Rockhampton Surrounds - West
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was around 3,237 as of November 2025. This represented an increase of 235 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,002 people. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,202 in June 2024 and an additional 163 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 0.70 persons per square kilometer. Rockhampton Surrounds - West's population grew by 7.8% between the 2021 Census and November 2025, exceeding both the SA4 region's growth rate of 6.6% and the SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 68.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 were used. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase similar to Australia's regional areas, with an expected increase of 357 persons by 2041 based on the latest population numbers, representing a total gain of 9.9% over the 17 years.

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 averaged approximately five new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 26 homes approved during this period and an additional five approved in FY26. This region has seen an average of 10.7 new residents per year for every home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating that demand significantly outpaces supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers. The average value of new homes being constructed is $395,000.

In the current financial year, there have been $369,000 in commercial development approvals, suggesting a predominant focus on residential development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Rockhampton Surrounds - West has significantly less development activity, with 56.0% fewer approvals per person than the regional average. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, although building activity has accelerated in recent years. Nationally, this region also reflects lower development activity, which may indicate market maturity or possible development constraints. All new construction in the area consists of standalone homes, maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 454 people, reflecting its quiet and low-activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate that Rockhampton Surrounds - West will gain approximately 322 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Rockhampton Surrounds - West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 47 potential impact projects. Key initiatives include Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project, Breeze Residential Estate, Somerset Road Upgrade Gracemere, and Gracemere Industrial Area Expansion. Below is a list detailing those likely to be most relevant.

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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Rockhampton Surrounds - West performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Rockhampton Surrounds - West has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar employment. The construction sector is prominent.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.2%. There was an estimated 4.6% employment growth in the past year. In June 2025, 1,929 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 1.7%, below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is 61.3%, close to Rest of Qld's 59.1%.

Major employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, construction, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a strong representation at 4.0 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food shows lower representation at 2.0% versus the regional average of 8.3%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 4.6%, while labour force grew by 5.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Comparing this with Rest of Qld, employment growth was 1.8%, labour force expansion was 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rockhampton Surrounds - West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Rockhampton Surrounds - West had a median income among taxpayers of $57,745 and an average of $69,042. This is higher than the national average. The rest of Queensland had a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $65,824 (median) and $78,701 (average). The 2021 Census reports that household, family, and personal incomes in Rockhampton Surrounds - West cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 31.8% of locals (1,029 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to the metropolitan region where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 88.6% of their income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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 Non-Metro Qld's 88.5% houses and 11.5% 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, while the median weekly rent was $300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $1,517 for mortgage repayments and $300 for rents. Nationally, Rockhampton Surrounds - West's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 21.8%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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 (8.1%) and certificates (37.0%). Educational participation is high at 31.7%, including 13.0% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Rockhampton Surrounds - West has 4 schools with a combined enrollment of 101 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 968) with balanced educational opportunities. These 4 schools focus on primary education only, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 3.1 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.

Health outcomes in Rockhampton Surrounds - West are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Rockhampton Surrounds - West shows below-average health indicators with common conditions slightly more prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 54% of its total population (~1,738 people) has private health cover. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and asthma (8.3%). 66.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 64.7% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 18.0% of residents aged 65 and over (583 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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 low cultural diversity, with 86.0% citizens, 95.5% born in Australia, and 99.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 68.1%, compared to 56.3% regionally. Ancestry showed Australian as the largest group (37.9%), higher than regional average of 31.3%.

Other notable groups were English (29.4%) and Irish (9.9%). There were differences in representation of German (5.6% vs regional 4.9%), Australian Aboriginal (2.7% vs 5.1%), and Maori (0.5% vs 0.5%).

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

The median age in Rockhampton Surrounds - West is 42 years, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years, and well above Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented at 15.0% locally, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 9.7%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 5 to 14 age group has grown from 12.3% to 14.2%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 12.3% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age group has declined from 10.8% to 9.7%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 16.1% to 15.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Rockhampton Surrounds - West, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to expand by 100 people (29%) from 349 to 450. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.