Chart Color Schemes
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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Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
What it costs to rent in Rockhampton Surrounds - West
Median weekly rents, year-on-year movement and bond-lodgement activity for Rockhampton Surrounds - West (4702). Sourced from the NSW Rental Bond Board, DCJ Family & Community Services.
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| Dwelling | Bedrooms | Median $/wk | Active bonds | New bonds (Qtr) | YoY | Quality |
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SOURCE: NSW Rental Bond Board (DCJ Family & Community Services), processed by AreaSearch. Imputed values are flagged. Latest publication:
Population
Rockhampton Surrounds - West has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends
Rockhampton Surrounds - West's population is approximately 3,229 as of May 2026. From the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,002 people, this reflects an increase of 227 individuals (7.6%). This growth can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,226 in June 2025 and an additional 170 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 0.70 persons per square kilometer. Rockhampton Surrounds - West's population grew by 7.6% from the 2021 Census, outperforming both its SA3 area (7.0%) and SA4 region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 72.1% of overall population gains recently.
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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. By 2041, the population is expected to increase by approximately 328 persons, reflecting a total gain of 10.1% over the 16 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Rockhampton Surrounds - West recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide
Rockhampton Surrounds - West has averaged approximately five new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 26 homes approved during this period. An additional ten dwellings have been approved so far in FY-26. On average, for every home built over these five years, there has been an increase of approximately 10.7 new residents annually.
This significant demand outpaces supply, typically exerting upward pressure on prices and intensifying competition among buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $395,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals have reached $369,000, indicating a primary focus on residential development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Rockhampton Surrounds - West has notably less development activity, at 57.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, although building activity has increased in recent years.
Nationally, this area also reflects lower development levels, suggesting market maturity and potential constraints on growth. All new construction to date has consisted of standalone homes, preserving the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking spacious family homes. The current estimated population per dwelling approval is 454 people. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Rockhampton Surrounds - West is projected to gain approximately 325 residents by 2041. At the current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially exacerbating buyer competition and supporting price increases.
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.
Infrastructure
Rockhampton Surrounds - West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally
Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 47 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project, Breeze Residential Estate, Somerset Road Upgrade Gracemere, and Gracemere Industrial Area Expansion. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Gracemere Industrial Area Expansion
Expansion of the Gracemere Industrial Area to create Queensland's premier transport and logistics hub. The project includes new industrial land, improved road access, and infrastructure to support heavy vehicle movements and freight operations serving Central Queensland's mining and agriculture sectors.
Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project
A 372MW wind farm with up to 60 turbines, part of Central Queensland Power's renewable energy portfolio developed by RES and Energy Estate. The project will power approximately 194,000 homes and inject $600 million into the Queensland economy, creating 400 construction jobs. Part of the larger integrated Central Queensland Power project comprising wind, solar, and battery storage designed to assist Central Queensland's transition to renewable energy.
Capricorn Highway Rockhampton to Gracemere Duplication
Duplication of 8.4 kilometres of the Capricorn Highway between Rockhampton and Gracemere, including new bridges, improved intersections, and enhanced safety features. The project improves freight efficiency and reduces travel times for the 25,000 vehicles using this corridor daily.
Gracemere Residential Housing Estates
Multiple residential housing estate developments across Gracemere to accommodate the town's growing population. Projects include new housing subdivisions, improved infrastructure, and community facilities to support the expanding residential community.
Gracemere State High School
A new state high school for Gracemere near Rockhampton, with $10 million funding allocated for early site works, detailed costings and master plan development. Stage 1 construction will deliver infrastructure for Years 7 and 8, with construction scheduled to commence mid-2026. This project ends a 20-year wait for a secondary campus in the rapidly growing Gracemere community.
Central Queensland Livestock Exchange Upgrade
Major upgrade of the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange, the largest cattle sales facility in the Southern Hemisphere. The project includes new selling floors, improved animal welfare facilities, upgraded infrastructure, and enhanced technology systems.
Rockhampton Ring Road
A transformative 17.4 km section of the Bruce Highway bypassing Rockhampton. The project features 18 bridges, including a major 435m four-lane crossing over the Fitzroy River with pedestrian and cycling facilities. It connects the Capricorn Highway to the Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road, providing flood immunity to Q100 standards. The project aims to remove heavy vehicles from the CBD, bypass 19 traffic lights, and improve access to the Rockhampton Airport and Hospital precincts.
Somerset Road Upgrade Gracemere
Upgrade of Somerset Road in Gracemere including road widening, new pavement, improved drainage, and enhanced safety features. The upgrade will improve access to the industrial area and residential developments in Gracemere.
Employment
Rockhampton Surrounds - West ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance
Rockhampton Surrounds - West has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notably prominent. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.7%.
In this period, 1,867 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.3% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation stands at 73.5%, higher than Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 16.3% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, construction, and health care & social assistance.
The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share four times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food services have lower representation at 2.0%, compared to Regional Qld's average of 8.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.4% while employment declined by 3.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rockhampton Surrounds - West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Rockhampton Surrounds - West SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $59,965 and an average of $71,756. This is higher than the national average. Regional Qld's median was $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $66,777 (median) and $79,907 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates household, family and personal incomes in Rockhampton Surrounds - West cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows 31.8% of locals (1,026 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to metropolitan regions where 31.7% fall into this range. After housing costs, residents retain 88.6% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Rockhampton Surrounds - West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Rockhampton Surrounds - West had 98.6% houses and 1.4% other dwellings at the latest Census, compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rockhampton Surrounds - West was 44.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.0% and rented ones at 10.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, above Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in the area was $300, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Rockhampton Surrounds - West's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Rockhampton Surrounds - West features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 78.2% of all households, including 32.7% couples with children, 36.8% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.8%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households making up 1.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational outcomes in Rockhampton Surrounds - West fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment
The area's university qualification rate is 12.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.1% and certificates at 37.0%. Educational participation is high, with 31.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.
This includes 13.0% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
No public transport data available for this catchment area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Rockhampton Surrounds - West's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts
West's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are standard for both young and old age cohorts.
Private health cover is high at approximately 55% of the total population (~1,772 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and asthma (8.3%). 66.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. 19.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (614 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings higher than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
The latest Census data sees Rockhampton Surrounds - West placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics
Rockhampton Surrounds - West had a cultural diversity index below average, with 86.0% of its population being citizens, 95.5% born in Australia, and 99.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 68.1%, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (37.9%), English (29.4%), and Irish (9.9%).
Notably, German ethnicity was overrepresented at 5.6% (vs regional 4.7%), while Australian Aboriginal was underrepresented at 2.7% (vs regional 3.9%) and Maori was lower than the regional average at 0.5% (vs regional 0.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Rockhampton Surrounds - West's median age exceeds the national pattern
The median age in Rockhampton Surrounds - West is 42 years, close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 years but above Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to the Regional Queensland average, the 55-64 age group is notably over-represented at 14.4% locally while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.3%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.3% to 14.0%, and the 5 to 14 age group increased from 12.3% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 16.1% to 14.4%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 13.4% to 12.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Rockhampton Surrounds - West, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to expand by 80 people (24%) from 333 to 414. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.