Rockhampton Surrounds - West

Rockhampton Surrounds - West has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Rockhampton Surrounds - West's population is around 3,206 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 204 people (6.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,002 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,202 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 168 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. Over the past decade, Rockhampton Surrounds - West has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.8% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 68.3% 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 357 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 11.0% in total 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 has averaged around 5 new dwelling approvals annually, with 26 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 8 so far in FY-26. At an average of 10.7 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $395,000. Additionally, $369,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Rockhampton Surrounds - West has significantly less development activity (56.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 454 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Rockhampton Surrounds - West will gain 353 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Rockhampton Surrounds - West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 47 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project, Breeze Residential Estate, Somerset Road Upgrade Gracemere, and the Gracemere Industrial Area Expansion, 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.

Rockhampton Surrounds - West ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Rockhampton Surrounds - West features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. As of December 2025, 1,867 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.3% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (74.5% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 4.0 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food shows lower representation at 2.0% versus the regional average of 8.3%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.4% while employment declined by 3.2%, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 0.2 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 - West. 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 - West'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).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Rockhampton Surrounds - West SA2's median income among taxpayers is $59,965, with an average of $71,756. This is higher than average nationally, and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $65,908 (median) and $78,867 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Rockhampton Surrounds - West cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 31.8% of locals (1,019 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 88.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and 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

Dwelling structure within Rockhampton Surrounds - West, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.6% houses and 1.4% 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 - West was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 44.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (45.0%) or rented (10.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Rockhampton Surrounds - West's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 78.2% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (37.0%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Rockhampton Surrounds - West's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~1,760 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.6% and 8.3% of residents, respectively, while 66.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.4% of residents aged 65 and over (589 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.0% of its population being citizens, 95.5% born in Australia, and 99.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Rockhampton Surrounds - West is Christianity, which makes up 68.1% 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 - West are Australian, comprising 37.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 29.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.6% of Rockhampton Surrounds - West (vs 4.7% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 2.7% (vs 3.9%) and Maori at 0.5% (vs 0.8%).

Rockhampton Surrounds - West's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in Rockhampton Surrounds - West is close to Regional Qld's average of 41 and similarly well above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (14.6% locally), while 15 - 24 year-olds are under-represented (9.3%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.3% to 14.1% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort increased from 12.3% to 14.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.1% to 14.6% and the 15 to 24 group dropped from 10.8% to 9.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Rockhampton Surrounds - West. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 89 people (25%) from 360 to 450. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.