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

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

AreaSearch adopts 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 are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, a population increase just below Australia's regional areas median is expected for Rockhampton Surrounds - West by 2041, reflecting a gain of 9.9% 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 approximately five new dwelling approvals annually over the past six financial years. Specifically, 26 homes were approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional seven approved so far in FY-26. This translates to an average of 10.7 new residents per year for every home built during these five financial years.

The demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers. The average value of new homes being constructed is $395,000. In contrast, commercial development approvals this financial year totalled $369,000, indicating a predominant focus on residential development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Rockhampton Surrounds - West has exhibited significantly less development activity, approximately 56.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, suggesting a shift in this trend. Nationally, development activity is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New construction in Rockhampton Surrounds - West has been entirely 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 population per dwelling approval is 454 people, indicative of its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Rockhampton Surrounds - West is projected to 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 47 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project, Breeze Residential Estate, Somerset Road Upgrade Gracemere, and Gracemere Industrial Area Expansion. The following list details those 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.

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 prominent, with an unemployment rate of 2.2% as of September 2025.

Employment growth in the past year was estimated at 0.6%. There are 1,894 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is 61.3%, similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Major industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, construction, and health care & social assistance.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a high employment share at 4.0 times the regional level, while accommodation & food shows lower representation at 2.0% compared to the regional average of 8.3%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections vary based on industry-specific growth rates. Applying these projections to Rockhampton Surrounds - West's employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years.

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 2022 shows Rockhampton Surrounds - West SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $57,745 and an average of $69,042. Nationally, this is higher than average. Comparing with Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844 shows this difference. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Rockhampton Surrounds - West would be approximately $65,824 (median) and $78,701 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census reports household, family and personal incomes in Rockhampton Surrounds - West cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows 31.8% of locals (1,029 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to metropolitan regions where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 88.6% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. 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 in its dwelling structure 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, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in the area was $300, equal to Non-Metro Qld's figure. Nationally, Rockhampton Surrounds - West's median monthly mortgage repayment was lower at $1,733 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and its median weekly rent was substantially lower at $300 compared to the national figure of $375.

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 at 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 9.5% of residents holding such qualifications, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.8% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.3%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 45.1% having earned them.

Advanced diplomas account for 8.1%, while certificates make up 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.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Rockhampton Surrounds - West is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Rockhampton Surrounds West faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population, which amounts to around 1,738 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 10.6 and 8.3% of residents respectively. A total of 66.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 64.7% across the Rest of Qld. As of March 2021, 18.0% of residents are aged 65 and over, numbering approximately 583 people. Health outcomes among seniors in this area are above average, performing better than 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 below average cultural diversity, with 86.0% of its population being citizens, 95.5% born in Australia, and 99.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 68.1%, compared to 56.3% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (37.9%), English (29.4%), and Irish (9.9%).

Notably, German was overrepresented at 5.6%, Australian Aboriginal was underrepresented at 2.7%, and Maori representation was similar to the regional average at 0.5%.

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

The median age in Rockhampton Surrounds - West is close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years, both being higher than the Australian median of 38 years. The 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented locally at 15.0%, while the 15-24 year-olds are 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 15-24 cohort declined from 10.8% to 9.7%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 16.1% to 15.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Rockhampton Surrounds - West, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to expand by 100 people (29%), from 349 to 450. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.