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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ABS ERP | -- people | --
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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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Population
Rockhampton - West has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch
Rockhampton - West's population was around 6,148 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 245 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,903. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 6,148 in June 2025 and an additional 45 validated new addresses since the census date. This results in a density ratio of 177 persons per square kilometer. Rockhampton - West's growth rate of 4.2% since the census is within 2.8 percentage points of the SA3 area's 7.0%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive factors.
AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 based on 2022 data. 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. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, regional areas like Rockhampton - West are expected to grow by 225 persons to reach a total population of 6,373 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 3.7% over the 16-year period based on latest annual ERP population numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Rockhampton - West according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
Rockhampton - West averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 47 homes. In FY26 so far, there have been 3 recorded approvals. On average, each home built between FY21 and FY25 attracted around 3.2 new residents annually, indicating significant demand outpacing supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $255,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms.
This financial year has seen $2.9 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Rockhampton - West has significantly less development activity, approximately 59.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population in the area per dwelling approval is 1845 people.
Looking ahead, Rockhampton - West is expected to grow by approximately 225 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Rockhampton - West
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Rockhampton - West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 such projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the Rockhampton Ring Road project, the Rocky Stadium development at Victoria Park, the Rockhampton Showgrounds Precinct Redevelopment, and the Ski Gardens Master Plan Development. The following list details those projects most relevant to the area.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Rockhampton Hospital Emergency Department Expansion
The Rockhampton Hospital Emergency Department expansion was completed in July 2025, significantly increasing clinical capacity. The project delivered nine new acute treatment spaces, including seven beds and two recliner chairs, alongside a dedicated consultation and treatment room. By relocating the Orthopaedic Clinic to a new purpose-built facility on Canning Street, the hospital created a specialized 'Fast Track' area with 12 additional treatment spaces designed for non-complex cases like minor injuries and respiratory infections. This upgrade improves patient flow, reduces ambulance ramping, and supports more complex case management across Central Queensland.
Rocky Stadium at Victoria Park
Proposed development of a rectangular football stadium to be built adjacent to the existing Rocky Sports Club at Victoria Park. The design is for a permanent seating capacity of 8,500, expandable to 16,000 with temporary seating, to host top-tier sports and entertainment events. The Federal Government has announced $23 million in funding. The status is currently *Proposed* by the Austadiums website. Note: Other search results relate to a different 'Victoria Park Precinct' in Brisbane for the 2032 Olympics, which is a different project.
Mildura Rise Estate
A 392-lot sustainable housing development providing around 400 new housing lots with diverse lot sizes ranging from 1013m2 to 8719m2 with an average of 2078m2. The development includes new roads, water and sewer connections, direct Bruce Highway access, and a future community park. Features larger rural-style lots compared to urban developments.
Rockhampton Museum of Art
Three storey regional art museum built by Rockhampton Regional Council on Quay Street, opened in 2022. Around 4,700 sqm GFA with multiple exhibition spaces, learning studios, shop and a cafe, positioned on the Fitzroy River waterfront (Tunuba).
Rockhampton Showgrounds Precinct Redevelopment
Master planning and long-term redevelopment of the Showgrounds and Victoria Park precinct to create a high-quality multi-purpose venue for exhibitions, events, community activities, and sporting facilities. The master planning process is to guide the staged development of the precinct over time and address constraints like parking and flooding.
Ski Gardens Master Plan Development
Development of Ski Gardens as a premier water sports and recreation precinct in Rockhampton, leveraging its Fitzroy River location. The master plan provides a framework for ongoing development to support uses, meet community expectations, and may include an amenities building, judging tower, power upgrades, and enhanced rowing course to potentially host events like the Australian Rowing Championships and support 2032 Olympic aspirations, along with general picnic areas, playgrounds, and improved river access and parking. Community consultation on the draft master plan closed in 2023.
Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo Redevelopment
Major redevelopment of Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo including new animal exhibits, improved visitor facilities, enhanced gardens, and educational spaces. The project aims to create a world-class tourism destination and conservation facility.
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.
Employment
Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, Rockhampton - West has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally
Rockhampton - West has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.6% as of December 2025. It has 3,229 residents in work and an unemployment rate that is 0.4% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%.
According to Census responses, only 4.2% of residents work from home. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Health care & social assistance has a particularly strong specialization with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at only 1.3% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%.
The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.4%, employment declined by 2.4%, causing unemployment to fall by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Rockhampton - West's employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 indicates the median income among taxpayers in Rockhampton - West SA2 is $60,515. The average income for this area during the same period was $75,334. Both figures are higher than national averages. In comparison, Regional Queensland's median income was $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes for Rockhampton - West SA2 would be approximately $67,390 (median) and $83,892 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Rockhampton - West rank modestly, between the 29th and 43rd percentiles. Income distribution data reveals that 29.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, which aligns with the broader area where this group represents 31.7%. After accounting for housing costs, 85.9% of income remains available for other expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Rockhampton - West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Rockhampton - West's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 88.7% houses and 11.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rockhampton - West was at 30.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.6% and rented ones at 33.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was $265, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Rockhampton - West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Rockhampton - West features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 64.1% of all households, including 22.7% that are couples with children, 24.7% that are couples without children, and 14.7% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.9%, with lone person households at 32.4% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Rockhampton - West faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area's university qualification rate is 19.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 36.5% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (28.7%). Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.
This includes primary (9.9%), secondary (8.0%), and tertiary (4.0%) 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
Health performance in Rockhampton - West is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts
Rockhampton-West experiences significant health issues, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups.
Private health cover is high at approximately 57% (~3479 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent, impacting 10.6% and 9.7% of residents respectively. However, 62.0% claim to be free from medical ailments, lower than the 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age residents face substantial health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 20.2% (1244 people) of residents aged 65 and over, with senior health outcomes broadly inline with national rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Rockhampton - West is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Rockhampton-West had a cultural diversity below average, with 91.1% citizens, 91.7% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 56.6%, compared to Regional Qld's 52.2%. Top ancestry groups were Australian (30.6%), English (30.4%), and Irish (8.7%).
Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 5.4% vs regional 3.9%, German at 5.0% vs 4.7%, and Scottish at 8.3% vs 7.8%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Rockhampton - West's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms
The median age in Rockhampton-West is 38 years, which is slightly below Regional Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 14.4% of the population compared to Regional Queensland, while the 45-54 cohort makes up 10.7%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35-44 age group has increased from 10.8% to 13.2%, and conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.6% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Rockhampton-West. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 17%, adding 152 people and reaching a total of 1,040 from its current figure of 887. Conversely, the 65-74 and 5-14 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.