented at 10.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 12.3% to 14.0% of the population, and the 5 to 14 age group increased from 12.3% to 13.8%. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 16.1% to 14.4%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.4% to 12.2%.
Long-term population models for 2041 point to significant changes, with the 25 to 34 age bracket projected to grow by 80 people (24%) from 333 to 414, while the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Rockhampton Surrounds - West
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 9 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 170 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,002 at the 2021 Census → 3,229 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (308031220). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.