Rockhampton - West
Statistical Area - sa2

Rockhampton - West has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Rockhampton - West's population is 6,118 as of November 2025. This is an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 5,903 people, reflecting a growth rate of 3.6%. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 6,107, with an additional 39 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 177 persons per square kilometer. Rockhampton - West's population growth rate is within three percentage points of its SA4 region (6.6%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 80.6% of overall population gains recently, with other factors such as natural growth and interstate migration also contributing positively.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 based on 2022 data for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 using 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. According to demographic trends, non-metropolitan areas nationally are expected to have lower quartile growth, with Rockhampton - West projected to grow by 282 persons to 2041, resulting in a total increase of 4.4% over the 17-year period based on the latest population numbers.

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, from FY21 to FY25, totalling 47 homes. So far in FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, each home built resulted in an increase of 3.2 new residents annually during this period. This significant demand outpaces supply, potentially exerting upward pressure on prices and intensifying competition among buyers.

The average construction value of these new properties was $255,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options for purchasers. In FY26, $2.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Rockhampton - West has significantly less development activity, 59.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, development activity is also lower than in Rockhampton - West, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent building activity comprises entirely detached houses, preserving the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population count of 1845 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment. Looking ahead, Rockhampton - West is projected to grow by approximately 271 residents through to 2041. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Rockhampton - West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely affecting this area. Notable ones include Rockhampton Ring Road, Rocky Stadium at Victoria Park, Rockhampton Showgrounds Precinct Redevelopment, and Ski Gardens Master Plan Development. The following list details those considered 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 - West has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Rockhampton - West has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.9% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0% over the past year.

As of this date, there were 3,322 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 1.0% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Rockhampton - West is similar to that of Rest of Qld at 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.3% of Rockhampton - West's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0%, labour force grew by 5.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a smaller rise in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 indicate potential future demand within Rockhampton - West. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Rockhampton - West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

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 for the financial year 2022 indicates that Rockhampton - West's median income among taxpayers is $57,234, with an average of $74,216. This is higher than the national averages and compares to Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Rockhampton - West would be approximately $65,241 (median) and $84,599 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Rockhampton - West rank modestly, between the 29th and 44th percentiles. Distribution data reveals that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 29.7% of the community (1,817 individuals), which aligns with the broader area where this cohort also represents 31.7%. After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses.

Rockhampton - West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Rockhampton - West, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.7% houses and 11.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is comparable to Non-Metro Qld's 88.5% houses and 11.5% 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 in the area was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $265, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300. Nationally, Rockhampton - West's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Rockhampton - West features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.1% of all households, including 22.7% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 14.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.9%, with lone person households at 32.4% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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%, substantially 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 prominent, with 36.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (28.7%). Educational participation is high at 26.8%, comprising 9.9% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.0% in tertiary education.

Rockhampton - West's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 2,364 students, serving distinct age groups with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 955). The area functions as an education hub with 38.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 17.6, attracting students from surrounding communities.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Rockhampton - West is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Rockhampton - West faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 56% (~3456 people) have private health cover, higher than the Rest of Qld's 53.2%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are most common, impacting 10.6% and 9.7% respectively. Around 62.0% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 64.7%. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 20.5% (1256 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 18.5%. Health outcomes among seniors mirror the general population's profile, presenting similar challenges.

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 has a cultural diversity index below the average, with 91.1% citizens, 91.7% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practised by 56.6%. This is similar to Rest of Qld's 56.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (30.6%), English (30.4%), and Irish (8.7%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 5.1%, German representation is 5.0% versus 4.9%, and Scottish representation is 8.3% compared to 7.6%.

Rockhampton - West's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Rockhampton - West is 39 years, which is lower than the Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 14.2%, while the 5-14 group is smaller at 10.9% compared to Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 10.8% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.6% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic projections show that the 25-34 age cohort is expected to increase by 192 people (22%) from 866 to 1,059. Conversely, both the 65-74 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.